Women with bipolar disorder often experience fluctuating mood symptoms across the menstrual cycle, typically reporting an exacerbation of symptoms during the premenstrual phase of the cycle (Rasgon et al, 2003, 2005). Â Other studies have indicated [...]
Postpartum psychosis is a rare but serious psychiatric illness, occurring in about 1 to 2 per 1000 women after delivery. Because postpartum psychosis carries significant risks for both the mother and her child, most women with this illness are psychiatrically hospitalized. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective treatment for postpartum psychosis and may reduce the risks associated with medication exposure in the nursing infant; however, very few research studies have focused on the use of ECT in this setting and it is less commonly used in the United States than in other countries. A recent study explores the safety and advantages of ECT for the treatment of women hospitalized for postpartum psychosis.
