Beyond the baby blues: perspectives of women diagnosed with a mood disorder on children, pregnancy and medication.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the views of women diagnosed with a mood disorder about children, medication and pregnancy.

METHOD: Female patients from the Black Dog Institute were invited to complete a questionnaire regarding their views about pregnancy, children and medication during pregnancy. Diagnostic groupings were derived by assessing DSM-IV criteria for mood disorders. Unipolar and bipolar patient responses were analysed to determine any differences between groups.

RESULTS: Women with bipolar disorder were more concerned than those with a unipolar condition about the impact pregnancy would have on their mood, as well as the potential for their offspring to inherit a mood condition. Both groups of women expressed concerns regarding the child-rearing environment, and stated that knowing the risk their child could have of developing a mood disorder would encourage them to be more vigilant parents.

CONCLUSION: While both groups were concerned about the environment in which they would raise their child and wanted to be vigilant parents, women diagnosed with a bipolar condition expressed stronger opinions regarding the impact that their pregnancy could have on their mood disorder, and passing the mood disorder onto their children.