PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

Contrary to previous assumptions that pregnancy protects against psychiatric disorders, current re-search indicates that mental illnesses may not only persist but also develop or exacerbate during preg-nancy. Physiological, hormonal, and immunological alterations during pregnancy may induce psychi-atric symptoms, frequently underreported by patients or misinterpreted and neglected by healthcare professionals. Changes in sex hormones, neurotransmitter function, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and immune regulation may all contribute to the emergence or worsening of psychiatric symp-toms. The unaddressed mental health needs during pregnancy pose significant risks to both maternal and fetal health. This includes a higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal growth restriction, and congenital anomalies. Maternal complications including prolonged labor, preeclampsia, operative de-livery, and suicide have been reported. Furthermore, psychiatric disorders during gestation can impair maternal functioning and adversely affect infant neurodevelopment and emotional regulation. Various psychosocial and medical risk factors increase the risk of psychiatric morbidity during preg-nancy. These comprise prior mental health diagnoses, childhood trauma, intimate partner violence, poor social support, low socioeconomic status, adolescent pregnancy, and chronic medical conditions. Furthermore, psychosomatic symptoms prevalent during pregnancy, including fatigue, nausea, and sleep disturbances, may obscure or imitate psychiatric symptoms, which causes underdiagnosis. The management of psychiatric disorders during pregnancy requires personalized, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary strategies. The risks of untreated psychiatric disorders should be weighed in relation to the potential impacts of psychotropic medication on both the mother and fetus. Informed consent, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous monitoring are essential to improve maternal and fetal outcomes