Individualising the risk of recurrence for women with bipolar disorder in the perinatal period

Women with bipolar disorder have very difficult decisions to make about pregnancy. These include stopping, switching or continuing medications, in pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding, with all of these options having potential risks and benefits. Previous studies found factors that contribute to the risk of having an episode, which include first pregnancy and having a family or personal history of postpartum psychosis. However, that is not enough information to make good decisions. The aim of this project is to understand and predict the risks of women with bipolar disorder having an episode around childbirth. This will help us tailor the information that can be given to a particular woman, at a specific time, with her individual illness and treatment history.