MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Soy Supplements: No Effect on Cognition in Postmenopausal Women

Soy-based products have long been touted as a treatment for menopausal symptoms. However, many of the clinical studies measuring the effectiveness of dietary sources of soy isoflavones (e.g., soy beverages, soy powder) for the treatment of menopausal vasomotor symptoms (i.e., hot flushes, night sweats) have been negative. Less is known about the effects of soy on cognition. A large clinical trial suggests that soy may not have any positive effects on cognition in postmenopausal women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:31:30-04:00July 18th, 2012|Alternative & Complementary, Cognition, Menopausal Symptoms, Treatment|Comments Off

Infertility Increases Risk of Serious Psychiatric Illness

Multiple small studies have demonstrated a link between infertility and psychological distress, reporting high rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms among women with infertility. These studies have evaluated psychiatric symptoms or psychological distress; however, less is known about the prevalence of more significant psychiatric disorders in this population.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T13:54:43-04:00July 16th, 2012|Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Infertility and Mental Health, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off

Measuring the Effects of Antidepressants versus Untreated Depression on Pregnancy Outcomes

Multiple studies have demonstrated an increased risk of poor neonatal adaptation associated with exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants in late pregnancy. Results in the literature consistently indicate that about 25%-30% of infants exposed to SSRIs late in pregnancy manifest symptoms of poor neonatal adaption, including jitteriness, restlessness, increased muscle tone, rapid breathing. These symptoms are transient, resolving spontaneously with no specific medical intervention.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T13:56:55-04:00July 10th, 2012|Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Acupuncture Helpful for Reducing Anxiety in Women Undergoing IVF

Most women undergoing infertility treatment experience increased anxiety. In a randomized clinical trial, researchers explored the effectiveness of acupuncture in diminishing anxiety in a group of women undergoing IVF. 43 patients undergoing IVF received either active acupuncture (n=22) or sham treatment (n=21). Women with a history of psychiatric illness and those using antidepressants and/or anxiolytic drugs were excluded from the study. Anxiety levels were assessed before and after treatment using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAS).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T13:58:40-04:00July 10th, 2012|Alternative & Complementary, Anxiety Disorders, Infertility and Mental Health, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Premenstrual Symptoms: What About Herbal Supplements?

Many women with PMS and PMDD ask about herbal remedies for the treatment of their symptoms. WebMD recently reviewed this topic. The supplements most commonly mentioned for the treatment of PMS include chasteberry, evening primrose oil, Gingko biloba, St. John’s wort, and dandelion leaf. Some important things to remember:

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:02:34-04:00July 3rd, 2012|Alternative & Complementary, PMS & PMDD, Treatment|Comments Off

A Simple Educational Intervention Reduces the Risk of Postpartum Intervention

While postpartum depression can affect all women, there are certain populations which appear to be at particularly high risk, including women of lower socioeconomic status. These women have limited access to resources and have multiple stressors including housing problems, financial strain, and being a single parent. Researchers recently piloted an intervention randomized controlled trial involving 540 participants at an inner-city hospital in East Harlem, New York. The primary goal of this psychoeducational intervention was to reduce the risk of postpartum depression among black and Latina mothers.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:08:04-04:00July 2nd, 2012|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevention|Comments Off

Infertility Treatment is Stressful: But Does Stress Affect the Chances of Getting Pregnant?

It is common for women experiencing infertility and undergoing fertility treatment to experience significant emotional distress. Many women, reasoning that their emotional health influences their physical functioning, worry that the stress and anxiety they experience in this context may hinder their ability to become pregnant.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:26:09-04:00June 25th, 2012|Infertility and Mental Health, Outcomes, PTSD and Stress Related Disorders|Comments Off

Red Ginseng May Help with Menopausal Symptoms But Is It A Good Choice for All Women?

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:34:20-04:00June 19th, 2012|Alternative & Complementary, Menopausal Symptoms, Treatment, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off

In Brief: Menopausal Symptoms Usually Go Untreated

In this study, half of women aged 45 to 60 years reported experiencing menopausal symptoms. 69% of these women reported that their symptoms have negatively affected their lives. Among the women who endorsed menopausal symptoms, 72% had not received any treatment for their symptoms and 77% reported that they had not discussed treatment options with their healthcare providers.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-07-22T13:44:53-04:00June 18th, 2012|Depressive Disorders, Menopausal Symptoms, Treatment, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off

Postpartum PTSD is Probably More Common Than You Think

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in approximately 10% of all women at some point in their lifetime. PTSD tends to occur more commonly in women during their childbearing years, yet we have only recently begun to look more closely at the incidence of PTSD associated with childbirth.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:40:47-04:00June 12th, 2012|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors, PTSD and Stress Related Disorders|Comments Off

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