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bipolar disorder in pregnancyCareful management of bipolar disorder in pregnancy is critically important because of the high risk of relapse of the illness in pregnancy and the close association between bipolar disorder and postpartum psychosis.
What is bipolar illness?
Bipolar illness is another name for 'manic depression' which is an illness of high-and-low mood that affects about 1% of the population. It is highly heritable, which means that if you have a parent with it you are quite likely to develop it. It is a condition that is often 'missed' by doctors. The 'highs' or manic phase can manifest as anything from unusual happiness, excessive energy and creativity and reduced need for sleep to frank 'mad' elation with questionable behaviour and crazy ideas. The 'lows' or depressive phase can vary from a short period of low energy and sad mood to despairing, black suicidality. Length of the phases can be very variable between individuals. For more detailed and specific information on bipolar illness, a precise definition and a list of symptoms, see
the Psychology Today website.
Why is bipolar disorder in pregnancy such an issue?PREGNANCY AND DELIVERY CAN INFLUENCE THE COURSE AND SEVERITY OF BIPOLAR DISORDER: "pregnant women or new mothers with bipolar disorder have a sevenfold higher risk of hospital admission and a twofold higher risk for a recurrent episode, compared with those who have not recently delivered a child or are not pregnant." according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness website. Click here to link to their key advice for managing bipolar disorder in pregnancy.
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