Autoimmune Thyroid Disease More Prevalent in Women with Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is the most severe form of postpartum psychiatric illness, occurring in approximately 1 to 2 per 1000 women after childbirth. Although bipolar disorder is a risk factor for postpartum psychosis, a substantial number of women who develop postpartum psychosis have no history of psychiatric illness and experience psychiatric illness only in the context of childbearing. What may cause or trigger postpartum psychosis in this population is not well understood.
Light Therapy: A Good Alternative to Medications during Pregnancy?
Depression during pregnancy is common and has major health implications for the mother, the fetus and the family. On this website, we have reviewed numerous treatments for affective disorders in pregnancy, including psychotropic medications and several forms of psychotherapy. We have not had much data to support the use of light therapy for antepartum depression, yet I often discuss light therapy as a potential adjunctive treatment for patients with a seasonal component to their depression. A recent study, published by Wirz-Justice and colleagues in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, provides evidence that light therapy may be a useful non-pharmacologic treatment for women who suffer from depression during pregnancy(1).
Antidepressant Treatment During Pregnancy: One Woman’s Experience (Part IV)
Part 4:Â The Postpartum Period
Antidepressant Treatment During Pregnancy: One Woman’s Experience (Part III)
Part 3: Planning for the Postpartum Period
Antidepressant Treatment During Pregnancy: One Woman’s Experience (Part 1)
Part 1:Â Pre-Pregnancy Planning