[Obsessive compulsive disorder during pregnancy and the postpartum period]. / Obsessieve-compulsieve stoornis tijdens de zwangerschap en post-partumperiode.

Research into psychiatric illnesses during pregnancy and the postpartum period has focused primarily on mood disorders and psychosis. However, recent reports suggest that during pregnancy and the postpartum period psychiatric patients run an increased risk of developing the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or if they already have these symptoms, the severity is likely to increase. We report two cases of OCD in pregnancy and in the postpartum period. In addition, we present a brief review of the literature that is currently available on this topic.

[Pregnant, addicted prostitutes: compulsory admission is sometimes necessary in the interests of the child]. / Zwangere, verslaafde prostituees: soms gedwongen opname in het belang van het kind.

Three drug-addicted prostitutes, who were 37, 27 and 25 weeks pregnant respectively, were admitted to a psychiatric department under court order. After the birth, the children were placed in foster families. The mothers withdrew from further treatment. In Rotterdam, The Netherlands, there is a city network made up of doctors and social workers; in the case of addicted pregnant prostitutes they advise the Child Protection Agency of the Ministry of Justice about the care of the child after its birth. The combination of heavy addiction and prostitution in a pregnancy without any prenatal care can be considered a psychiatric disorder. Consequently, an addicted woman can be compulsorily admitted because of the threat she forms to her unborn child. In these cases the mother's right to self-determination must be limited in the interest of the child.