Pharmacologic treatment of psychiatric disease in pregnancy and lactation: fetal and neonatal effects.
OBJECTIVE
To review published data pertaining to safety of psychoactive drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and lactation.


METHODS
A computerized search of articles published through July 1995 was performed on the MEDLINE data base. Additional sources were identified through cross-referencing.


METHODS
All identified references were reviewed with particular attention given to study design.


METHODS
Each reference was reviewed to determine the safety of psychoactive agents to treat depression, bipolar disease, schizophrenia, and anxiety during pregnancy and lactation. Prospective or large retrospective studies were given more importance than case reports.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychoactive medications may be used during pregnancy. Because data on safety are largely retrospective, treatment decisions must be weighed carefully.
Kuller
J A
JA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, USA.
Katz
V L
VL
McMahon
M J
MJ
Wells
S R
SR
Bashford
R A
RA
D000014:Abnormalities, Drug-Induced; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007774:Lactation; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs