Maternal Bipolar Disorder Not a Predictor of Infant Developmental Deficits at One Year of Age
 While some women with bipolar disorder elect to discontinue their psychotropic medications during pregnancy to mitigate fetal exposure, Viguera and colleagues (2000, 2007) found that women stabilized on lithium face a significant risk for relapse if they choose to discontinue treatment during pregnancy. These treatment decisions are difficult and vary on a case-to-case basis, but currently few studies have compared the developmental trajectory for infants of bipolar mothers who either [...]
In Brief: Folate Supplements During Pregnancy Reduce Risk of Autism Â
Mothers exposed to household or agricultural pesticides immediately before and during their pregnancies have a higher risk of having a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Â However, a recent study from California indicates that taking high-dose folic acid cuts this risk in half, as compared to women who received lower doses of folic acid. Â In this study, a high dose of folic acid was defined as ?800 ?g, the amount typically [...]
Weekly Roundup for October 6, 2017: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
Some interesting articles this week: understanding the impact of anxiety disorders on pregnancy outcomes (Yonkers et al), impact of antenatal exposure to antidepressants during pregnancy on risk of subsequent psychiatric illness in the child (Liu et al), and a look at risk for substance abuse disorders during pregnancy ( Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD Rasmussen MH, Strøm M, Wohlfahrt J, Videbech P, Melbye M. Risk, treatment duration, and recurrence risk of postpartum [...]
What is the Risk of Postpartum Depression in Women with No Psychiatric History?
We know that about 15% of women suffer from postpartum depression (PPD). Â But what is less clear is how to reliably identify women with PPD and to then ensure that they get the support and treatment they need. Â Women with a history of psychiatric illness are often identified as being at higher risk for postpartum illness by their providers, and, because of their previous experiences with depression and/or anxiety, they may [...]
ACOG Releases Revised Guidelines for Treatment of Opioid Use During Pregnancy
We have been writing over the last few years about the growing problem of opioid use and abuse in women of reproductive age. Â Responding to a dramatic increase in the number of women abusing opiates during pregnancy, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released revised guidelines on the treatment of opioid use during pregnancy. ACOG recommends universal screening to be carried out at the first prenatal visit with [...]
In Brief: Hormone Replacement Has No Impact on Mortality in Women
While there have been concerns regarding the risks associated with prolonged use of hormone replacement, an increasing number of studies suggest that the risk may be relatively low in certain populations and that hormone replacement is appropriate in certain settings. Â A recent study published in JAMA has focused on mortality rates in women treated with hormone replacement. Â JoAnn Manson, MD, the lead author of study, notes that all-cause mortality is an [...]