Prescribing Habits for Pregnant Patients in a Sample of Psychiatry Residents at Ibn Nafis Psychiatric Hospital: A Descriptive Study

Prescribing psychotropics for pregnant women is a delicate issue as most drugs cross the placenta. There are concerns about possible hazards to the growing fetus and balancing the risk of malformation against the risk of a psychiatric condition relapsing is a common dilemma. To minimize the risks associated with polypharmacy monotherapy is typically the preferred approach. This study aimed to explore the prescription habits of psychotropic medications to pregnant women by residents at IBN NAFIS University Psychiatric Center and review it in the light of literature. 25 residents took part. We found that for agitation, 93% of residents prescribed classic antipsychotics. For major depressive disorder, 81% of residents prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). For anxiety disorders, 68% of the sample prescribed SSRIs. For manic episodes, 50% of residents prescribed lamotrigine, 12% prescribed olanzapine, 6% preferred sodium valproate, 6% prescribed classic antipsychotics. For psychotic disorders, the vast majority of residents prescribed classic antipsychotics (88%), while 6% of them prescribed Risperidone and the remaining 6% preferred the use of Olanzapine. For insomnia, the majority of residents in the sample preferred prescribing hydroxyzine (69%). Oxazepam is considered a first-line anxiolytic because it doesn't create active metabolites. Classic antipsychotics like haloperidol and chlorpromazine are commonly prescribed during pregnancy due to their proven efficacy and safety. Atypical antipsychotics like olanzapine risperidone quetiapine and clozapine are used, with olanzapine being a first-line treatment due to reassuring data on fetal side effects. Thymoregulators like lamotrigine can be used but caution is advised due to potential risks. Antidepressants like tricyclics and SSRIs are commonly prescribed with SSRIs being preferred for pregnant women. The study emphasizes the importance of taking into account the particulars of the drugs such ...