Breastfeeding Status Does Not  Affect Risk for Postpartum Depression
For decades, researchers have postulated a connection between breastfeeding and postpartum depression (PPD). Many have suggested that breastfeeding may protect against postpartum depression and have suggested that the cessation of breastfeeding may be a trigger for postpartum depression and/or anxiety. However, the research examining the association between postpartum depression and breastfeeding has been mixed and somewhat difficult to interpret. A recent study from Canadian researchers has continued to explore the association [...]
Weekly Roundup for JUNE 10 2016: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
Next week we will be reviewing several new articles which look at the feasibility of screening for perinatal depression and will focus on screening and diagnostic tools we can use in this setting. Â There is also an interesting article which reviews the impact of depression during pregnancy on neonatal outcomes. Â Neonatal Outcomes in Women With Untreated Antenatal Depression Compared With Women Without Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Jarde A, [...]
PPD Awareness Day: Join Us at the State House on June 14th
Next Tuesday June 14, there will be a Postpartum Depression Awareness Event at the Boston State House from 12:00 PM to 2;30 PM. This is an event hosted by Representative Ellen Story, Senator Joan Lovely, and Senator Bruce Tarr. Â The event is open to the public.
Interpersonal Therapy Effective for Moderately Severe Depression During Pregnancy
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited psychotherapy which is based on the theory that deficiencies or disruptions in interpersonal relationships play an important role in the emergence and persistence of depression.  The primary goals of IPT are to reduce symptom severity, improve interpersonal functioning, increase social support and decrease social isolation.  IPT has been demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of depression in a variety of clinical settings. Michael o’Hara [...]
Your Opportunity to Comment: Research Plan for Postpartum Depression Interventions
To be honest, I was not really familiar with the USPSTF until this task force issued recommendations regarding screening for depression in adults and emphasized the importance of screening for depression in pregnant and postpartum women. Â But what I have learned is that the USPSTF recommendations reach a tremendous number of people and have the potential to shape public opinion and policy. So what is the USPSTF? According to their website: [...]
Cannabis and Pregnancy: Increasing Use, Still Not Enough Data on Safety
We are seeing an increasing number of women in our clinic who are using marijuana on a regular basis — recreationally and medically prescribed — to help them manage various psychiatric symptoms, including depression and anxiety.  This is no surprise given that many states have or are now moving forward with the legalization of medical marijuana. According to a nationwide survey, 7.3% of Americans 12 or older regularly used marijuana in [...]