Lithium in the Prevention of Postpartum Recurrence of Mood Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

What was studied

This review looked at lithium after childbirth in women with bipolar disorder. These women face a higher risk of relapse after birth. The team looked at women who took the drug to stay well. They compared them with women who stopped it in pregnancy. They searched PubMed, PsycINFO and Cochrane on April 2, 2026.

What they found

Studies on lithium after birth had 554 women, treated and untreated. 2 more studies looked at stopping it. The pooled recurrence proportion was 0.21 in women who took lithium. It was 0.41 in women who did not. The studies on stopping the drug gave only indirect proof.

What it means for patients

The team said the findings suggest lithium helps prevent postpartum recurrence of mood disorders. They said care is needed in reading the results.

Why it is not certain yet

The team notes confounding by indication. That means the choice to treat may track how ill a woman is. The literature on this is limited. The review pooled studies, not one trial. Proof on stopping the drug was indirect.

Source

Lithium in the Prevention of Postpartum Recurrence of Mood Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

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