Challenges in managing a mother with a dual diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy and paranoid schizophrenia — a case report

Introduction

Psychotic illness has a low incidence in the puerperal period. Peripartum cardiomyopathy as a complication of pregnancy is also rare.

Clinical case

We report a case where the above two conditions occurred simultaneously in a patient and posed significant difficulties in the clinical management. She was diagnosed as having paranoid schizophrenia and peripartum cardiomyopathy. Many of the antipsychotics were contraindicated, and electroconvulsive therapy could not be administered due to the added risks involved with regard to anesthesia. She was therefore managed with clonazepam and olanzapine.

Discussion

This case highlights the challenges in a patient with a psychiatric illness presenting with comorbid physical illness.