Are you an expectant mother? Do you have questions about bipolar disorder and antidepressants or mood-stabilizers during pregnancy? If you are pregnant and diagnosed with bipolar disorder (or manic depression), you may be eligible for this research study. Participants meet with research coordinators and psychiatrists who specialize in bipolar illness during pregnancy. For more information [...]

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) occurs in 4-7% of women and is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and hyperandrogenism (facial hair, acne, male-pattern hair loss, acne, or elevated male hormone levels). The majority of women with PCOS also suffer from obesity and insulin resistance. PCOS has been associated with a spectrum of health problems including infertility, [...]

Early reports suggested that women with bipolar disorder may be at lower risk for onset or relapse of this disorder during pregnancy and that some women may be able to remain well during pregnancy despite medication discontinuation. However, more recent studies have suggested that recurrence of affective illness during pregnancy is relatively common among women [...]

Because rates of postpartum illness are very high in women with bipolar disorder, it is generally recommended that mothers continue treatment with a mood stabilizer throughout the postpartum period to reduce their risk of relapse; however, the use of medications during the postpartum period is complicated by the issue of breastfeeding. All medications are secreted [...]

It is clear that women with bipolar disorder are at high risk for relapse during the immediate postpartum period (Viguera 2000). There is evidence that the resumption of lithium prior to or within 24-48 hours of delivery can significantly reduce the risk of postpartum illness (Cohen 1995). While this intervention is the current standard of [...]