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