Depression in Fathers Affects Bonding
Multiple studies have shown that postpartum depression can interfere with bonding between the mother and her infant. While new fathers may also develop depression, little is known about how depression in the father affects bonding. A recent study from Sweden has taken a look at the association between maternal and paternal depressive symptoms and parental bonding with the infant. This study included 727 couples participating in a population-based cohort project (UPPSAT) [...]
Managing Sleep Problems in Menopausal Women: What Are the Options?
Peri- and post-menopausal women frequently complain of insomnia or poor sleep quality. Sleep disturbance is often attributed to nocturnal hot flashes; however, a recent study from researchers at Wayne State University School of Medicine suggests that a sizeable proportion of menopausal women may have a primary sleep disorder. Â There are various options for managing insomnia in this population. Non-Pharmacologic Options The MENOS 2 study included peri- and post-menopausal women with problematic [...]
ACOG Issues Opinion on Marijuana in Pregnant and Nursing Women
With many states now moving forward with the legalization of medical marijuana, there seems to be a growing sense that marijuana is relatively safe and may, in some cases, be more attractive or effective than traditional pharmacologic interventions. Â The use of marijuana in the United States appears to be increasing. Â According to a nationwide survey, 7.3% of Americans 12 or older regularly used marijuana in 2012, up from 5.8% of Americans [...]
Adjunctive Treatment with Medroxyprogesterone in Women with Acute Mania
Women with bipolar disorder often experience fluctuating mood symptoms across the menstrual cycle, typically reporting an exacerbation of symptoms during the premenstrual phase of the cycle (Rasgon et al, 2003, 2005). Â Other studies have indicated that women with bipolar disorder have more affective instability as they transition into the menopause, when there are pronounced fluctuations in levels of estrogen and progestin levels (Marsh et al, 2012). Â These findings have led researchers [...]
Brief Report: TMS for Depression During Pregnancy
Transcranial magnetic stimulation or TMS is similar to ECT but uses electromagnetic pulses to generate electrical current in specific regions of the brain that are known to modulate mood. Â TMS is less likely to cause side effects and has thus been proposed as a possible alternative therapy for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Â (You can read more details about TMS here.) TMS, if effective, would be an ideal treatment for women [...]
Topiramate and Pregnancy: More on Risk of Major Malformations
Topiramate (TPM, marketed as Topamax) is an antiepileptic drug which is also used for migraine prophylaxis, weight loss, and, less commonly, as a mood stabilizer. Â Over the last few years we have seen several studies suggesting an increased risk of oral clefts in infants exposed to topiramate during the first trimester of pregnancy. Â A recent study analyzes claims data to estimate the prevalence of major congenital malformations (MCMs) other than oral [...]