Essential Reads: Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Risk for Major Malformations
Bupropion is commonly used to treat depression, and is also prescribed to support smoking cessation. Early data on bupropion-exposure during pregnancy raised concern for a possible increase in risk of malformations of the heart and large blood vessels in bupropion-exposed infants. Subsequent data from bupropion pregnancy registries has been reassuring, however, and do not demonstrate an overall increase in risk of cardiac defects following first trimester bupropion exposure. Although the overall risk of cardiac defects was not increased, the distribution of specific defects in these registries was unexpected in some ways. For example, the GlaxoSmithKline Bupropion Pregnancy Registry included two cases of coarctation of the aorta out of the 675 bupropion-exposed infants, compared to the rate of 6 cases per 10,000 births in the general population.
Higher Rates of Depression and Anxiety in Mothers Caring for Children at Home During the Pandemic
There have been multiple studies over last year showing increased anxiety and depression in certain populations as a result of the COVID pandemic. It is clear that some members of the population may be more susceptible to psychological distress than others. From our clinical vantagepoint, it is clear that the parents of young children have been particularly affected by the pandemic.  Using surveys of women participating in the All [...]
Maternal Self-Efficacy as a Risk Factor for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Postpartum depression first gained medical attention in the 1970’s. While postpartum depression is similar to depression occurring at other times in a woman’s life, we have learned over time that many women with what we typically call “postpartum depression” also have significant anxiety symptoms. In addition, some women present with only anxiety symptoms, and appear to have generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder, although many women with anxiety disorders also [...]
Essential Reads: Atypical Antipsychotics and Breastfeeding
Despite the increasing use of the newer “atypical” or second-generation antipsychotic agents to treat a spectrum of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, PTSD and other anxiety disorders, we have relatively little data on the use of these newer atypical agents in breastfeeding women.  All medications taken by the mother are excreted into the breast milk, and the risk of toxicity for breastfed infants varies across different medications. When advising [...]
What You Need to Know About Cannabis and Breastfeeding
We continue to see more and more women of reproductive age using marijuana in various forms. While marijuana is viewed by some as a safe alternative for the treatment of various maladies associated with pregnancy, including morning sickness and postpartum depression, there is no data to support the use of marijuana for the management of these conditions.  We have data to indicate that the use of cannabis during pregnancy may negatively [...]
Weekly Roundup for APRIL 2, 2021: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
Every week we review the most recent publications in women’s mental health, covering topics related to premenstrual symptoms, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, use of medications in pregnant and breastfeeding women, perinatal substance use, and menopausal mental health. For more detailed descriptions of many of these topics, you can sign up to receive our weekly CWMH NEWSLETTER which comes out every Thursday.  And don't forget to visit ESSENTIAL READS [...]