Increased Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety in Pregnant Women During the COVID Pandemic
In the Boston area, the number of people hospitalized for COVID-19 is steadily decreasing. This is obviously happy news and a long-awaited reason to celebrate; however, we continue to be concerned about the mental health of our patients, especially those who are pregnant. Even in the best of times, women who are pregnant or have young families are acutely aware of the enormous responsibility they carry in caring for their [...]
Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Anorexia Nervosa
Current research on pregnancy outcomes in women with anorexia nervosa has yielded conflicting results. While some studies report an increased risk of cesarean delivery, miscarriage, preterm birth, and small-for-gestational age births in this population, others find no association. Many of the studies are limited by small sample size and do not account for severity of illness. In a recent study, researchers performed a retrospective cohort study including 2,134,945 pregnancies in Quebec, [...]
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Kindergartners with Prenatal Exposure to Antidepressants
While we have data to support the use of antidepressants, including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), during pregnancy, most studies have focused on risk of congenital malformations, and we have less information on longer term neurodevelopmental outcomes. In a recent study, Singal and colleagues look at neurodevelopmental outcomes in kindergartners with prenatal exposure to antidepressants. Researchers utilized administrative databases to identify a [...]
Weekly Roundup for May 29, 2020: Recent Publications in Women’s Mental Health
Every week we review the most recent publications in women’s mental health, covering topics related to premenstrual symptoms, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, use of medications in pregnant and breastfeeding women, perinatal substance use, and menopausal mental health. Two studies in this collection look at the psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women: one from China and the other from Quebec, Canada. Not surprisingly, women experienced higher levels of [...]
Virtual Rounds with the Center for Women’s Mental Health Extended through June!
Over the past two months, the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health has had the tremendous opportunity to host virtual rounds from 2-3pm EST via Zoom for all health professionals with an interest in reproductive psychiatry and women's mental health. We have reached nearly 300 students and practitioners in 33 states, 3 Canadian provinces, and 5 additional countries. Invaluable contributions from our guests panelists, as well as the thoughtful questions and [...]
Exposure to Antidepressants During Pregnancy: Less Impact on Long Term Outcomes Than Previously Reported
Rommel and colleagues present a systematic review examining the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to antidepressants on physical, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric outcomes in children 4 years of age or older.