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Antipsychotic Use in Pregnancy: Patient Mental Health Challenges, Teratogenicity, Pregnancy Complications, and Postnatal Risks
Neurology international
  • Amber N Edinoff, Louisiana State University Health Science Center
  • Niroshan Sathivadivel, Louisiana State University
  • Shawn E McNeil, Louisiana State University
  • Austin I Ly, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
  • Jaeyeon Kweon, Louisiana State University
  • Neil Kelkar, University of Arizona
  • Elyse M. Cornett, Louisiana State University
  • Adam M. Kaye, University of the Pacific
  • Alan David Kaye, Louisiana State University Health Science Center
ORCiD
Adam M. Kaye: 0000-0002-7224-3322
Document Type
Article
DOI
10.3390/neurolint14010005
Publication Date
1-3-2022
Abstract

Pregnant women constitute a vulnerable population, with 25.3% of pregnant women classified as suffering from a psychiatric disorder. Since childbearing age typically aligns with the onset of mental health disorders, it is of utmost importance to consider the effects that antipsychotic drugs have on pregnant women and their developing fetus. However, the induction of pharmacological treatment during pregnancy may pose significant risks to the developing fetus. Antipsychotics are typically introduced when the nonpharmacologic approaches fail to produce desired effects or when the risks outweigh the benefits from continuing without treatment or the risks from exposing the fetus to medication. Early studies of pregnant women with schizophrenia showed an increase in perinatal malformations and deaths among their newborns. Similar to schizophrenia, women with bipolar disorder have an increased risk of relapse in antepartum and postpartum periods. It is known that antipsychotic medications can readily cross the placenta, and exposure to antipsychotic medication during pregnancy is associated with potential teratogenicity. Potential risks associated with antipsychotic use in pregnant women include congenital abnormalities, preterm birth, and metabolic disturbance, which could potentially lead to abnormal fetal growth. The complex decision-making process for treating psychosis in pregnant women must evaluate the risks and benefits of antipsychotic drugs.

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
Citation Information
Amber N Edinoff, Niroshan Sathivadivel, Shawn E McNeil, Austin I Ly, et al.. "Antipsychotic Use in Pregnancy: Patient Mental Health Challenges, Teratogenicity, Pregnancy Complications, and Postnatal Risks" Neurology international Vol. 14 Iss. 1 (2022) p. 62 - 74 ISSN: 2035-8385
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/adam-kaye/157/