Psychiatric disorders in pregnancy and the postpartum

Abstract

Obstetricians will frequently look after women with the new onset or recurrence of a psychiatric illness. Perinatal psychiatric disorders, in fact, are common, affecting over 15% of women in pregnancy or in the months after delivery, and have an impact not only on the health of the mother, but also on the well-being of their offspring. Untreated, severe postpartum disorders are associated with an increased risk of both suicide and, in rare but tragic cases, infanticide. Despite their importance, maternal psychiatric disorders are underdiagnosed and undertreated. This chapter provides a concise introduction to perinatal psychiatric disorders and emphasizes the role of prevention, early detection, and collaborative care.