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Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health 2/2010

01-04-2010 | Short Communication

Perinatal use of anticonvulsants: differences in attitudes and recommendations among neurologists and psychiatrists

Authors: Adele C. Viguera, Lee S. Cohen, Theodore Whitfield, Alison M. Reminick, Edward Bromfield, Ross J. Baldessarini

Published in: Archives of Women's Mental Health | Issue 2/2010

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Abstract

We surveyed opinions and recommendations about perinatal anticonvulsant (AC) treatment among 166 neurologists (n = 88) and psychiatrists (n = 78) practicing in Massachusetts. They were similar in the recommendation of routinely informing patients of potential teratogenic risks of ACs and avoiding valproate during pregnancy. Neurologists were more likely to encourage pregnancy and nursing during AC-use than psychiatrists, and psychiatrist were more cautious regarding perinatal safety, citing potential neurobehavioral risks and complications of breastfeeding. These observations indicate substantial differences in opinions between psychiatrists and neurologists regarding AC use during pregnancy.
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Metadata
Title
Perinatal use of anticonvulsants: differences in attitudes and recommendations among neurologists and psychiatrists
Authors
Adele C. Viguera
Lee S. Cohen
Theodore Whitfield
Alison M. Reminick
Edward Bromfield
Ross J. Baldessarini
Publication date
01-04-2010
Publisher
Springer Vienna
Published in
Archives of Women's Mental Health / Issue 2/2010
Print ISSN: 1434-1816
Electronic ISSN: 1435-1102
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-009-0130-1

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Acknowledgement to Reviewers

Reviewers 2009