Treatment of the psychotic pregnant patient

Psychiatric inpatient treatment is often required to help the psychotic pregnant patient with the multitude of problems with which she must contend. Schizophrenic women often experience an intensification of delusional ideas seemingly related to the bodily changes and fetal movement in pregnancy. Women with bipolar affective disorders often respond well to the tasks of carrying and delivering the baby, but are prone to worsening of psychotic symptoms or depression in the postnatal period. The authors examine psychodynamic issues, medication management problems, and legal and ethical aspects in the treatment of these patients.