Prenatal Valproic Acid (Depakote) Exposure Increases Risk for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
While we have considerable information regarding the teratogenic risk associated with prenatal exposure to various antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), we have considerably less information on the impact of exposure to AEDs on behavioral outcomes in children. Several studies have shown that exposure to valproic acid (Depakote) may be associated with increased risk of autistic traits and/or attentional problems; however, we have less information on the risk of other behavior problems. In [...]
How Do Race and Ethnicity Impact Access and Utilization of Perinatal Mental Health Services?
Growing attention is being given to the public health dimensions of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Previously, we have reviewed studies looking at the prevalence of screening for PMADs and disparities therein and the economic cost of neglecting PMADs. A recent study in BMC Medicine has examined differences in access to and utilization of mental health services during the perinatal period by different racial groups within England’s National Health [...]
Modafinil and Armodafinil During Pregnancy: Data to Suggest Increased Risk of Malformations
As soon as we published this article on the use of modafinil during pregnancy, another study was published which included data on the reproductive safety of modafinil and armodafinil from the US Provigil/Nuvigil Pregnancy Registry. The US Provigil/Nuvigil Pregnancy Registry was established in February 2010 and has collected data from women exposed to modafinil and/or armodafinil within 6 weeks prior to conception or during pregnancy. Collected information is classified as [...]
Impact of Miscarriage on Partners
Early pregnancy loss (EPL) is common, affecting up to 25% of pregnancies. Studies looking at the emotional consequences of miscarriage have shown that most women do well; however, some women experience clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety. In a previous study, Farren and colleagues prospectively examined the type and severity of emotional symptoms women experienced after an early pregnancy loss (n = 128), as compared to women with viable [...]
Study Supporting the Reproductive Safety of Gabapentin During Pregnancy
Gabapentin (Neurontin) is now used in a wide variety of clinical settings — for the treatment of epilepsy, pain management, restless leg syndrome, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. However, there is relatively little information regarding its reproductive safety. We last reviewed this topic in 2015. At that point, the literature included 333 cases of prenatal gabapentin exposure. In that pooled sample, major malformations were reported in a total of 5 children, [...]
Is St. John’s Wort Effective for PMDD?
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal preparation which has been shown, in some studies, to be effective for the treatment of mild to moderate depressive symptoms. St. John’s wort is now one of the most commonly used herbal products in the United States and is widely used in Europe. We don’t know exactly what is responsible for the antidepressant effects of St. John’s wort; however, it appears that [...]