Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression: Further Insights Into a Complicated Relationship
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 somewhat difficult to interpret. How exactly breastfeeding affects the risk of PPD is not well understood. Several studies [...]
Low Dose Paroxetine Improves Sleep in Postmenopausal Symptoms
Last year, the FDA approved the first non-hormonal treatment for hot flashes – a 7.5-mg formulation of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) paroxetine which was marketed under the name of Brisdelle. A new study suggests that low dose paroxetine (7.5 mg) not only helps with vasomotor symptoms, it can also improve sleep. In a recent study, postmenopausal women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms were randomly assigned to receive either [...]
A New Strategy for Managing Premenstrual Symptoms
Current research suggests that women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) have an abnormal affective response to normal hormonal shifts that occur during the menstrual cycle. Some researchers have hypothesized a metabolite of progesterone (PROG), allopregnanolone (ALLO), may mediate this sensitivity. In rodents, exposure to or withdrawal from ALLO modulates GABA-A receptors and, in this way, affects brain excitability and anxiety-like behaviors. Women with PMDD do not appear to have abnormal plasma [...]
New Data on Anxiety Medications and Pregnancy
Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics are commonly used during pregnancy. However, there data regarding the reproductive safety of these agents has been somewhat mixed. Although initial reports suggested that there may be an increased risk of cleft lip and palate, more recent reports have shown no association between exposure to benzodiazepines and risk for cleft lip or palate. A new study shows no increase in the overall risk of malformations among children exposed to benzodiazepines.
Smoking While Pregnant: What are the Effects on the Developing Fetal Brain?
When women come to us for consultation, we focus primarily on the risks of exposure to psychotropic medications. It is important, however, to consider the impact of other, potentially harmful, exposures that are common in women who suffer from psychiatric illness. For example, pregnant women with psychiatric illness are more likely to smoke and to use alcohol or recreational drugs. Smoking is relatively common, with about 10% of all women smoking [...]
Research from the CWMH: For Menopausal Women Venlafaxine Does Not Appear to Affect Sexual Functioning
While many midlife women are interested in pursuing non-hormonal options for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, they are understandably concerned about taking antidepressant medications, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, that, while effective for treating hot flashes and night sweats, are commonly associated with sexual side effects. A recent study indicates that venlafaxine (Effexor, an SNRI antidepressant) does not differ significantly from estradiol in terms of its effects on sexual functioning. In [...]