Depression and Anxiety Common in High-Risk Obstetric Patients
In this study 62 women hospitalized for high-risk obstetrical complications completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), and Short-Form 12 (SF-12) weekly until delivery or discharge and once after delivery. The EPDS was suggestive of depression (a score of ? 10) in 27% of the women (n=17) and clinically significant anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 ? 10) in 13% (n=8) of the women. Past mental health diagnosis [...]
Antipsychotics and Pregnancy Part 2: Preliminary Data from the MGH Pregnancy Registry
This is the second part of a two part series on the use of antipsychotic medications during pregnancy. Â Read Part 1 here, which reviews data from the Australian antipsychotic registry.
Caffeine for Menopausal Women: More Hot Flashes but Less Mood and Memory Problems
A recent study of 2507 menopausal women suggests that menopausal women with higher caffeine intake are more likely to have hot flashes and night sweats; however, they have fewer problems with mood, memory, and concentration. Read more in Medscape Faubion SS, Sood R, Thielen JM, Shuster LT. Caffeine and menopausal symptoms: what is the association? Menopause. 2014 Jul 21. [Epub ahead of print]
Anxiety and PTSD Associated with Preterm Birth
A recent study followed 29 mothers who gave birth to 35 premature children born before the 33rd week of pregnancy. The women were assessed within 2 weeks postpartum (T0), 2 weeks after hospitalization (T1), 6 months post-term (T2), and 18 months post-term (T3). The Impact of Event Scale (IES), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-X1) were used to assess maternal mental health outcomes.
Antipsychotics and Pregnancy Part 1: Preliminary Data from the Australian Registry
This is the first part of a two part series on the use of antipsychotic medications during pregnancy. Atypical antipsychotic medications are commonly used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Despite the increasing use of these medications in women of child-bearing age, there is still relatively little data regarding the reproductive safety and long-term neurodevelopmental effects of these medications. The Australian National Register of Antipsychotic Medication in Pregnancy (NRAMP) [...]
Self-Compassion: A Cure for Menopausal Symptoms?
About 75% of peri- and postmenopausal women have vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats; however, some women experience more distress or "bother" in response to these symptoms. A new research study suggests that certain personality traits may affect how women experience these uncomfortable symptoms.