Perinatal Psychiatry

Question 1

Sodium valproate side effects

Answer 1

Common: Sleepiness, weight gain, increased appetite, nausea, hair loss
*Abnormal LFTs
*Can effect menstrual cycle, PCOS
*If you plan to be pregnant, please let us know, as it is not advisable. CONTRACEPTION!

Question 2

Sodium valproate in pregnancy

Answer 2

Options:
1) Switch to antipsychotic
2) Stop sodium valproate - risk of relapse

*Potentially can offer lithium, but also has it’s own risks

Question 3

Risk of postpartum psychosis in patients with history of BPAD

Answer 3

about 50%

Question 4

Risk of postpartum psychosis in patients with history of postpartum psychosis

Answer 4

50 - 90%

Question 5

Risks of birth defects for pregnant women taking valproate

Answer 5

10/100 (10%)

*For normal woman - 3/100

Question 6

Birth defects on sodium valproate

Answer 6

1) Spina bifida
2) Face and skull malformations - e.g. cleft lip
3) Malformations of limbs and organs
4) Hearing problems/deafness
5) Lower intelligence
6) Risk of ADHD