Olanzapine and quetiapine in the prevention of a new mood episode in women with bipolar disorder during the postpartum period: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether olanzapine and quetiapine are useful in the prevention of a new mood episode during the postpartum period.

METHODS

Data on 23 patients (n=14 for olanzapine and n=9 for quetiapine) with bipolar disorder who met the criteria for this study were retrospectively gathered. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder was determined by means of the DSM-IV.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 33.95±12.07 weeks. Six (26.1%) of 23 patients experienced recurrent mood episodes during the postpartum period. Four of these six patients were taking olanzapine and two were taking quetiapine. Patients with recurrent mood episodes had a significantly stronger family history of bipolar disorder, higher number of past episodes, and earlier onset and longer duration of illness compared to patients without recurrent mood episodes.

CONCLUSION

Monotherapy with olanzapine or quetiapine can be considered as an alternative to mood stabilizers in preventing the development of new mood episodes after childbirth.