Probiotics for Prenatal Depression and Anxiety: Underscoring the Need for More Research
Although we have data on the reproductive safety of various medications used to treat anxiety, many women would understandably prefer to avoid medications when possible. Many women ask about alternative treatments, including dietary supplements, herbal remedies and probiotics. While these treatments are often considered to be “safer” because they are natural, it is important to recognize that their production is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, and often we [...]
Breastfeeding Difficulties May Affect Bonding: How Can We Help New Moms?
Although new mothers describe breastfeeding as a meaningful and fulfilling aspect of caring for their infants, breastfeeding is also a common source of stress and anxiety. A recent study suggests that difficulties with breastfeeding may also impact mothers’ bonding with their infants. In this study, researchers followed 121 mothers with newborn infants (age = 23-45 years, mean age = 32.31 ± 4.79 years). Every month, the participants completed self-assessments of bonding. [...]
Essential Reads: Using Neuroimaging to Visualize the Impact of Maternal Depression on the Developing Brain
When a woman comes in for a consultation regarding the use of medications during pregnancy, we spend most of our time reviewing the potential risks of exposure to medications during pregnancy. However, we must also include a discussion of the effects of untreated psychiatric illness in the mother on the developing child, for there is a growing body of literature which demonstrates that what happens in utero, while the fetus is [...]
Weekly Roundup for FEBRUARY 19, 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 [...]
Essential Reads: How to Screen for Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms in Postpartum Women?
When obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) occurs during the postpartum period, women may experience typical OCD symptoms related to contamination and cleaning, catastrophic thoughts and checking, or symmetry and ordering. However, many women with postpartum OCD, as well as those with other postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, have intrusive, ego-dystonic thoughts of harming the infant. These intrusive thoughts contribute to significant distress, and may ultimately compromise bonding and overall functioning. These disturbing symptoms [...]
Cannabis Use More Common Among Pregnant Women with Depression, Anxiety and Trauma
Despite decreasing rates of alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, the use of cannabis use during pregnancy is on the rise. Several qualitative studies have suggested that pregnant women report using cannabis to manage a range of psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression. However, we do not know whether cannabis use is more common among pregnant women with psychiatric illness or histories of trauma. In a recent study, data from the [...]