COVID-19 Outbreak: How to Support Our Children
Over the last few weeks, our world has changed dramatically. Everything is different, and families are struggling to find their equilibrium. Schools and daycare centers are closed. Many parents are working remotely, while trying to take care of their kids. Most of the United States is under some sort of lockdown, where activities are limited and home is the place we are all supposed to be. There are all kinds of hassles, but there is...
Looking at the Risk of Preeclampsia and Postpartum Hemorrhage in Women Taking Antidepressants During Pregnancy
Over the last decade, various studies have examined the risk of obstetric complications in women using antidepressants during pregnancy. Preeclampsia: Some studies have suggested that pregnant women taking SSRI antidepressants may be at higher risk for gestational hypertension and, particularly, preeclampsia. However, other studies have shown a link between depression and anxiety and risk for preeclampsia, and it has been suggested that both conditions may trigger the pathogenic vascular processes that lead to gestational hypertension...
Weekly Roundup for MARCH 27, 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. The most exciting thing we have this week is not an article but something new we will be offering to perinatal psychiatry providers -- virtual rounds!! Our colleagues are invited to join us for rounds on Wednesdays...
From the Center Director: Join us for Rounds at the Center for Women’s Mental Health
From the Center Director, Dr. Lee S. Cohen: Join us for Virtual Rounds at the CWMH Starting Wednesday, April 1st The last few weeks has brought a whole new lexicon into play from "social distancing" to "PPE's" to "virtual care" to "flattening the curve". As our faculty at the Center for Women’s Mental Health (CWMH) have gone fully remote with respect to clinical and research activity, we have managed to stay connected these last two...
Suicidal Ideation in Pregnancy More Common in Women with Trauma Histories
Suicidal ideation is relatively common among pregnant women; however, the risk of attempted or completed suicide in this poplaiton is lower that observed in the general population. In screening women for suicidal ideation, our primary goal is to reduce the risk of suicide. The vast majority of women who report suicidal ideation will not go on to attempt or commit suicide; yet, that single question can help us to identify women with other mental health...
Commonly Used Screening Tools May Not Identify Women with Perinatal Anxiety Disorders
Commonly Used Screening Tools May Not Identify Women with Perinatal Anxiety Disorders In 2015, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a committee opinion recommending that clinicians screen patients at least once during the perinatal period for depression and anxiety symptoms. Most obstetric clinics use questionnaires, like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, to screen for depression. While this screening tool was specifically designed to screen for depression, it does include some questions about anxiety...