FDA Supports Intravenous Brexanolone for Postpartum Depression
In 2015, we first reported on SAGE-547 (SAGE Therapeutics), a new medication for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Â SAGE-547, now called brexanolone, is an allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors. Â Since that time, Sage Therapeutics has conducted three randomized controlled trials, enrolling a total of 247 women diagnosed with moderate to severe postpartum depression. This week the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory panel voted unanimously in favor of approval [...]
In Brief: Mindfulness for Menopausal Symptoms
A growing number of studies have shown that mindfulness may be an important tool for managing a spectrum of symptoms, including depression and anxiety during pregnancy. Â A new research study presented at the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) 2018 Annual Meeting in October suggests that mindfulness may also help to relieve menopausal symptoms. This cross-sectional study included 1744 women (40 to 65 years old, average 53.4) who were seen in the [...]
Weekly Roundup for NOVEMBER 2, 2018: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
Uguz and colleagues present data that indicate, in a group of women with panic disorder, neonatal outcomes were worse in the women who did not get treatment.  This week’s roundup also features a lot of articles on postpartum depression, addressing an array of factors which increase women’s vulnerability to postpartum psychiatric illness, including adverse life events, BMI, asthma, gestational diabetes, and prolonged nausea during pregnancy.  Still the impact of these factors [...]
Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Bipolar Disorder
In treating pregnant women with mood or anxiety disorders, we tend to focus primarily on the reproductive safety of psychotropic medications; however, it must be recognized that withholding or withdrawing pharmacologic treatment for depression or anxiety during pregnancy may carry some degree of risk. Untreated psychiatric illness in the mother cannot be considered a benign event, and a number of studies have indicated that untreated psychiatric illness during pregnancy may negatively [...]
Hispanic Women at High Risk for Neural Tube Defects, May Not Have Adequate Dietary Folic Acid
Because folate deficiency in pregnant women has been associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects, including anencephaly and spina bifida, it is recommended that all women take folic acid supplements before and during pregnancy. Â In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has required (since 1996) the addition of folic acid to many enriched breads and cereals in order to increase the amount of folic acid in our diets. [...]
In Brief: Women Veterans, Sexual Assault, and Infertility
According to a cross-sectional study (reviewed in Medscape) carried out in women veterans, victims of sexual assault are more likely to be infertile. Â Rates of sexual assault in this population were high, with 60% of the infertile women and 45% of the fertile women reporting histories of sexual assault. Â Researchers theorize that sexual assault results in chronic stress, which may predispose women to infertility and other health issues. Â Consistent with [...]