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Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health 4/2017

01-08-2017 | Short Communication

Case study of first episode schizophrenia in pregnancy and postpartum

Authors: Kristopher A. Kast, Smita Agarkar

Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health | Issue 4/2017

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Abstract

Patients with first-episode psychosis of peripartum onset commonly prove to have a mood-disorder diathesis; however, a proportion of cases represent first-episode schizophrenia. We present such a case and discuss the clinical relevance of recognizing this small but important population of new mothers. These patients are at considerable risk of misdiagnosis, resulting in ineffective maintenance therapy, poorer recovery of function, and development of treatment resistance. Accurate diagnosis in the peripartum period will impact treatment decisions and long-term therapy. Clinicians need to be vigilant, especially during maintenance therapy, to identify these patients and ensure appropriate antipsychotic therapy is provided.
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Metadata
Title
Case study of first episode schizophrenia in pregnancy and postpartum
Authors
Kristopher A. Kast
Smita Agarkar
Publication date
01-08-2017
Publisher
Springer Vienna
Published in
Archives of Women's Mental Health / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 1434-1816
Electronic ISSN: 1435-1102
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-017-0748-3

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