A pregnant patient with schizophrenia - Dilemmas of treatment and care. A problem still not only for psychiatrists

Abstract

Pregnancy is a special period in any women's life. A pregnant woman who suffers from schizophrenia is a special patient and a huge challenge both for the psychiatrist and gynecologist. Such pregnancy is associated not only with the higher level of risk because of inappropriate diet, insufficient prenatal care and smoking but also because of the risk of possible mental degradation of a pregnant woman - occurrence or exacerbation of psychotic symptoms. Moreover, pharmaceutical treatment during pregnancy and its influence on fetus rises doubts and controversy. The aim of the study is to show three stories of pregnant patients treated for schizophrenia in a context of up to date knowledge on anti-psychotic treatment and to pay attention to the need of interdisciplinary approach to this special group of patients. Every pregnant woman suffering from schizophrenia requires individual approach in terms of treatment and care. The problem, which is still ignored, is the need of effective and constant cooperation between the doctors: a psychiatrist and a gynecologist since the very beginning of pregnancy, in order to assess the risk factors associated with pregnancy and periparturient period.