Postpartum Bipolar Disorder II: A Case Report
Abstract
Introduction: The postpartum period is considered as a period of increased risk of developing Bipolar Affective Disorder type II (BDII). Postpartum BDII is according to the data available to us, an extremely neglected area of observation, with negative consequences for mothers, offspring, and the family as a whole.
Case report: We describe the case of a patient with symptoms of a depressive episode of atypical features after childbirth, with one mild suspicious postpartum depression like and multiple previously detected hypomania like episodes and a family history of suspected postpartum depression and bipolar affective disorder. We prescribed escitalopram 20mg in combination with lamotrigine 200mg. The patient is currently on the prescribed therapeutic dose, with no serious adverse or unanticipated events, and has not had any recurrences since.
Conclusion: Women during pregnancy and postpartum should be screened for BDII. Based on the experience of the presented case, the combination of the escitalopram and lamotrigine has shown good results so far, and complies with all recommended guidelines for BDII treatment.
References
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