November 9, 2012

expert reaction to research on biopolar disorder treatments and pregnancy outcomes

A study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) discussed how bipolar disorder treatments affect pregnancy outcomes.

Dr Ian Jones, Reader in Perinatal Psychiatry, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University said:

“Women with bipolar disorder are at very high risk of a severe postpartum episode and face very difficult decisions about continuing or stopping medication in pregnancy. This study suggests that factors associated with the illness itself may be associated with the small increased risk of poor pregnancy outcomes. It reminds us that there are also risks in stopping medication and emphasises that each women must make an individual decision after weighing up the risks and benefits involved. Women with bipolar disorder who find they are pregnant should discuss the options with their doctor before making a decision about their medication.”

‘Risk of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes in women treated or not treated with mood stabilisers for bipolar disorder: population based cohort study’ by Robert Bodén et al, published in the BMJ on Thursday 8 November 2012