Autism Spectrum Disorders and Maternal Nutrition
Current research suggests that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) occur as a result of events that take place during pregnancy. While genetic factors play an important role, non-heritable risk factors contribute to a substantial proportion of ASD cases. Maternal nutrition has been a focus of interest as a factor which may influence risk for ASD. However, results from population-based studies have yielded conflicting results. In two studies -- one an American [...]
Weekly Roundup for November 3, 2017: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
The comorbidity of Axis I disorders in depressed pregnant women. Dindo L, Elmore A, O'Hara M, Stuart S. Arch Womens Ment Health. 2017 Aug 25. Researchers observed high rates of anxiety disorders among women both with and without current major depression, although depressed women reported higher rates of generalized anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Maternal posttraumatic stress disorder during the perinatal period and child outcomes: A systematic review. Cook N, [...]
New Research from the CWMH: Gestational Weight Gain in Women Taking Second Generation Antipsychotics During Pregnancy
The use of the newer “atypical” or second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) agents continues to increase. These medications are used to treat a spectrum of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, PTSD and anxiety disorders. Although most of the women taking atypical antipsychotics are of childbearing age, our information on the reproductive safety of these newer atypical agents lags behind. Last year we reported on findings drawn from the National Pregnancy [...]
Weekly Roundup for October 27, 2017: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
This week, we have two studies from the Center for Women’s Mental Health -- one looking at risk for gestational diabetes in women treated with second generation antipsychotic medications during pregnancy and the other on the use of vortioxetine in perimenopausal women. Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD Gestational Weight Gain and Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index Associated With Second-Generation Antipsychotic Drug Use During Pregnancy. Freeman MP, Sosinsky AZ, Goez-Mogollon L, Savella GM, [...]
Examining the Association Between Anxiety Disorders and their Treatment in Pregnancy Outcomes
While numerous published studies have investigated the impact of treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) in pregnancy on maternal and neonatal outcomes, few studies have examined the perinatal effects of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD). Despite the comorbidity of the two types of psychiatric disorders in women of reproductive age and shared risk factors, their clinical distinction and subsequent treatment is important. To address [...]
Father’s Involvement and Early Infant Neurodevelopment: The Mediating Role of Maternal Parenting Stress
It is fairly well-known that interactions between parents and children are associated with improved developmental outcomes in children. Previous research has primarily focused on how maternal rather than paternal involvement influences infant neurodevelopment. A recent study examines the direct and indirect relationships between paternal involvement and infant neurodevelopment, and how maternal parenting stress mediates this association. The study was conducted in 2014 at Gachon University in South Korea with 255 mothers [...]