Motherhood and mental illness--part 2--management and medications.
BACKGROUND
General practitioners see many women who may be on medication for the management of their mental illness before, during, or after a pregnancy.


OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the current evidence and gives practical advice on management and use of psychotropic medication in women with mental health disorders in pregnancy.


CONCLUSIONS
The general practitioner is often the first point of contact, and is vital in giving timely and accurate information and encouraging appropriate treatment choices in women with mental illness in our community. The risk-benefit analysis of treatment needs to be considered in light of the evidence at hand. Specialist opinion in complex cases must be sought early.
Frayne
Jacqueline
J
Childbirth and Mental Illness Antenatal Clinic, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Perth, Western Australia. jacqueline.frayne@health.wa.gov.au
Nguyen
Thinh
T
Allen
Suzanna
S
Rampono
Jonathan
J
D001942:Breast Feeding; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012307:Risk Factors
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs