Perinatal Psychiatry Flashcards
Are post-natal suicides normally via non-violent methods?
No, they are usually violent.
This is unusual for women.
What are red flag symptoms found in post-natal women?
A significant change in mental state
New thoughts/acts of self-harm
New and persistent expressions of incompetence as a mother or estrangement from their baby
What is the fear of childbirth known as?
Tokophobia
What is a major risk factor for a post-natal psychiatric disorder?
Bipolar disorder
What % of women get the ‘baby blues’?
50%
This is a self-limiting condition lasting only a few days.
Is puerperal psychosis an emergency?
Yes
What may be the cause of puerperal psychosis?
Bipolar
Depression
Mania
Delirium
How should puerperal psychosis be treated?
Admittance to mother-baby unit with drugs or ECT given.
Can fathers develop post-natal mental health issues?
Yes
How long after delivery does post-natal depression present?
4-6 weeks
What formulation of psychiatric medication is best suited to pregnancy?
A low dose monotherapy.
What are the first-line psychiatric medications in pregnancy?
SSRIs
Fluoxetine is safest.
Do tricyclic antidepressants cause issues in pregnancy?
No
What are the 2 best preferred anti-psychotics during pregnancy?
Olanzapine
Quetiapine
Can sodium valproate and carbamazepine be used during pregnancy?
No, avoid at all costs.
They cause neural tube defects.
What is the best mood-stabiliser for pregnancy?
Lamotrigine
Best to avoid all mood-stabilisers.
When is the neural tube closed?
28 days into pregnancy.
Can be prior to mother knowing of pregnancy.
Can lithium be taken in pregnancy?
No, it risks Ebstein’s anomaly.
Avoid in the first trimester.
Can all psychiatric medications be taken whilst breastfeeding?
Yes, the only exception is lithium as this concentrates in breast milk.
Can clozapine be given whilst breastfeeding?
No, it risks agranulocytosis of the infant.
What is the preferred anti-depressant whilst breastfeeding?
Sertraline
