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There is a particular relationship between mood disorders and pregnancy and the postnatal period. As well
as the longstanding recognition of the specific risk faced by some women in the early postpartum, there is
an increasing understanding of the effects of antenatal and postnatal mood disorders on pregnancy and
the developing child.
Although not distinctive in their presentation at this time, depressive and anxiety disorders are linked to
adverse developmental outcomes for infants. How this occurs, however, and the interventions necessary to
modify outcomes, is not clear.
Psychosis occurring in the antenatal period may pose particular challenges in terms of management, but
the distinct risk, and clinical features, associated with postpartum psychosis place an onus on clinicians to
ensure effective and timely risk assessment, detection and management