Vivien Burt

Vivien Burt, M.D., a specialist in bipolar disorder, discusses the complexities of managing this condition during pregnancy. She emphasizes the critical balance between maternal mental health and fetal safety. The conversation covers the risks and benefits of medications like lithium and lamotrigine. Individualized treatment plans are highlighted as essential for effective care. The episode also explores recent research and guidelines for navigating these unique challenges, ensuring the well-being of both mother and child.

Vivien Burt, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at UCLA, discusses the intricate decision-making process surrounding atypical antipsychotics use during pregnancy, particularly for women with bipolar disorder. She highlights recent research showing no significant risk of major birth defects, emphasizing the need to balance maternal mental health with fetal safety. The conversation stresses the importance of effective communication between healthcare providers and patients to navigate treatment benefits and potential risks for newborns.

Dr. Vivien Burt, a specialist in bipolar disorder treatment and research, dives into the nuanced discussion of lithium use during pregnancy. She unpacks the potential risks, including cardiac malformations, drawing on recent studies comparing lithium with other mood stabilizers. The conversation balances these risks against the dangers of untreated bipolar disorder. Listeners gain insights into the dose-dependent nature of these risks and the importance of informed treatment choices for pregnant women.