Olanzapine and quetiapine in the prevention of a new mood episode in women with bipolar disorder during the postpartum period: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Objective: To examine whether olanzapine and quetiapine are useful in the prevention of a new mood episode during the postpartum period. Methods: Data on 23 patients (n=14 for olanzapine and n=9 for quetiapine) with bipolar disorder who met the criteria for this study were retrospectively gathered. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder was determined by means of the DSM-IV. Results: The mean follow-up period was 33.95 +/- 12.07 weeks. Six (26.1%) of 23 patients experienced recurrent mood episodes during the postpartum period. Four of these six patients were taking olanzapine and two were taking quetiapine. Patients with recurrent mood episodes had a significantly stronger family history of bipolar disorder, higher number of past episodes, and earlier onset and longer duration of illness compared to patients without recurrent mood episodes. Conclusion: Monotherapy with olanzapine or quetiapine can be considered as an alternative to mood stabilizers in preventing the development of new mood episodes after childbirth.