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
Sleep Medications: What Information Do We Have on Reproductive Safety?
It is estimated that up to 95% of women experience some type of sleep disturbance during pregnancy. While for many women the insomnia is relatively benign and may respond to simple interventions, other women experience more severe insomnia which has a significant impact on their quality of life and ability to function. Various non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agents, specifically zalepion (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zolpidem (Ambien), are commonly used for the short-term treatment of insomnia; however, information regarding the reproductive safety of these sleep aids has been sparse.