Essential Reads: Emerging Evidence of the Long-Term Effects of Cannabis on the Developing Brain
Despite decreasing rates of alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, the use of cannabis use during pregnancy is on the rise. We are seeing an increasing number of women in our clinic who are using marijuana on a regular basis — recreationally and medically prescribed. This is no surprise given [...]
Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid Linked to Increased Risk for Autism, ADHD
Prenatal exposure to valproate has been associated with an elevated risk (10%) for a broad range of congenital malformations including neural tube defects, as well as adverse neurodevelopmental sequelae, including lower IQ and developmental delays in offspring. Several studies have shown that exposure to valproic acid (Depakote) may be associated [...]
Weekly Roundup for FEBRUARY 5, 2021: 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. For more detailed descriptions of many of these topics, you can [...]
Recruiting New Mothers with Postpartum Depression for the Skylark Study
In 2019, brexanolone was introduced by Sage Therapeutics as Zulresso, a novel treatment for postpartum depression. The oral version of this novel antidepressant – SAGE 217 or zuranolone – is now finishing up its Phase 3 trials. Like brexanolone, SAGE-217 is a neurosteroid, an analogue of allopregnanolone which is a [...]
Essential Reads: Clinical Challenges in the Treatment of Perimenopausal Women with Schizophrenia
Over the years there have been multiple reports indicating that women with schizophrenia may experience worsening of their symptoms as they transition into the menopause. In addition, while schizophrenia typically has its onset in young adulthood, there is a second peak in women around menopause. Researchers have postulated that falling [...]
Food for Thought: Are Women with ADHD at Increased Risk for Hormonally Mediated Mood Disorders?
While for some adults, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is relatively mild and, with effective treatment, does not have a significant impact on overall functioning or quality of life. However, it is noteworthy that the majority of adults with ADHD have a diagnosed or undiagnosed comorbid psychiatric disorder, which can make diagnosis [...]
Essential Reads: Phenomenology, Epidemiology and Aetiology of Postpartum Psychosis: A Review
Postpartum psychosis affects 1 to 2 per 1000 women after childbirth. About 40% of women who experience postpartum psychosis do not have a history of psychiatric illness; however, women with bipolar disorder or a history of postpartum psychosis are at particularly high risk. While we know that childbirth is a [...]
Using the WHIPLASHED Mnemonic to Distinguish Unipolar from Bipolar Depression
Women with bipolar disorder (BD) are at extremely high risk for postpartum psychiatric illness, including postpartum psychosis. While the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology now recommends that all women be screened for depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period, we have little information regarding the screening tools that [...]