Management of Bipolar Disease in Pregnancy and Lactation

AbstractPurpose of reviewBipolar disorder is a psychiatric disorder that commonly affects women of reproductive age. Many women with bipolar disorder require treatment during pregnancy and the post-partum period to optimize their health. The following review examines recent evidence regarding the risks and benefits of using commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder in pregnancy and lactation.Recent findingsCurrent research has not found significant and consistent risks with use of atypical antipsychotics compared to other psychotropic agents, and some previously established teratogens, such as lithium, appear to carry lower risk of malformation than initially reported. Studies that examine the impact of polytherapy, however, are needed.SummaryA patient-centered approach with minimal effective dosing of necessary medications is likely to produce the best outcome for optimization and simplification of the medical regimen for mother and child.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research