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Bipolar disorder - Management
How should I manage depressive episodes in a pregnant woman?
- All pregnant women who have bipolar disorder and experience a depressive episode require referral or possibly admission.
- Admit urgently those women who are considered to be a danger to themselves or others.
- Refer urgently for specialist mental health assessment those women:
- For whom the degree of risk is increasing such that they are likely to become a danger to themselves or others.
- With severe depression.
- In a mixed episode.
- With rapid cycling.
- For all other women, arrange an appointment with a psychiatrist as soon as possible to discuss treatment options.
- Whilst awaiting specialist assessment, do not start or change treatment without specialist advice.
In depth
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