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So far MGH Center for Women's Mental Health has created 1461 blog entries.

Mild to Moderate Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy Associated with Lower Cognitive Functioning

Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. We have known for a long time that severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy may affect the cognitive development of the unborn child.  According to a recent Lancet study, even children born to women with mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy are at increased risk for lower IQ and reading ability (assessed at age 9).  The most severe effects were observed among children born to women with severe deficiency (<50 mcg/g iodine:creatinine ratio). 

By |2020-12-11T12:42:47-04:00June 6th, 2013|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off on Mild to Moderate Iodine Deficiency in Pregnancy Associated with Lower Cognitive Functioning
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Prenatal Exposure to Antidepressants and Risk of Autism

It is estimated that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% to 2% of children.  Research carried out in twins and families indicate that ASD is highly heritable; however, it is generally believed that while  genetic factors play an important role, there is an interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of this disorder.  Various environmental exposures have been implicated, including vaccinations, mercury, air pollution, insecticides, and infection.

By |2015-08-06T09:41:13-04:00May 29th, 2013|Antidepressants, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off on Prenatal Exposure to Antidepressants and Risk of Autism
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Valproic Acid and Pregnancy: FDA Issues Warning

There have been multiple recent reports indicating that the use of valproate during pregnancy may be associated with lower IQ, cognitive problems, and developmental delays in exposed children.  This has prompted the FDA to issue a warning regarding the use of valproate-containing drugs, including Depakote and Depakene, during pregnancy:

By |2015-08-06T09:43:35-04:00May 21st, 2013|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on Valproic Acid and Pregnancy: FDA Issues Warning
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Soy Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: Higher Doses and More Frequent Dosing May Help

Studies assessing the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) for the treatment of menopause-related hot flashes have yielded conflicting results.  Most studies have demonstrated that treatments such as soy and black cohosh are not likely to be effective in most women; however, a new study suggests that women who take higher doses (100 to 200 mg)of isoflavones and more frequent dosing (2-3 times per day) may experience a greater reduction in the frequency of hot flashes.

By |2015-08-06T10:30:22-04:00May 17th, 2013|Alternative & Complementary, Menopausal Symptoms, Treatment, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off on Soy Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: Higher Doses and More Frequent Dosing May Help
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Atypical Antipsychotic Medications: What Do We Know About Their Reproductive Safety?

Atypical antipsychotic medications are commonly used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.  Despite the increasing use of these medications in women of child-bearing age, there is still relatively little data regarding the reproductive safety and long-term neurodevelopmental effects of these medications. A recent study assessed the development of 76 infants with fetal exposure to atypical antipsychotics.

By |2015-08-06T10:39:32-04:00May 15th, 2013|Antipsychotic Medications, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on Atypical Antipsychotic Medications: What Do We Know About Their Reproductive Safety?
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New Research from the CWMH: Vasomotor Symptoms Frequently Recur After Discontinuation of SSRI

For the treatment of menopausal vasomotor symptoms (VMS), such as hot flashes and night sweats, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective and well-tolerated.  Positive effects are observed within 4 weeks of the initiation of treatment.  However, we do not know how long treatment with an SSRI must be continued in order to maintain control of VMS. Nor do we know if VMS will recur after discontinuation of SSRI or if recurrent VMS may be less frequent or less bothersome after receiving SSRI treatment. A recent report from Dr. Hadine Joffe and colleagues at the Center for Women’s Mental Health assessed the recurrence of vasomotor symptoms in women treated with SSRIs.

By |2016-03-28T13:02:52-04:00May 13th, 2013|Menopausal Symptoms, Research at CWMH, Treatment, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off on New Research from the CWMH: Vasomotor Symptoms Frequently Recur After Discontinuation of SSRI
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Remote Enrollment Initiated in MGH Study Assessing Mood Symptoms Across Infertility Treatment

We are pleased to announce the recent launch of an exciting new research initiative that is being conducted by the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Women’s Mental Health.  The Symptom Tracking in Assisted Reproductive Technologies study (START study) will focus on understanding the risk factors for depressive relapse in women undergoing infertility treatments.  There has been a growing request in our clinical work to address the needs of women undergoing infertility treatments.  It is our hope that such a study will provide important information on the course and risk of depression in women undergoing fertility treatment and thus inform clinical care.

By |2016-03-28T13:32:10-04:00May 7th, 2013|Depressive Disorders, Infertility and Mental Health, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Research at CWMH|Comments Off on Remote Enrollment Initiated in MGH Study Assessing Mood Symptoms Across Infertility Treatment
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Perinatal Depression: Maybe or Maybe Not

The omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), have a broad range of health benefits and may be beneficial for the treatment of mood disorders.  Because during pregnancy omega-3 fatty acids are diverted to the developing fetus, some women may develop a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy.  Previous studies have shown that pregnant women with lower levels of DHA may be more vulnerable to depressive symptoms.  Several small studies have attempted to use omega-3 fatty acids to treat perinatal depression but have yielded inconsistent findings.  

By |2015-08-07T14:43:16-04:00May 6th, 2013|Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off on Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Perinatal Depression: Maybe or Maybe Not
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Mediterranean Diet Benefits Perimenopausal Women with Hot Flashes

In a large study from Australia, researchers found that menopausal women who ate diets high in fruit, certain vegetables, pasta and red wine were 20% less likely to have hot flashes and night sweats.

By |2015-08-06T11:02:25-04:00May 2nd, 2013|Alternative & Complementary, Menopausal Symptoms, Treatment, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off on Mediterranean Diet Benefits Perimenopausal Women with Hot Flashes
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Research from the CWMH: Duloxetine for Menopausal Symptoms

A substantial proportion of women transitioning into menopause experience a new onset or recurrence of depressive symptoms.  A new study from the Center for Women’s Mental Health indicates that duloxetine (Cymbalta) is effective for the treatment of depression and may also have a beneficial effect on vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats).

By |2015-08-06T11:08:15-04:00April 29th, 2013|Depressive Disorders, Medication, Menopausal Symptoms, Research at CWMH, Treatment, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off on Research from the CWMH: Duloxetine for Menopausal Symptoms
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