Does bipolar affect women differently? What may be different for women that live with bipolar Expand Bipolar disorder affects men and women in roughly equal numbers, but there are gender differences in the ways that the illness manifests itself. Women with the disorder tend to have more depressive and fewer manic episodes and are more likely to have bipolar II. They also appear to be more prone than men to rapid-cycling. Some research suggests this might be connected to abnormal thyroid levels as such imbalances are more common in women than men. Other associated conditions that are seen more often in women with bipolar than men include anxiety, migraines, obesity and panic disorders. Hormones are suspected of playing a significant role in bipolar disorder in women, evidenced by the mood swings often experienced in connection with menstruation, perimenopause and menopause. It is thought this may be connected to fluctuating levels of oestrogen but research needs to be done to find out how this is implicated and the mechanisms that are involved.
If I want to have a baby what do I need to know? Information on planning for pregnancy and childbirth Expand Women with bipolar are at particular risk of having a severe episode of illness such as postpartum psychosis (PP). Bipolar UK has produced a leaflet on this subject. There is also a podcast you can listen to featuring a talk between Psychiatrist Dr Ian Jones and Clare Dolman, (Vice Chair of Bipolar UK) about how bipolar can affect women, particularly during pregnancy and after birth. You can also find more information about postpartum psychosis and how to avoid or cope with it on the APP website where you can find details of a Second Opinion perinatal service. To see one couple's experience check out the video below.
What sort of medical help can I expect in pregnancy? Medication guidance for women thinking about having a baby Expand There are national guidelines which recognize the special needs of women with bipolar disorder from pre-pregnancy through to postpartum care, such as the NICE ‘Antenatal and Postnatal Mental Health’ Guideline (2014). You can also find excellent information on the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ website. The RCPsych website also has very useful leaflets on lithium and antipsychotics in pregnancy, mental health in pregnancy, postnatal depression and postpartum depression. This is also the reason why Bipolar UK is a member of the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) so we can campaign for an end to the current postcode lottery in maternal mental health services.
Should I come off my medication to have a baby? Your doctor will advise what is best with regards to medication and pregnancy Expand This can only be decided on an individual basis and preferably with advice from a perinatal psychiatrist taking into account your own personal history. However, it is the case that many contemporary perinatal experts do not regard some medications, notably lithium, as being as harmful to the fetus as previously believed. Thus many women have stayed well on their lithium while pregnant with no ill-effects to the baby. If medication is continued, it is important to monitor mother and baby closely.
Women and Bipolar Links to other websites and organisations that can offer you support for post-natal illness Expand New mental health guidance for mothers and babies New advice on perinatal mental health services for women, their partners and their families by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in partnership with NHS England and Health Education England. APP - Action on Postpartum PsychosisProvide information to women who have experienced Postpartum Psychosis and their families PNI -Post Natal IllnessInformation and support for those affected by post natal illness Everyone's BusinessA campaign calling for all women throughout the UK who experience perinatal mental health problems to receive the care they and their families need, wherever and whenever they need it.
Second Opinion Perinatal Service Cardiff University offer a second opinion service for bipolar Expand The Cardiff University Psychiatry Service (CUPS) offers second opinion or consultation to patients, with the aim of assisting and advising clinicians and their patients in diagnosis and management. Requests for a second opinion must be made by the doctor in charge of the care of an individual’s mental health (Psychiatrist or GP). It is not possible to accept self-referrals. There is no charge for this service (either to the patient or the referring NHS Trust). Dr Ian Jones is happy to see women via this service who have experienced postpartum psychosis or bipolar disorder and require advice regarding treatment or planning further pregnancies. More information can be found by clicking the link below, or by contacting Cheryl Buchanan, Clinic Coordinator, on 029 2068 8321 or [email protected]