Prenatal Valproic Acid Exposure and Poor School Performance in Older Children
 There have long been concerns regarding the use of the anticonvulsant valproate (Depakote) during pregnancy.  First trimester use of valproate has been associated with a 3-5% risk of neural tube defects, as well as an increased risk of other malformations affecting the heart, limbs, and genitals. Prenatal exposure to valproate may also result in lower IQ and increased risk of autism spectrum disorders in the offspring.  Most studies have [...]
One in Four Pregnant Women Suffers from Psychiatric Illness: How Can We Identify and Support Them?
 The title of the following article did not grab my attention; however, I discovered that this study, entitled Accuracy of the Whooley questions and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in identifying depression and other mental disorders in early pregnancy published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, has some incredibly important findings. First of all, this is the first study In the United Kingdom examining the prevalence of mental health problems [...]
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Postpartum Hemorrhage: Maybe There Are Other Factors Involved
 Serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants may affect platelet aggregation and thus may increase the risk of bleeding.  Over the last few years, we have seen several studies which have sought to determine if exposure to SSRI antidepressants in pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage. The most recent study was a matched cohort observational study including all pregnant women who used serotonergic antidepressants (n?=?578) or other psychotropic [...]
Announcing the MGH Perinatal Depression Scale (MGHPDS) Mobile App Now Available for Android
 Following the release of the MGH Perinatal Depression Scale (MGHPDS) on the App Store this past August, we are pleased to announce that the MGHPDS is now available for Android devices on the Google Play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.womensmentalhealth.mghpds The MGHPDS smartphone app includes digital versions of perinatal depression screening tools including the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) as well as other instruments which measure relevant symptoms associated with peripartum psychiatric illness: [...]
Hormone Therapy May Prevent Depression in Perimenopausal Women: But What Are the Risks?
 Multiple studies have demonstrated that the menopausal transition is associated with a 2- to 4-fold increased risk for clinically significant depressive symptoms. There have been several studies suggesting that hormone therapy may improve depressive symptoms in women presenting with depression during this transition.  A recent study examined the efficacy of hormone replacement therapy in preventing the onset of depressive symptoms in a group of euthymic perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women. This [...]
Weekly Roundup for March 30, 2018: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
This week there are two very interesting articles which look at the impact of parental exposure to adverse childhood experiences may affect a child developmental outcomes. Â Colker and colleagues note that about 20% of women with histories of psychiatric illness experience suicidal ideation during the postpartum period. Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD Parental Adverse Childhood Experiences and Offspring Development at 2 Years of Age. Folger AT, Eismann EA, Stephenson NB, Shapiro RA, [...]