<p>Impulsivity, Unplanned Pregnancies, and Contraception Among Women with Bipolar Disorder</p>

Abstract

Background: Impulsivity is one of the principal symptoms of bipolar and related disorders (BD). Unsafe sex and unplanned pregnancies are serious problems in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to investigate impulsivity levels, contraception methods, and levels of planned pregnancies among women with bipolar and related disorders (WBD). Methods: Fifty-eight euthymic women with BD (bipolar disorder type I, II, or other) were matched by education levels with a control group of 59 healthy women. Data about their demographic, clinical-Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Young Mania Rating Scale scores-and reproductive health features were obtained and compared between the groups. Results: No difference was found regarding BIS-11 (total, nonplanning, motor, and attentional subscales) scores between the WBD and control groups. The overall rate of contraception use was higher in WBD (96.6%), but they generally preferred "traditional" methods (i.e., withdrawal and calendar). The total rate of unplanned pregnancies in WBD was 49.52%. Rate of unplanned pregnancies in WBD was significantly different from women without bipolar disorder (49.52% vs 15.04%). Discussion: Levels of impulsivity in euthymic WBD under treatment were similar to those of healthy women in the control sample. WBD paid attention to contraception although they usually used traditional methods. The findings indicate that most WBD use contraception, yet the contraception is potentially ineffective especially if WBD have more unplanned pregnancies. The provision of an effective contraception method in WBD is suggested for all clinicians, in order to prevent sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies, and thus protect the health of both mother and fetus.

Postpartum Relapse in Patients with Bipolar Disorder

“…The existence of greater severity in the sample collected by this author could be considered. Pregnancy planning: The total rate of unplanned pregnancies in BD is around 50% [ 52 ]. The risk of relapse, as well as the other risks of treatment in pregnancy, should be discussed with all women of childbearing age with mood disorders, even those who are not planning a pregnancy.…”

“…The existence of greater severity in the sample collected by this author could be considered. − Pregnancy planning: The total rate of unplanned pregnancies in BD is around 50% [52].…”

Contraceptive Usage and Social Barriers During The Covid-19 Pandemic

“…Even though the use of condoms was still reported by most of the women during the lockdown, the use of withdrawal method increased and was reported by 40% of the women. Studies report that coitus interruptus is a traditional method of avoiding pregnancy [14][15][16] . Though, modern contraceptives have largely replaced this technique, but the current study findings are reporting surges in the practice of withdrawal method during the lockdown, probably due to the limited access to contraceptives.…”

Sexual and reproductive health problems among women with mental illness attending tertiary care psychiatric outpatient clinic in India: A cross-sectional study

“…[ 2 ] Both severe mental illnesses (schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder) and common mental disorders (depression and anxiety spectrum disorders) among women are associated with lower rates of FP method use and choice of less effective methods. [ 3 , 4 ] This may place a significant risk for unintentional pregnancies and the possible occurrence of adverse perinatal outcomes. [ 5 ] WMI have limited knowledge of health-care access and poor awareness about FP services.…”