Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy and Postpartum Period: A Guide For Perinatal Interview

Abstract

Pregnancy and the 1-year period after birth are special periods for the follow-up and treatment of psychiatric diseases. Many diagnoses, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders, appear in these periods. The treatment process starts with a perinatal interview that contains a careful biopsychosocial examination of the patient and shared decision-making with a realistic assessment of the risks and benefits of treatment options. Perinatal mental problems can harm the physical and emotional development of the baby as well as the health of the mother, and these problems bring a significant burden of disease globally. There is a massive amount of literature that suggests using most psychotropic medicines is safer than the harms of an untreated mental illness.