MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Light Therapy: A Good Alternative to Medications during Pregnancy?

Depression during pregnancy is common and has major health implications for the mother, the fetus and the family. On this website, we have reviewed numerous treatments for affective disorders in pregnancy, including psychotropic medications and several forms of psychotherapy. We have not had much data to support the use of light therapy for antepartum depression, yet I often discuss light therapy as a potential adjunctive treatment for patients with a seasonal component to their depression. A recent study, published by Wirz-Justice and colleagues in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, provides evidence that light therapy may be a useful non-pharmacologic treatment for women who suffer from depression during pregnancy(1).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2024-07-24T11:56:34-04:00October 20th, 2011|Alternative & Complementary, Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Antidepressant Treatment During Pregnancy: One Woman’s Experience (Part IV)

Part 4: The Postpartum Period

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:44:15-04:00October 18th, 2011|Depressive Disorders, Medication, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Antidepressant Treatment During Pregnancy: One Woman’s Experience (Part III)

Part 3: Planning for the Postpartum Period

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:44:03-04:00September 19th, 2011|Depressive Disorders, Medication, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Antidepressant Treatment During Pregnancy: One Woman’s Experience (Part II)

Part 2: Pregnancy

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:42:32-04:00September 14th, 2011|Depressive Disorders, Medication, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Antidepressant Treatment During Pregnancy: One Woman’s Experience (Part 1)

Part 1: Pre-Pregnancy Planning

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:42:14-04:00August 29th, 2011|Depressive Disorders, Medication, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Sleep Medications: What Information Do We Have on Reproductive Safety?

It is estimated that up to 95% of women experience some type of sleep disturbance during pregnancy. While for many women the insomnia is relatively benign and may respond to simple interventions, other women experience more severe insomnia which has a significant impact on their quality of life and ability to function. Various non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agents, specifically zalepion (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zolpidem (Ambien), are commonly used for the short-term treatment of insomnia; however, information regarding the reproductive safety of these sleep aids has been sparse.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:41:21-04:00August 1st, 2011|Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Sleep Medications|Comments Off

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|2024-07-24T11:49:06-04:00July 18th, 2011|Autism Spectrum Disorder, Child Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

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|Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

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|Antidepressants, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

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|Antidepressants, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

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