There were no significant differences between groups in the proportions of women who developed postpartum mood episodes over the 20-week observation period. The time to development of a mood episode also did not. vary between groups. Treatment decisions about, medication use postpartum should be based on the mother’s clinical status and previous course, regardless Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical of breastfeeding status.14 In other words, the mother’s health and stability should take priority over the feeding method of the infant. While breastfeeding is associated with many potential benefits to both mother and child,

the sleep disruption associated with being the sole source of food for a newborn is contraindicated for many bipolar women.55 Women should explore options to ensure adequate sleep, including arranging for other adults to feed the infant, and Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical expressing milk earlier in the day for night feedings. The mother and her partner should be educated about

the possible risks of breastfeeding while taking medication, and the infant should be monitored as needed. Again, monotherapy with Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical the lowest possible dose of medication is the preferred treatment option, if pharmacotherapy is pursued. Nonpharmaeological treatment options during pregnancy and lactation Because of concerns over the use of traditional medications during pregnancy, there has been great interest in exploring the utility of omega-3 fatty acids for women planning pregnancy, pregnant, or lactating. Unlike traditional treatments, addition of omcga-3 fatty acids may benefit both Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical mother and fetus, as adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids is necessary for optimal fetal and infant brain and nervous system development, and (DHA) is selectively transferred to the developing fetus during pregnancy.66-73 Stores of CP-868596 supplier eicosopentaenoic acid (EPA) are progressively Inhibitors,research,lifescience,medical depleted during pregnancy.74 Hibbeln and Salem75 have hypothesized that this may predispose women to affective episodes.

Additionally, research suggests that, pregnant women only achieve 20% to 60% of recommended omega-3 fatty acid intake.76 Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA + F,PA) have been administered to pregnant women with various other disorders, without adverse effects.77,79 A small randomized placebo-controlled study assessed the benefit of an omega-3 fatty acid (DHA) in women planning pregnancy.80 This study also incorporated a brief psychosocial Carnitine dehydrogenase educational intervention, involving the woman and close supporters. The 10 participants tolerated the trial well, with no serious adverse events reported. Two of the women in the active group completed the 52-week trial (33.3%), and of those with premature discontinuation, 3 were due to emerging or worsening mood symptoms (50%) and 1 due to noncompliance. Of the 3 women with emerging symptoms, 1 had predominantly anxiety and two had emerging hypomania.