Recognition, diagnosis and treatment of postpartum bipolar depression.

Bipolar disorder is a serious and often chronic disorder characterized by episodes of depression, hypomania, mania or mixed states that affects many individuals worldwide, and is a leading cause of years of 'healthy' life lost as a result of disability and premature mortality. For women, bipolar disorder tends to cluster during the childbearing years. Detection of bipolar disorder can be complicated and therefore it is essential that women presenting with mood episodes after childbirth receive a comprehensive examination to allow for accurate diagnosis, with particular attention to manic symptoms. Once a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is confirmed, pharmacotherapy with consideration made to breastfeeding status may be considered alone or in combination with psychotherapy.