Postpartum psychosis research at the Clínic

Research at the Perinatal Mental Health Unit at Clínic Barcelona (PMHU) into postpartum psychosis and perinatal bipolar disorder focuses mainly on:

• Obstetric and neonatal complications associated with psychiatric medication.
• The safety and compatibility of treatments, particularly lithium, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Prevention of relapse during the postnatal period.
• Identification of clinical risk factors and prodromal symptoms.
• The impact of maternal mental health conditions on the mother–baby bond and child development.

Key contributions from the research group

The Perinatal Mental Health Unit at Clínic Barcelona (PMHU) is a national reference centre for publications in this field.

Its main contributions have focused on the use of lithium carbonate during pregnancy and breastfeeding, demonstrating its safety in selected cases. The team has also conducted studies on obstetric and neonatal outcomes associated with both the condition and its treatments.

Current research focuses on the mother–child relationship and its potential impact on children's neurodevelopment.