Proving the Estrogen Withdrawal Hypothesis of Perimenopausal Depression
Because women appear to be at increased risk for new onset and recurrent depression as they transition into the menopause, it has been hypothesized that declining ovarian function -- or estrogen "withdrawal" -- may trigger depressive symptoms in some women. While this is a very reasonable and totally plausible hypothesis, no studies have formally tested the estrogen withdrawal hypothesis of perimenopausal depression (PMD). This study included asymptomatic postmenopausal women who had [...]
Pregnancy Brain? Or is it Depression?
Many pregnant women complain of “pregnancy brain”. They describe that they feel less sharp than usual and often complain of bouts of forgetfulness. Is it because they are distracted by thinking about and planning for the arrival of the new baby? Is it the hormones? Is it sleep deprivation? A new study suggests that depression may be a factor. Researchers hypothesized that reports of poor concentration and memory lapses might reflect difficulties [...]
Some Cases of Postpartum Psychosis May Be Autoimmune Encephalitis
Postpartum psychosis is the most severe form of postpartum psychiatric illness, affecting about 1 out of every 1000 births. Postpartum psychosis occurs most frequently in first-time mothers, typically within the first two weeks after delivery. Symptoms are typically severe and represent an affective episode: mania, depression, or a mixed state. Because psychotic symptoms occur within the context of affective instability, postpartum psychosis is considered to be a bipolar-spectrum mood disorder and [...]
![By Vera Kratochvil [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://womensmentalhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Mother_Kissing_Baby-320x202.jpg)
Interventions for the Prevention of Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a relatively common problem, affecting between 10% and 15% of women after delivery. Although it is difficult to reliably predict which women in the general population will experience postpartum mood disturbance, it is possible to identify certain subgroups of women who are more vulnerable to postpartum affective illness. For example, women who have had one episode of postpartum depression have about a 50% chance of experiencing another [...]
New Research from the CWMH: Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Atypical Antipsychotic-Associated Hypertriglyceridemia
Dyslipidemia is a common side effect of atypical antipsychotics and, for a significant number of patients, may limit the acceptabillily of this class of drugs as an option for long-term treatment. This open trial tested the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for treating dyslipidemia associated with the use of atypical antipsychotics. Participants had hypertriglyceridemia (> 200 mg/dL) and/or hypercholesterolemia (> 250 mg/dL) and were treated with omega-3 fatty acids (Lovaza) for [...]
In Brief: Group CBT for Perinatal Anxiety
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is well-established as a treatment for anxiety disorders; however, few studies have examined the efficacy of CBT specifically tailored to address perinatal anxiety. A recent pilot study has explored the use of a group CBT intervention. The group included 10 pregnant or postpartum women who were recruited from a hospital setting and who reported anxiety as their principal source of distress. A diagnostic interview was completed to confirm [...]