New Research from the CWMH: Prenatal Supplement Containing Folate May Reduce Depressive Symptoms During Pregnancy
While there is research to support the reproductive safety of many antidepressants, many woman and their providers ask about alternatives to traditional antidepressants in women who are pregnant or planning to conceive. Â In a recent study, Dr. Marlene Freeman and colleagues at the Center for Women's Mental Health explored the use of a folate-based preparation --EnBrace HR -- for the prevention and treatment of depression in a group of pregnant [...]
Weekly Roundup for FEBRUARY 1, 2019: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
Over the last few years, there has been an increasing number of articles focusing on perinatal anxiety.  Recent studies indicate that anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period is common and may occur independently of perinatal depression, although anxiety and depressive symptoms frequently appear together during the perinatal period.  This week we have several large studies which look at the impact of perinatal anxiety on children’s development. Polte and colleagues [...]
Does Exercise During Pregnancy Prevent Postpartum Depression?
While there is some data to indicate that exercise may improve well-being and diminish symptoms of depression and anxiety, the results have been mixed. Â A recent randomized controlled trial has explored the efficacy of exercise during pregnancy for reducing the risk of postpartum depression. The Physical Activity for Mothers Enrolled in Longitudinal Analysis (PAMELA) Study was nested in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. Â A total of 639 pregnant [...]
Preventing postpartum depression: Start with women at greatest risk
Dr. Lee S. Cohen, Director of the Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women's Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital, recently shared his insights on preventing postpartum depression with Ob.Gyn News on January 30, 2019 The last decade has brought appropriate attention to the high prevalence of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, with postpartum depression (PPD) constituting the most common complication in modern obstetrics. There have been very substantial efforts in more than 40 [...]
In Brief: Improving Care for New Mothers with Severe Psychiatric Illness
NPR just aired a short story about a young woman who experienced postpartum psychosis after the birth of her first child. Â It was a short article but it brought up several important themes. The article highlights the importance of recognizing postpartum psychosis. While we have worked hard to increase awareness of postpartum depression, the article questions whether healthcare providers are equipped to recognize and deal with postpartum psychosis. Â The report [...]
Perinatal Depression and Anxiety: How Long Does It Last?
In the earliest studies, postpartum depression was described an episode of depression associated with childbirth, typically emerging within the first three months after delivery. Â As more research has been carried out, we have learned that a sizeable number of women with PPD actually begin to experience symptoms during pregnancy. Â The bottom line is that women with PPD are a heterogeneous group, and several recent studies have attempted to identify and [...]