Perinatal use of anticonvulsants: differences in attitudes and recommendations among neurologists and psychiatrists.
We surveyed opinions and recommendations about perinatal anticonvulsant (AC) treatment among 166 neurologists (n = 88) and psychiatrists (n = 78) practicing in Massachusetts. They were similar in the recommendation of routinely informing patients of potential teratogenic risks of ACs and avoiding valproate during pregnancy. Neurologists were more likely to encourage pregnancy and nursing during AC-use than psychiatrists, and psychiatrist were more cautious regarding perinatal safety, citing potential neurobehavioral risks and complications of breastfeeding. These observations indicate substantial differences in opinions between psychiatrists and neurologists regarding AC use during pregnancy.
Viguera
Adele C
AC
Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. Viguera@ccf.org
Cohen
Lee S
LS
Whitfield
Theodore
T
Reminick
Alison M
AM
Bromfield
Edward
E
Baldessarini
Ross J
RJ
D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009462:Neurology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D000927:Anticonvulsants