Management of Bipolar Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in a Patient During and Post Breast Cancer Treatment

Author(s): Kyle D Webster DO Ph.d, Susan Michalowski NP

Women with severe mental illness, e.g. bipolar disorder, have been shown to have higher incidence of breast cancer compared to the general population and show decreased overall survival compared to those without a mood disorder. Herein, a case is presented for the management of a woman with bipolar disorder diagnosed with breast cancer that exemplifies additional disparities individuals in the psychiatric community face. It is important to have frequent follow up with psychiatric practitioners and communication between these individuals and oncologists. This includes treatment optimization for not only mood but ensuring that there are no pharmacological interactions between psychiatric and oncology medications. This case also highlights the need to consider a diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder following a cancer diagnosis and subsequent management.