Bipolar Disorder in Perinatal Women

Author

• Ashley Sweeney, University of Texas at ArlingtonFollow

Graduation Semester and Year

Fall 2026

Document Type

DNP Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Dr. Cathy Brown

Abstract

Bipolar disorder (BD) during the perinatal period is associated with substantial maternal and infant risks, yet it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Recurrence rates during this period have been reported to reach approximately 71% (Wendt et al., 2021). Symptoms may include mania, hypomania, depression, and postpartum psychosis. Untreated or misdiagnosed BD can adversely affect maternal-infant bonding, increase substance use, and elevate the risk of suicide and other serious adverse outcomes (Zivin et al., 2024; Pike et al., 2024). Misdiagnosis as major depressive disorder and initiation of antidepressant monotherapy can precipitate mania in susceptible individuals. Despite these risks, gaps in screening, diagnosis, and treatment persist. Previous research has reported that 22% of women who initially screened positive for postpartum depression were subsequently diagnosed with BD, while 61% of perinatal women did not receive adequate management (Wendt et al., 2021). Research involving perinatal populations also presents ethical and regulatory challenges that may limit recruitment and participation, contributing to gaps in the available evidence (de Wet et al., 2023). The purpose of this project is to develop evidence-based clinical guideline recommendations for screening and identifying BD among perinatal women in obstetric and gynecologic settings. The proposed guideline will support systematic screening, appropriate follow-up assessment, and timely referral to qualified mental health professionals. Standardizing these processes may improve early identification, promote appropriate treatment, and strengthen the coordination of psychiatric care for perinatal women.

Keywords

Bipolar disorder, Bipolar, Mood disorder, Perinatal Mental Health, Pregnancy, Postpartum, Women mental health, and Women issues, Postpartum Depression, Pregnancy mental health, Pregnancy, Perinatal

Disciplines

Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing | Mental Disorders | Nursing Midwifery | Psychiatric and Mental Health | Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing

License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Sweeney, Ashley, "Bipolar Disorder in Perinatal Women" (2026). Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Projects. 45.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/nursing_dnpprojects2/45