Treatment of mental disorders in pregnancy. A review of psychotropic drug risks and benefits.

Pregnancy can be complicated by affective or psychotic illnesses severe enough to threaten the health and life of both mother and fetus. In many cases, nonbiological interventions like psychotherapy or hospitalization in a supportive milieu will be insufficient, and use of a psychotropic drug will be indicated. This paper outlines the characteristics of maternal and fetal physiology that influence drug risks and then reviews the specific risks and benefits associated with antipsychotics, antidepressants, and lithium.