Pre-eclampsia and the Risk of Development of Psychiatric Disorders

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a severe disease of pregnancy occurring most often around 20 weeks gestation and marked by symptoms of new-onset hypertension, proteinuria, and end organ damage. Given its high prevalence and serious risk in causing complications, it is important to understand the etiology and potential outcomes of PE. Emerging research suggests that PE during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of severe psychiatric disorders in the mother. In this study, we aim to review the current literature examining whether women with PE are more likely to develop subsequent psychiatric disorders including psychosis, mania, and PTSD.