Weighing the Risks: the Management of Bipolar Disorder During Pregnancy

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe management of bipolar disorder during pregnancy requires difficult treatment decisions be made by both women and their clinicians. There is little consensus on management despite the high prevalence of bipolar disorder in reproductive-aged women. In this review, we have summarized the available literature and discuss the balancing of risks associated with treatment decisions.Recent FindingsCohort studies have shown a high relapse rate in women with bipolar disorder who discontinue mood-stabilizing medications. The risks of fetal medication exposure have been assessed in multiple database studies.SummaryManagement decisions of bipolar disorder in pregnancy have been made difficult by inconsistencies in study outcomes. There were many confounding factors in the studies of medication discontinuation relapse risk. Inconsistencies in the findings of fetal risks from mood-stabilizing medications have further complicated management decisions. Larger studies are needed to clarify the risks of bipolar disorder relapse in pregnancy with and without treatment.

Source: Current Psychiatry Reports - March 17, 2018 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research