Identification of bipolar disorder in women with postpartum depression

Abstract

No studies to date have assessed the pharmacological management of treatment-resistant postpartum depression. We reviewed the pharmacological treatment of postpartum depression in patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant 'unipolar' depression. We conducted a chart review of patients treated consecutively at a perinatal clinic. Treatment-resistant postpartum depression was defined as a failure to respond to at least one adequate antidepressant trial. Patients were diagnosed using the DSM-IV criteria, and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) rating scale was used to assess response to various pharmacological interventions. The majority of patients (57%, 34/60) referred for postpartum depression actually suffered from bipolar disorder. All patients were on antidepressants at the time of referral, but by the end of the study 37% (22/60) continued on antidepressants alone or in combination with other medications. CGI-I ratings showed appreciable improvement in depression at the end of six months following the initial consultation. Very much improvement was noted in 65% (39/60) of patients, and 22% (13/60) were considered much improved. The most common change in medication was a switch to or addition of an atypical neuroleptic. Retrospective design, small sample size, and lack of a control group. Management of treatment resistance in women with postpartum depression should be considered within the context of types of mood disorders. Atypical neuroleptics and mood stabilizers used alone or as adjuncts should be considered in the treatment of resistant postpartum depression in patients with a bipolar diathesis.