ArticleThe South African journal of psychiatry : SAJP : the journal of the Society of Psychiatrists of South Africa2022
Are female bipolar patients of reproductive age aware of the teratogenic risk of sodium valproate? A qualitative study.
Article in The South African journal of psychiatry : SAJP : the journal of the Society of Psychiatrists of South Africa, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 5 papers.
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Who cites it
5 citing papers in PubMed, 5 citations in OpenAlex.
- A profile of psychotropic medication in bipolar patients of reproductive age.The South African journal of psychiatry : SAJP : the journal of the Society of Psychiatrists of South Africa · 2026Article
- Psychotropic prescribing patterns during pregnancy in two South African mental health clinics.Journal of the colleges of medicine of South Africa · 2025Article
- Sexual and reproductive health needs of women with severe mental illness in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review.PloS one · 2025Article
- The valproate prescription pattern for female mental healthcare users of reproductive age.The South African journal of psychiatry : SAJP : the journal of the Society of Psychiatrists of South Africa · 2024Article
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Authors and funding
3 authors at 1 institution in 1 country.
Funding
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Abstract
backgroundSodium valproate is considered the most teratogenic of all anticonvulsant drugs. Internationally, new regulations require women to sign risk assessment forms if initiated on it.
aimThis study aimed to explore patients' awareness of the teratogenic risk of sodium valproate.
settingWeskoppies Psychiatric Hospital, Tshwane, Gauteng.
methodsWe conducted a qualitative study comprising 23 semi-structured interviews with female bipolar patients of reproductive age at a tertiary psychiatric hospital in South Africa.
resultsPatient psychoeducation and self-education is improving as many patients were aware of the risk of teratogenicity of sodium valproate either by being educated or by searching online after developing an interest. Our study identified the need for female patients to be educated about contraceptive use when starting on sodium valproate to avoid pregnancy.
conclusionOur study shows that patients are becoming more aware of the teratogenic risk of sodium valproate. This suggests that consultations focusing on the issues of conception and the use of sodium valproate in women of childbearing potential has improved.
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