Journal of psychiatric practice
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Review Comparative Study
Use and safety of antipsychotic drugs during pregnancy.
The incidence of schizophrenia in the general population ranges from about 1% to 2%. Schizophrenia affects men and women equally, occurring in all cultures and socioeconomic classes. The peak age of onset in women is 25 to 35 years, which are also the peak childbearing years, and women with psychotic illnesses are likely to have more unplanned pregnancies than women without a psychotic illness. ⋯ However, there is a paucity of information, with a lack of large, well designed, prospective comparative studies. The information presented here should therefore not be interpreted as conclusive with regard to the safety of these drugs, as more research is needed. Women who require treatment should always discuss the risks and benefits of pharmacotherapy with their physician and, if it is felt that treatment should be continued during pregnancy, the evidenced-based information presented here will be of help in this important decision.