Risk Factors for Suicide in Women with Perinatal Depression
It is estimated that suicide accounts for about 10% of all maternal deaths. While we have a fair amount of information to help us predict which women are at risk for depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period, few studies have attempted to identify risk factors for suicide in this population. In a recent study, a total of 22,118 women completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 24-28 weeks of [...]
Latest News From the National Pregnancy Registry
We would like to thank you for your continuing support of the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics (NPRAA) at the Center for Women’s Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital. We are grateful for all the referrals made to the Registry as our numbers continue to grow every day. Given the Registry’s successful enrollment, we are pleased to announce our plan to release preliminary data at an upcoming conference in June, the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP) Annual Meeting.
Essential Reads: Antidepressants Do Not Increase the Risk of Miscarriage
SSRIs were not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage.
Can the EPDS Be Used During Pregnancy to Predict PPD?
Various instruments have been used to detect postpartum depression (PPD). However, rather than waiting for depression to occur, can we possibly identify women during pregnancy who will go on to develop postpartum illness? If we could do that, we might be able to actually prevent the depression from occurring. Or at least, we could intervene in some way so that the depression would not significantly affect the mother and her family. [...]
Maternal Depression Negatively Affects Family Food Behaviors
In 2012, it was estimated that more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. There are undoubtedly many factors which may contribute to childhood obesity; a new study suggests that maternal depression may increase the risk of being overweight in low-income children.
Serious Complications at Delivery Increase the Risk of Postpartum PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among women of child-bearing age. While we are increasingly attentive to screening for depressive symptoms after delivery, we may not always ask about PTSD symptoms. Importantly, PTSD symptoms that go undetected and unaddressed may complicate the treatment of postpartum depression. A recent study has looked at the prevalence of PTSD symptoms in women who experience complications at delivery. The objective of this prospective cohort study [...]