November, 2007 - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Cognitive Therapy versus Medication in the Treatment of Depression

Both antidepressant medications and cognitive therapy have been shown to be effective for the treatment of depression; however, the question remains as to whether one treatment is preferred over the other. Subjects enrolled in The Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study (men and women with major depression, ages 18-75) were initially treated with citalopram, an SSRI. Those who had unsatisfactory outcomes after initial treatment were eligible for a randomized second-step treatment trial in which they switched to a new treatment (either cognitive therapy or a different antidepressant) or augmented the citalopram regimen with either cognitive therapy or a different antidepressant.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T11:03:46-04:00November 26th, 2007|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|1 Comment

Treatment of Insomnia During Pregnancy

Most women experience some degree of sleep disturbance during pregnancy, and for a significant number of women sleep disruption may be quite severe. There are many different causes for sleep disturbance during pregnancy, and choosing the appropriate intervention relies on an accurate diagnosis of the problem.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T11:02:32-04:00November 19th, 2007|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|40 Comments

Can Estrogen Be Used to Treat Posptartum Depression?

After delivery, women experience a dramatic drop in estrogen hormone levels. Many have hypothesized that this decline in estrogen levels may precipitate postpartum depression (PPD) in susceptible individuals, and several studies have explored the use of estrogen for the treatment of depression after delivery.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-07-27T12:57:41-04:00November 15th, 2007|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|0 Comments

Oral Contraceptives for the Treatment of Premenstrual Mood Symptoms

Oral contraceptives are commonly prescribed for the treatment of premenstrual symptoms and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); however, the evidence supporting the use of oral contraceptives in this setting is limited. While most studies have shown that oral contraceptives are not effective for the treatment of premenstrual symptoms, there is preliminary evidence that a new oral contraceptive pill, Yaz, which contains low-dose estrogen and a novel progestin called drospirenone, may alleviate the symptoms of PMDD.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:57:47-04:00November 13th, 2007|PMS and PMDD|3 Comments

Paroxetine CR May Be Helpful for Menopausal Women Discontinuing Hormone Therapy

Estrogen was first approved by the FDA for the treatment of menopausal symptoms in 1942, and for many decades estrogen replacement therapy had been widely prescribed for peri- and post-menopausal women. In 2002, however, data from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) suggested that hormonal therapy may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. These findings have led to a dramatic decrease in the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), with many women abruptly discontinuing its use.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:53:58-04:00November 12th, 2007|Menopausal Symptoms|1 Comment

ACOG Opinion on SSRI Use During Pregnancy

Recent reports have raised questions regarding the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) during pregnancy. To date, no professional medical association has issued formal guidelines regarding the use of SSRIs during pregnancy. However, in December the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ACOG published an opinion paper on this topic that is noteworthy for its clarity and balanced review of the existing data on the reproductive safety of SSRI antidepressants (Obstetrics and Gynecology 2006;108:1601-3). The ACOG report addressed the following issues:

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:50:42-04:00November 12th, 2007|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Women Taking Valproate

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) occurs in 4-7% of women and is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and hyperandrogenism (facial hair, acne, male-pattern hair loss, acne, or elevated male hormone levels). The majority of women with PCOS also suffer from obesity and insulin resistance. PCOS has been associated with a spectrum of health problems including infertility, diabetes, and possibly heart disease and endometrial cancer. Recently there has been concern that women with bipolar disorder who are treated with the mood stabilizer valproate (VPA; brand name Depakote or Depakene), may be at higher risk for PCOS, although the data have been somewhat conflicting.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-06-08T07:07:45-04:00November 8th, 2007|Women's Mental Health|0 Comments

Sleep Problems in Menopausal Women

Peri- and post-menopausal women frequently complain of insomnia or poor sleep quality. Sleep disturbance is often attributed to nocturnal hot flashes; however, a recent study from researchers at Wayne State University School of Medicine suggests that about half of these women may have a primary sleep disorder.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:44:52-04:00November 3rd, 2007|Menopausal Symptoms|11 Comments

Monthly Archives: November 2007