Maternal Anxiety and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes: Why We Need to Screen Women for Anxiety During Pregnancy
When providing information to patients regarding the use of medications during pregnancy, one key element of the decision-making process is an appraisal of the risks associated with untreated psychiatric illness in the mother. While there are risks associated with taking medications during pregnancy, untreated illness in the mother also carries some degree of risk. There is evidence to indicate that mothers with untreated psychiatric illness are more likely to have worse [...]
Weekly Roundup for NOVEMBER 8, 2019: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
In a large study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, researchers observed higher rates of depressive symptoms in adolescents treated with oral contraceptives. However, this study did not show any increase in risk for depression in older women taking oral contraceptives. These findings are similar to those reported in an earlier study from Denmark.  In that study, the risk of depressive symptoms generally decreased with increasing age. Adolescents (15-19 years) [...]
Clinical Update 2019: Tamoxifen and Antidepressants
Women receiving tamoxifen for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer should be aware of possible drug-drug interactions between tamoxifen and specific antidepressant medications. Antidepressants are used widely to treat depression and anxiety disorders in midlife women. In addition, multiple studies have shown that SSRI and SNRI antidepressants are an effective non-hormonal treatment for hot flashes; over 25% of women who are experiencing hot flashes related to tamoxifen therapy are now [...]
Weekly Roundup for NOVEMBER 1, 2019: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
This week there are a few interesting articles on postpartum PTSD, a complication of pregnancy which is common but under-reported. For more detailed descriptions of many of these topics, you can read the CWMH NEWSLETTER which comes out every Thursday. You can sign up for our newsletter HERE. Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD  PMS AND PMDD No articles this week INFERTILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH No articles this week PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS DURING [...]
Clinical Update 2019: Lithium and Pregnancy
While the use of lithium has been in decline over the last 20 years, lithium continues to be a useful and highly effective mood stabilizer for women with bipolar disorder. We have long been aware of its teratogenic effects, with some, but not all, studies documenting an increased risk of cardiovascular malformations. A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis to look at [...]
Weekly Roundup for OCTOBER 25, 2019: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
Based on our concerns regarding the negative effects of cannabis on the developing fetus, we follow the ACOG guidelines regarding the use of cannabis and other illicit/recreational drugs in pregnant and nursing women. Even for women who are using medical marijuana, we recommend that women who are pregnant or planning to conceive should discontinue marijuana use. Some but not all studies have suggested that cannabis, used either by the mother or [...]