PCOS Carries Increased Risk for Bipolar Disorder, Risk Reduced with Metformin
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine-related dysfunction in women of reproductive age. Multiple studies have observed a higher prevalence of psychiatric illness, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder in women with PCOS The nature of this association is not fully understood. Some have hypothesized that the hormonal dysregulation seen in women with PCOS may increase vulnerability to psychiatric illness. Others have questioned whether the medications [...]
Folic Acid Essential for All Women of Reproductive Age
Last week was National Folate Awareness Week. While this post may be a little late, it is never too late to remind women of reproductive age of the importance of taking supplemental folic acid. Folic Acid Reduces the Risk of Birth Defects Folic acid is a B-vitamin needed for proper cell growth and can be found in many multivitamins, as well as many food sources, such as lentils, dried beans [...]
Weekly Roundup for JANUARY 24, 2020: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
One of the most common symptoms we observe during pregnancy is insomnia. While we have a large body of data to support the use of many antidepressants, there is considerably less information available on benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotics. There is evidence to support the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in pregnant populations; however, our clinical experience is that it can be quite difficult to find providers with CBT skills [...]
Resource: FDA Consumer Update on Cannabis, CBD Use While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
If you visit our website, you know that the use of marijuana in women of reproductive age is on the rise and that we are concerned about it. The FDA has put out a consumer update discussing the use of cannabis, including CBD, in pregnant and breastfeeding women. In plain English, it describes what we know and don't know about cannabis and its effects on pregnancy and the developing child. [...]
Postpartum Suicide is Tragic, But Preventable
Programs are necessary to implements strategies for reducing the risk of suicide and infanticide in postpartum women, especially in women at risk for postpartum psychosis.Â
After Stillbirth Women Are at Increased Risk for Significant Psychiatric Illness
In the United States, about one out of every 160 pregnancies ends in stillbirth, defined as a pregnancy loss occurring after 20 weeks’ gestation. Perinatal loss is a traumatic event for women and their families. While we clearly understand the potential for perinatal loss to cause significant emotional consequences, we have relatively little data on the prevalence of anxiety and depressive illness in this population of women. A recent study [...]