2007 - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

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

Does Estrogen Improve Cognition?

While earlier observational studies suggested that postmenopausal hormone treatment may improve cognitive functioning in women, studies from the Women's Health Initiative have shown that estrogen replacement therapy started in postmenopausal women (65 years or older) did not enhance cognitive functioning nor did it decrease the risk of dementia.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:40:12-04:00October 30th, 2007|Menopausal Symptoms|0 Comments

Binge Eating Disorder is More Common during Pregnancy

While it appears that many women with eating disorders may experience a remission of their symptoms during pregnancy, a new study from researchers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and the University of Oslo, Norway suggests that binge eating disorder may be triggered during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:36:36-04:00October 27th, 2007|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|1 Comment

Link Found Between Anxiety and Preterm Birth

While there have been concerns regarding the reproductive safety of psychotropic medications, it must be recognized that withholding or withdrawing pharmacologic treatment for depression or anxiety during pregnancy may not always be the safest option. Untreated psychiatric illness in the mother cannot be considered a benign event, and a number of studies have indicated that depression during pregnancy may negatively affect pregnancy outcomes (reviewed in Bonari 2004).

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-03-24T11:57:46-04:00October 22nd, 2007|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

SSRIs and Pregnancy: Putting the Risks into Perspective

Depression is common during pregnancy, affecting 10% to 15% of women. While psychotherapy is an attractive option for the treatment of depression during pregnancy, all women do not respond to this intervention and many require pharmacotherapy. Thus far, no antidepressants have yet been approved by the FDA for use during pregnancy. Although data accumulated over the past 30 years suggest that certain medications, including the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be used safely during pregnancy, several new studies have raised concerns regarding the use of these medications during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:29:44-04:00October 7th, 2007|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Panic Attacks in Older Women Linked to Heart Disease

An article published in the October 2007 issue of Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that older women who experience panic attacks may be at increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke and at increased risk of death over the next five years. MGH researcher Jordan W. Smoller, M.D. and colleagues followed 3,369 healthy postmenopausal women as part of the Women’s Health Initiative. Upon entry into the study, participants filled out a questionnaire about the occurrence of panic attacks in the previous six months and were then followed prospectively for an average of 5.3 years to assess risk for cardiovascular disease. About 10 percent of the women reported having a full-blown panic attack in the six months prior to the study.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:28:51-04:00October 2nd, 2007|Menopausal Symptoms|1 Comment

Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Side Effects

A recent article published in Psychiatric Times reviews options for the management of antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction. According to this review, sexual side effects may occur in 40% to 70% of patients treated with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) and is a common reason for poor compliance with treatment and eventual discontinuation. When sexual side effects occur, they tend to emerge early, are persistent, and rarely resolve spontaneously.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-16T14:56:44-04:00October 1st, 2007|Women's Mental Health|0 Comments

Two MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health Physicians Featured in Elle Magazine

Lee S. Cohen, MD, and Hadine Joffe, MD, MSc, shared their expertise in reproductive health and oral contraceptives (OC) for Elle magazine’s recent article, “Against the Flow.” The article discusses Lybrel, the first continuous OC approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This new birth control pill has received attention because its continual low dose of estrogen and progestin completely eliminates monthly bleeding in women. It is 98 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, provides long-term health benefits, and eliminates what many women consider the “hassles” of menstruation.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:25:07-04:00September 28th, 2007|PMS and PMDD|6 Comments

Yearly Archives: 2007