MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Eating Disorders

Most studies have shown that women experience an improvement or remission in eating disorders during pregnancy; however, studies assessing how eating disorders may affect pregnancy outcomes have yielded conflicting results. While some studies have demonstrated no negative effects, others have demonstrated higher miscarriage rates among women with bulimia nervosa. In addition, women with histories of eating disorders have been shown to be significantly more likely to experience preterm delivery and to give birth to babies small for gestational age.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:10:02-04:00September 11th, 2012|Eating Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Lithium Use During Pregnancy: What are the Long-Term Effects?

While we have data on the use of lithium use during pregnancy with regard to risk for congenital malformations, there is much less information on the long-term effects of lithium on neurodevelopment. A recent study from the Perinatal Center of the Leiden University Medical Center provides some reassuring data on the long-term effects of lithium exposure.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:27:08-04:00September 5th, 2012|Child Outcomes, Mood Stabilizers, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

More on Vitamin D and Depression

We have recently written about the link between vitamin D and depression. While several studies have indicated that low vitamin D levels may be associated with depression, we lack randomized, controlled trials assessing the benefits of vitamin D supplements for the treatment (or prevention) of depression. A recent report from the Women's Health Initiative Calcium and Vitamin D Trial included 36,282 women (50 to 80 years of age) who were randomized to receive 400 IU vitamin D (with 1000 mg calcium) or to placebo.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-07-27T12:45:01-04:00September 5th, 2012|Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

New Research from the CWMH: Escitalopram and Sleep in Midlife Women with Vasomotor Symptoms

Selective serotonin and serotonin-norepinephrine inhibitors (SSRIs and SNRIs) have been shown to be effective for the treatment of hot flashes. However, these agents may carry certain side effects, including sexual side effects and sleep disturbance. These two side effects may be particularly concerning to peri- and postmenopausal women who, in addition to having vasomotor symptoms, are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction and sleep disruption than premenopausal women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-06-08T09:03:31-04:00August 20th, 2012|Medication, Menopausal Symptoms, Research at CWMH, Sleep Disorders, Treatment|Comments Off

More on Topiramate (Topamax) and Risk of Oral Clefts

Earlier this year we reported on a possible association between first trimester exposure to topiramate (Topamax) and increased risk of cleft lip and palate. In a recent study published by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, researches drew upon data from two birth defect databases to further delineate the risks associated with topiramate exposure.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:17:18-04:00August 13th, 2012|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Mood Stabilizers, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Weight Loss and a Low-Fat Diet Help to Reduce Hot Flashes in Menopausal Women

Various studies have shown that women with a higher body mass index (BMI) or a higher percent of body fat have more frequent or more severe menopausal symptoms. In a recent study, researchers evaluated the impact of a low-fat diet on vasomotor symptoms in a group of 17,473 postmenopausal women between the ages of 50 and 79.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:19:50-04:00August 8th, 2012|Alternative & Complementary, Menopausal Symptoms, Prevention, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off

New Research from the CWMH: Surgically Induced Menopause No Worse than Natural in Terms of Risk for Depression, Anxiety

Each year about 600,000 women in the United States undergo a hysterectomy. Somewhere between 55% and 80% of these women who also have their ovaries removed along with the uterus—a procedure known as oophorectomy. After the removal of the ovaries, menopause follows immediately and is associated with a constellation of symptoms including hot flashes and insomnia, as well as depression and anxiety.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:02:53-04:00August 2nd, 2012|Depressive Disorders, Menopausal Symptoms, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Research at CWMH|Comments Off

Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to Screen for Antenatal Depression: Once is Not Enough

Over the past few years, there has been a push to screen women for depression both during pregnancy and the postpartum period. While there have been various initiatives mandating screening, there remain questions regarding the optimal timing of screening and the best screening tools to use.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:23:32-04:00July 30th, 2012|Diagnosis & Screening, Postpartum Depression, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Folic Acid and Risk of Perinatal Depression: Is There an Association?

Recent reports suggest that people with lower folate levels are at higher risk of major depression or may experience more severe depressive symptoms. Other studies indicate that in folate deficient patients, antidepressants may be less effective or may take longer to take effect. In addition, some clinical trials have shown that folate may have a therapeutic effect on depression, either when taken alone or in combination with an antidepressant.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:25:29-04:00July 25th, 2012|Depressive Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

New Research from the CWMH: History of Depression and Anxiety Predict Lower Quality of Life in Midlife Women

The National Comorbidity Survey estimates that by the time women reach midlife, approximately 23% have experienced at least one episode of major depression and 30% have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Depression and anxiety disorders are each associated with impaired functioning and lower quality of life (QOL). There is also some data to suggest that, even after a depressive episode resolves, those with a history of a affective illness have a lower quality of life than those without histories of depression, with impairment in social and interpersonal functioning.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:02:53-04:00July 24th, 2012|Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Menopausal Symptoms, Research at CWMH|Comments Off

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