Antipsychotic drugs and pregnant or breastfeeding women: the issues for mental health nurses
Authors: USHER, K.; FOSTER, K.1; MCNAMARA, P.2
Source: Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Volume 12, Number 6, December 2005 , pp. 713-718(6)
Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
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Abstract:
USHER K., FOSTER K. & McNAMARA P. (2005) Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing12, 713–718 Antipsychotic drugs and pregnant or breastfeeding women: the issues for mental health nurses Mental illness can affect up to 10% of pregnant women, and women with a pre-existing psychiatric condition are more likely to experience a relapse of symptoms during pregnancy. Antipsychotic drugs are an important part of the treatment of psychotic illnesses; however, their safety with pregnant or breastfeeding women has not been fully established. Given that these drugs will be ordered for pregnant or breastfeeding women diagnosed with a psychosis or with a pre-existing psychiatric condition, it is imperative that mental health nurses and others administering the drugs, or caring for those taking the drugs, be aware of their consequences. A review of the available evidence, albeit at times contradictory, is presented along with a discussion of the implications for mental health nurses. Recommendations for consideration when administering or counselling women regarding the use of antipsychotic drugs in pregnancy or when breastfeeding, are also included.Keywords: antipsychotic drugs; breastfeeding; mental health nursing; perinatal psychotic illnesses; pregnancy
Document Type: Research article
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2850.2005.00903.x
Affiliations: 1: Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville 2: Clinical Nurse Consultant, Cairns Integrated Mental Health Program, Cairns Base Hospital, Cairns Base Hospital, Qld, Australia
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