Introduction to Perinatal Psychiatry -- The Process of Obtaining Informed Consent: Including Medico-legal implications -- Methodology: How to Interpret the Literature and Level of Evidence -- Physiological Changes in Pregnancy, the Biology of Exposure and Psychopharmacology -- Outcomes for Mother and Child as a Result of Untreated Mental Illness -- Major Depressive Disorders: Anti-depressants -- Anxiety Disorders: Anxiolytics and Hypnotics -- Bipolar Affective Disorder: Mood Stabilisers -- Schizophrenia: Anti-Psychotics -- Other Disorders: Eating Disorders, Borderline Personality Disorder -- Substance Abuse Disorders -- Complementary and alternative Medicines -- ECT -- Conclusion.

This book examines the role of psychopharmacological treatment in a range of disorders that may be encountered during pregnancy, including major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and substance abuse. The natural history of each condition pre- and post-partum is analyzed, and the evidence for the efficacy of drug treatments, evaluated. Special attention is paid to the potential dangers of different treatment options for both mother and fetus, covering risks of malformation, pregnancy and obstetric risks, neonatal risks, and possible long-term consequences. The risks of not treating a particular condition are also analyzed. On the basis of the available evidence, management guidelines are provided that additionally take into account non-pharmacological options. Closing chapters consider the value of complementary and alternative medicine and ECT and explore future research directions.