Psychiatric Emergencies in Pregnancy and Postpartum

• Published in: Clinical obstetrics and gynecology Vol. 61; no. 3; p. 615
• Main Authors: Rodriguez-Cabezas, Lisette, Clark, Crystal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.2018
• Subjects: Aggression - psychology; Depression, Postpartum - psychology; Depression, Postpartum - therapy; Emergencies; Female; Humans; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - diagnosis; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - psychology; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - therapy; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications - psychology; Pregnancy Complications - therapy; Psychomotor Agitation - diagnosis; Psychomotor Agitation - psychology; Psychomotor Agitation - therapy; Psychotic Disorders - diagnosis; Psychotic Disorders - psychology; Psychotic Disorders - therapy; Puerperal Disorders - diagnosis; Puerperal Disorders - psychology; Puerperal Disorders - therapy; Risk Factors; Suicidal Ideation
• ISSN: 1532-5520
• DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000377

The perinatal period is a vulnerable time for the acute onset and recurrence of psychiatric illness. Primary care providers are opportunely positioned to intervene for women who present with mood decompensation, excessive anxiety, or psychosis during the perinatal period. Owing to increased screening efforts in obstetrical clinics and amount of contact during the perinatal period, obstetricians may be able to identify patients who need treatment before their symptoms become severe. In this article, we address imminent and emergent psychiatric symptoms in the perinatal period including management and risk reduction to help obstetrician/gynecologists treat and/or refer patients as clinically appropriate.