Lamotrigine monotherapy for management of bipolar depression with comorbid obsessive-compulsive disorder in a second trimester anemic pregnant female.

Abstract

This text discusses a case report of a pregnant anemic female in her second trimester with a diagnosis of bipolar depression and comorbid obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Managing both mood stabilization and obsessive compulsive symptoms simultaneously in a pregnant female presents a real challenge, especially considering that serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), the first-line treatment for OCD, can induce manic or mixed mood states in bipolar disorder patients. This case is unique in view of limited options left with pregnancy in place. Lamotrigine was chosen as an agent and was introduced in this patient which is rated as FDA pregnancy risk category C which amounts to risk cannot be ruled out (human data lacking, animal studies positive or not done). Patient responded well and maintained well on monotherapy of lamotrigine and showed significant improvement in both symptoms of depression and OCD. USG-level II examination shows no abnormality on repeated scans.