Risks of psychotropic drug use during pregnancy

A number of psychiatric disease do occur in women during their child bearing years. For this reason a psychiatrist must be prepared to prescribe psychotropic drugs to a pregnant woman. In this case the prescriber has to consider possible negative aspects due to psychotropic drug use such as teratogenecity, perinatal syndroms and behavioural toxicity. Although the use of psychotropic drugs during pregnancy is wide spread, our knowledge about the actual risks of in utero exposure is poore. The pharmakological treatment of a pregnant woman is indicated only after considering seriously the risks versus the benefits for each individual case. Prior to prescription a solid explanation about the benefits and risks should take place with the patient. And due to forensic necessities this should also be noted in the patient's report.