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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
[Antipsychotics and pregnancy: a clinical case]
Annalisa M Pignatelli1, Fabio Di Fabio, Stefano Ferracuti
1Dipartimento di Scienze Psichiatriche e Medicina Psicologica, Azienda policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza Università di Roma. annalisa.pignatelli@g.mail.com
Managing antipsychotic medication during pregnancy is complex. This case highlights the importance of informed consent and balancing maternal care with fetal risks when treating psychosis in pregnant patients.
Area of Science:
- Perinatology
- Psychopharmacology
- Clinical Psychiatry
Background:
- Antipsychotic medication use in pregnant individuals presents significant clinical challenges.
- Balancing maternal mental health treatment with fetal well-being is a critical concern.
Observation:
- A clinical case involving a psychotic woman with pregnancy-related delusions demanding premature delivery is presented.
- The patient's condition posed risks to both herself and the developing fetus.
Findings:
- Informed consent is paramount; when a patient cannot provide it, a legal representative must be involved.
- Understanding the patient's illness and pregnancy context is crucial for therapeutic decisions.
- Risks of fetal malformations and damage must be weighed against the necessity of maternal psychiatric care.
Implications:
- This case underscores the need for careful consideration of antipsychotic pharmacokinetics and metabolism during pregnancy.
- Shared decision-making, involving the patient in therapeutic selection whenever feasible, is recommended.
- Ethical and legal frameworks are essential for managing complex psychiatric care in pregnancy.
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