A Meta-Analysis of Gestational Diabetes and Risk for Perinatal Depression
According to recent findings published in Diabetic Medicine, women who develop gestational diabetes may be more likely to experience depression during pregnancy and after delivery, compared to women without gestational diabetes. Over the years, we have reviewed several studies looking at the association between GDM and risk for depression.   In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Wilson and colleagues analyzed data from 62 studies. They observed that the prevalence of elevated levels [...]
In Brief:Â Postpartum Depression Common in First-Time Fathers
Depressive symptoms were assessed in a group of 622 Canadian first-time fathers during their partner’s third trimester using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The prevalence of depressive symptoms in fathers was 13.76% at 2 months and 13.6% at 6 months.  This study suggests that postpartum depression may be as common in fathers as it is in mothers. It should be noted that the prevalence of paternal depression in this study [...]
Weekly Roundup for DECEMBER 20, 2019: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
The year has certainly been a busy one for reproductive psychiatry. The weekly roundup will be on vacation next week, but we have plenty of interesting articles to ponder in January. Stay tuned. This week there were several important articles looking at bipolar disorder during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Preliminary research from Nancy Byatt and her colleagues at MCPAP for Moms observe that in the community, obstetric providers are managing [...]
Happy Holidays from the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health
Winter is definitely upon us here in Boston. As we waddle around like penguins, bundled in bulky down coats, trying not to fall and break our hips on the ice-covered sidewalks, we may forget to reflect on more pleasant (and warmer) times.  It has been a fulfilling and productive year for us at the Center for Women’s Mental Health. We have seen an unprecedented year of growth, in terms of interest [...]
Adjunctive Treatment with Estrogen in Premenopausal Women with Schizophrenia
There is cumulative evidence suggesting that estrogen might play a role in the development of schizophrenia and therefore may be useful in the treatment of this illness. On average, the first signs of schizophrenia appear 3 to 4 years later in women than in men, with a second peak in women around menopause, suggesting that estrogen may be neuroprotective. Estrogen has been demonstrated to have beneficial effects in treating hormonally mediated [...]
Assessing Risk for Postpartum Psychiatric Illness: Don’t Forget to Ask About Family History
Postpartum depression affects about 15% of women after the birth of a child. Women with a history of major depression prior to pregnancy are at increased risk, especially women who have experienced postpartum depression after a previous pregnancy. Exactly how family history of psychiatric illness modulates risk for postpartum depression is less clear. Previous studies have shown an aggregation of postpartum depression in families with early onset major depression and bipolar [...]