Background and aim: Despite the importance of reproductive behaviours of patients with mental illness, there are only few studies concerning the family planning needs and contraceptive use of psychiatric patients. The aim of this study is to assess family planning needs and contraceptive use in female psychiatric outpatients. Methods: The study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of Bakirkoy Neuropsychiatry Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Schizophrenic, bipolar and unipolar depressive patients in remission (50 patients in each group) were compared with a control group of 50 healthy individuals. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for sociodemographic characteristics, family planning needs and contraceptive use.

Results: Of schizophrenic patients only 26.6% and of bipolar patients only 37.5% had gynecological examination during the last three years compared to 56% in healthy individuals. Of schizophrenic patients only 40% discussed family planning issues with partner and of bipolar patients only 50% compared to 90% in controls. Conclusion: Schizophrenic and bipolar female patients’ awareness and attitudes on family planning and contraceptive use were unsatisfactory. Both psychiatrists and family physicians should be aware of the needs of psychiatric outpatients on contraceptive counseling.