2011 - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Autism Spectrum Disorders and SSRIs

It is now estimated that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% to 2% of the population. Data derived from twin and sibling studies indicate that ASD is highly heritable. While genetic factors clearly play an important role, other studies point to an interplay between environmental and genetic factors in the etiology of this disorder. Over the years, various environmental exposures have been implicated, including vaccinations, mercury, and insecticides; however, it has been difficult to generate solid evidence linking specific environmental factors with increased risk for autism.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:40:44-04:00July 18th, 2011|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|2 Comments

What is the Impact of Depression During Pregnancy?

In a recent study by Gerardin and colleagues, the authors note that more research has been done to demonstrate the consequences of postpartum depression than depression during pregnancy (also called antenatal or prenatal depression). Infants born to mothers with depression during pregnancy have been demonstrated to have lower scores on motor behavior and more crying and irritability. Few studies, however, have assessed the longer-term effects of antenatal depression.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:40:30-04:00July 12th, 2011|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|3 Comments

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Fertility (Part 2): What Can Basic Science Tell Us?

Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation and has been implicated in the development of mood and anxiety disorders. Serotonin transporters (SERT) facilitate the transfer of serotonin into neurons; serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants bind to these transporters and appear to exert their effect on mood by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and thus increasing the levels of this neurotransmitter at the synapse.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:39:53-04:00July 5th, 2011|Infertility and Mental Health|1 Comment

Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Fertility (Part 1): A Clinical Perspective

We previously reported that paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), may affect sperm motility and may thus have a negative impact on male fertility. Many women who are planning a pregnancy question whether SSRIs and other antidepressants may affect fertility; this is obviously a particularly important issue for those who are having difficulty conceiving.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:39:33-04:00July 1st, 2011|Infertility and Mental Health|0 Comments

Generalized Anxiety in Pregnancy

Few studies have focused on anxiety disorders in the perinatal period. While various studies have measured levels of anxiety or distress during pregnancy, most studies have relied upon self-report questionnaires to assess for anxiety. In contrast, few studies have used standardized diagnostic criteria to determine the prevalence of anxiety disorders in pregnant populations. In a recent study, Buist and colleagues studied the prevalence and course of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in a prospectively ascertained population of pregnant women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-04-10T13:27:22-04:00June 21st, 2011|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|3 Comments

Clinical Case: Should SSRIs Be Tapered Prior To Delivery?

Ms. T is a 33 year old woman with a history of recurrent depression who is 32 weeks pregnant with her first pregnancy. She has remained on her citalopram (Celexa) throughout pregnancy and has been well. Her gynecologist has encouraged her to enquire about coming off the Celexa prior to delivery in order to avoid symptoms of neonatal distress. What should she do?

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:36:21-04:00June 13th, 2011|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|1 Comment

Postpartum Depression and Poor Sleep Quality Occur Together

In a new mother, sleep is disrupted by repeated awakenings of the infant, but hormonal factors also seem to play a role. Immediately after childbirth, levels of the reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone, drop precipitously. It is believed that, because these hormones modulate neurotransmitter systems in the brain responsible for sleep quality, this dramatic hormonal shift may cause significant disruptions in sleep.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:36:07-04:00June 6th, 2011|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|1 Comment

In Utero Exposure to Antipsychotics

May 2011, ObGyn News, Lee S. Cohen, MD

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-11-26T08:40:43-04:00May 17th, 2011|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|2 Comments

Choice of Antidepressant May Affect Survival in Women on Tamoxifen for Breast Cancer

Tamoxifen is a SERM (selective estrogen receptor modulator) used in women with breast cancer; it reduces the risk of relapse and improves overall survival. Tamoxifen may also be used to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease. In order to be fully effective, tamoxifen must be metabolized to an active metabolite, endoxifen, by the liver enzyme CYP2D6. Consequently, any co-administered agent that inhibits this enzyme will reduce the conversion of tamoxifen to endoxifen, thereby potentially reducing the efficacy of tamoxifen as a breast cancer therapy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2019-11-03T22:28:44-04:00May 2nd, 2011|Antidepressants, Menopausal Symptoms|2 Comments

Anxiety During Pregnancy: How Does it Affect the Developing Fetal Brain?

During fetal life, neurons proliferate, migrate and form connections, providing the structure of the developing brain. Neurons reach their final destinations by the 16th week of gestation, while branching and making appropriate connections occur even before that time (1). The brain continues to develop during the entire pregnancy, with most of the synapse formation in the developing brain happens during the third trimester (2).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-09-01T11:40:38-04:00April 11th, 2011|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|4 Comments

Yearly Archives: 2011