MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Exposure to Antidepressants During Pregnancy and Risk of ADHD in the Offspring

Antenatal exposure to Wellbutrin (bupropion) does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of malformations in the exposed infant; however, it is not known if exposure to Wellbutrin during pregnancy has any effect on the child’s neurobehavioral development. In a study from Figueroa and colleagues published in 2010, insurance claims data from 38,704 children and their families were analyzed, using information obtained from the beginning of pregnancy until age 5. Outcomes were assessed in mothers taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or Wellbutrin before, during or after the pregnancy. This study sought to determine the risk of ADHD in exposed infants. Children up to the age of 5 were identified as having ADHD if they had an outpatient or inpatient claim with a primary or secondary diagnosis of ADHD or a prescription claim for stimulants.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-12-11T12:41:30-04:00May 7th, 2012|Antidepressants, Long-Term Outcomes, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Prenatal Antipsychotic Exposure and Neuromotor Performance

While a handful of studies have assessed the risk for congenital malformations in infants exposed to antipsychotic agents, there is even less information regarding neonatal outcome in this population. In 1992, it was first reported that infants exposed to first-generation antipsychotic medications exhibited increased muscle tone, tremulousness, and poor motor functioning when assessed within a few days of delivery.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:42:15-04:00April 25th, 2012|Antipsychotic Medications, Neonatal Symptoms, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

NAMS Supports the Use of Hormone Therapy in Perimenopausal and Recently Postmenopausal Women

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has updated its 2010 recommendations regarding the use of postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT) based on evidence accumulated subsequent to the previous report. In the decade since the first publication of the results from the Women's Health Initiative, we have accumulated evidence to indicate that multiple factors influence the effects of hormone therapy, including the type of estrogen used, the way the hormones are given, and the age and recency of menopause of the woman taking the medication. These factors also determine the risks associated with hormone therapy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:42:55-04:00March 21st, 2012|Hormone Therapy, Menopausal Symptoms, Treatment, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off

Katherine Stone Visits MGH

At MGH, we have Rounds weekly. For 2-3 hours per week, we discuss clinical cases, papers that come out in our field, and discuss our research. We have a relatively large group of perinatal psychiatrists, all of whom do clinical work, as well as social workers and a psychologist who regularly join us.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:44:32-04:00March 13th, 2012|Women's Mental Health|Comments Off

Children of Depressed Mothers Exposed to Multiple Risk Factors for Psychopathology

Multiple studies have concluded that the children of depressed mothers are at increased risk for behavioral problems and other mental health issues. Data from 7429 mother–child pairs participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children in the UK indicate that maternal depression (assessed when the children were 1.5 year old) is associated with an increased risk of psychiatric diagnoses in the children at 7.5 years of age.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:45:37-04:00March 12th, 2012|Depressive Disorders, Long-Term Outcomes, Outcomes, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|Comments Off

No Safe Level of Alcohol Use in Pregnancy

Reduced birth length and weight, microcephaly, and characteristic facial deformities (smooth philtrum and thin vermillion border) are associated with alcohol exposure during the second half of the first trimester and are dose-related. In this prospective study including 992 subjects, there was no evidence of a threshold, indicating that women should be advised to abstain from alcohol consumption from conception throughout pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:50:33-04:00March 12th, 2012|Alcohol, Outcomes, Perinatal Substance Use|Comments Off

Aerobic Training Improves Menopausal Symptoms and Mood

In this randomized clinical trial, 154 sedentary, symptomatic women were randomly assigned to an aerobic training or a control group. The intervention included unsupervised aerobic training for 50 minutes four times weekly for 24 weeks, whereas the control group attended health lectures twice a month. Night sweats, mood swings, and irritability were reduced more among the women in the intervention group than in the control group.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:51:26-04:00March 12th, 2012|Alternative & Complementary, Depressive Disorders, Menopausal Symptoms, Treatment|Comments Off

Raloxifene as Adjunctive Treatment for Postmenopausal Women with Schizophrenia

A few years ago on our blog, we reviewed a paper suggesting that estrogen may be a beneficial treatment for women with schizophrenia. In this study patients with schizophrenia receiving estrogen showed significant improvement in their positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions), but no difference in negative symptoms (reduction in range of emotional expression, poverty of speech, lack of motivation).1, 2 Additional studies have also found estrogen to be effective in improving positive and general symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. 3, 4

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:53:07-04:00February 13th, 2012|Menopausal Symptoms, Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders, Treatment|Comments Off

The National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics: Looking Ahead to 2012

We want to thank those of you who have continued to subscribe to our blog and who have visited our website. Some have written noting particular interest in the research conducted at the MGH Center for Women's Mental Health, including the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:23:57-04:00February 9th, 2012|Antipsychotic Medications, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Topiramate (Topamax) Associated with an Increased Risk of Oral Clefts

Topiramate (marketed as a Topamax), in addition to its use for the treatment of epilepsy, is now being prescribed to reproductive aged women for a broad spectrum of indications, including migraine headaches, weight control, and mood stabilization. Limited information is available on its reproductive safety; however, the preliminary data we do have raises some concerns regarding the use of topiramate in pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:57:19-04:00February 8th, 2012|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

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