Pilot Study: Aripiprazole Added to Antidepressants for Postpartum Depression
Augmentation strategies can be used to optimize response in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not responded adequately to antidepressant monotherapy; however, we have no data on the use of adjunctive treatments in women with postpartum depression (PPD).  A recent study tested the effectiveness of antidepressant augmentation with aripiprazole (Abilify) in a cohort of 10 women with onset of a depression within 3 months of the birth of a healthy, close-to-term baby.
Older Moms at Higher Risk for Depression
A recent study from Canada has observed higher rates of depression in mothers who have children after the age of 40. The prevalence of depression after delivery was about threefold higher in women aged 40 to 44 years as compared to women aged 30 to 35 years. This relationship was even stronger after controlling for potential confounders, including education level, marital status, and chronic illness (adjusted OR 3.72; 95% CI 2.15 to 6.41).
Anti-Epileptic Drugs and Risk of Miscarriage
Do anti-epileptic drugs increase the risk for miscarriage and/or stillbirth? Many reports have demonstrated an association between the use of antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy and increased risk of congenital malformations and pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth retardation. However, little is known about the impact of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. In a recent population-based cohort study, researchers asked this question using data [...]
Prenatal Valproate Exposure and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which include childhood autism, autistic disorder, Asperger syndrome, atypical autism, and other pervasive developmental disorders, are characterized by social and communication difficulties and by stereotyped or repetitive behaviors and interests. It is estimated that autism spectrum disorders affect about 1% of children. While genes play a significant role in the risk of autism, and can be identified in up to 25% of children with autism, there has [...]
Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Schizophrenia
With the advent of the newer, atypical antipsychotic medications, patients with psychotic disorders have been able to achieve greater symptom control with less disabling side effects. For women with schizophrenia, there has also been an increase in fertility rates over the last decade. Previous studies have suggested that women with schizophrenia, as compared to women with no psychiatric illness, are at increased risk for pregnancy and delivery complications, including low birthweight, intrauterine growth restriction, and preterm birth. However, most of these studies occurred at a time when the women were treated with older antipsychotic medications, and we cannot assume that these findings are relevant now, when women with schizophrenia are more commonly treated with the newer atypical antipsychotics and have much better control of their symptoms.
Stimulants Improve Cognitive Functioning in Menopausal Women
Many women report cognitive difficulties -- forgetfulness, distractibility, feeling foggy ---during the transition to menopause. While much attention has been devoted to the treatment of vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes or night sweats, less attention has focused on the management of the memory difficulties and other cognitive problems many menopausal women may suffer. In 2011, we reported on the use of atomoxetine or Strattera, a treatment for ADHD, which seemed [...]