General Considerations in Treating Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy and Following Delivery

Abstract

Many pregnant women and new mothers require treatment for a psychiatric illness. The most common psychiatric illnesses among
women of reproductive age involve depressive and anxiety disorders. More severe conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia,
also typically manifest their first symptoms during the reproductive years. In many cases, psychiatric treatment will include
the use of a medication. This chapter reviews important considerations in providing psychiatric treatment during pregnancy
and the postpartum period to maximize the safety and well-being of the mother and the child.

Full text

Page 1

Psychiatric
Disorders
in Pregnancy
and the
Postpartum
Principles and Treatment
Edited by
VICTORIA HENDRICK, MD

Page 2

Psychiatric Disorders
in Pregnancy and the Postpartum

Page 3

C U R R E N T C L I N I C A L P R A C T I C E
Psychiatric Disorders in Pregnancy and the Postpartum: Principles
and Treatment, edited by VICTORIA HENDRICK, 2006
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AENOR J. SAWYER, LAURA K. BACHRACH, AND ELLEN B. FUNG, 2006
The Handbook of Contraception: A Guide for Practical Management, DONNA
SHOUPE AND SIRI L. KJOS, 2006
Obstetrics in Family Practice: A Practical Guide, PAUL LYONS, 2006
Disorders of the Respiratory Tract: Common Challenges in Primary Care,
MATTHEW L. MINTZ, 2006
Sexually Transmitted Diseases: A Practical Guide for Primary Care, edited
by ANITA L. NELSON AND JOANN WOODWARD, 2006
Cardiology in Family Practice: A Practical Guide, STEVEN M. HOLLENBERG
AND TRACY WALKER, 2006
Bronchial Asthma: A Guide for Practical Understanding and Treatment,
Fifth Edition, edited by M. ERIC GERSHWIN AND TIMOTHY E. ALBERTSON, 2006
Dermatology Skills for Primary Care: An Illustrated Guide, DANIEL J. TROZAK,
DAN J. TENNENHOUSE, AND JOHN J. RUSSELL, 2006
Thyroid Disease: A Case-Based and Practical Guide for Primary Care,
EMANUEL O. BRAMS, 2005
Type 2 Diabetes, Pre-Diabetes, and the Metabolic Syndrome: The Primary Care
Guide to Diagnosis and Management, RONALD A. CODARIO, 2005
Chronic Pain: A Primary Care Guide to Practical Management, DAWN A. MARCUS,
2005
Bone Densitometry in Clinical Practice: Application and Interpretation,
Second Edition, SYDNEY LOU BONNICK, 2004
Cancer Screening: A Practical Guide for Physicians, edited by KHALID AZIZ
AND GEORGE Y. WU, 2001
Hypertension Medicine, edited by MICHAEL A. WEBER, 2001
Allergic Diseases: Diagnosis and Treatment, Second Edition, edited by PHIL
LIEBERMAN AND JOHN A. ANDERSON, 2000
Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders: Diagnosis and Treatment
Guidelines for the Practicing Physician, edited by CHARLES H. ADLER
AND J. ERIC AHLSKOG, 2000
NEIL S. SKOLNIK, MD • SERIES EDITOR

Page 4

Psychiatric Disorders
in Pregnancy
and the Postpartum
Principles and Treatment
Edited by
Victoria Hendrick, MD
Olive View–UCLA Medical Center
Sylmar, CA

Page 5

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Psychiatric disorders in pregnancy and the postpartum : principles and treatment /
edited by Victoria Hendrick.
p. ; cm. -- (Current clinical practice)
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 1-58829-486-2 (alk. paper)
1. Mental illness in pregnancy. 2. Pregnancy in mentally ill women. 3. Postpartum
psychiatric disorders. 4. Mental illness in pregnancy--Treatment. 5. Postpartum
psychiatric disorders--Treatment.
[DNLM: 1. Mental Disorders--therapy--Pregnancy. 2. Postpartum Period--psychology.
3. Pregnancy Complications--therapy. WQ 240 P974 2006] I. Hendrick, Victoria C., 1963-
II. Series.
RG588.P79 2006
618.7'6--dc22
2005027758