MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Using Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Treat Depression During Pregnancy

We commonly see women in our consultation service who have histories of depression and are planning pregnancy. They frequently have questions about alternative treatments for depression while pregnant. Given that many women are taking omega-3 fatty acids prior to pregnancy, the question arises whether they should discontinue them during pregnancy. An additional question is whether omega-3 fatty acids can be used instead of antidepressants for the treatment of depression during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:54:17-04:00June 25th, 2008|Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Interactions Between Antidepressants and Tamoxifen

Women receiving tamoxifen for the treatment or prevention of breast cancer should be aware of possible drug-drug interactions with specific antidepressant medications (e.g., SSRI). These antidepressants are used widely to treat depression and anxiety disorders. In addition, multiple studies have shown that these antidepressants are an effective non-hormonal treatment for hot flashes; over 25% of women who are experiencing hot flashes related to tamoxifen therapy are now prescribed antidepressants to manage their symptoms.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2019-11-03T22:30:23-04:00June 18th, 2008|Antidepressants, Breast Cancer, Outcomes|Comments Off

FDA Proposes Major Revision of Prescription Drug Labeling

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed major revisions to prescription drug labeling in order to provide more accurate and helpful information on the effects of medications used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As it stands, the current system used by the FDA classifies the reproductive safety of medications using five risk categories (A, B, C, D and X) based on data derived from human and animal studies. While widely used to make decisions regarding the use of medications during pregnancy, many have criticized this system of classification, indicating that this type of drug labeling is often not helpful and, even worse, may be misleading.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:41:57-04:00June 10th, 2008|Child Outcomes, Neonatal Symptoms, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

MOTHERS Act Legislation Faces Opposition

The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act — named for an Illinois woman who committed suicide three months after giving birth — was approved by the House of Representatives in October. This article from the North Jersey Record reports that the legislation has been held up in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:36:11-04:00June 4th, 2008|Advocacy, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Melatonin in Pregnancy: Is it Safe?

Many women experience some degree of sleep disturbance during pregnancy. For a significant number of women, the sleep disruption may be so severe as to require some type of intervention. In a previous post, we discussed the use of different types of medications to treat insomnia during pregnancy. While these drugs are highly effective, many women with sleep problems inquire about the use of "natural" agents, such as melatonin, during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2017-04-07T09:30:08-04:00May 30th, 2008|Alternative & Complementary, Child Outcomes, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations, Sleep Medications|Comments Off

Postpartum Depression in Men Linked to Psychiatric Illness in Their Children

While many studies have looked at the impact of postpartum depression in mothers on their children, there is very limited data on postnatal depression in the fathers and the potential impact it may have on their children.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:27:52-04:00May 26th, 2008|Child Outcomes, Outcomes, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|Comments Off

Maternal Stress and Low Birth Weight Predict Later Risk for Mood and Anxiety Disorders

It has been postulated that psychological stress in the mother, if present at a critical time of brain development, can permanently alter a child's response to stress and may have long-term negative consequences. In response to stress, blood flow to the uterus is restricted and the fetus receives fewer nutrients, which may result in lower birth weight. Several studies have demonstrated an association between maternal stress and low birth weight, and it is felt that low birth weight is a marker for stressful intrauterine conditions.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:24:01-04:00May 22nd, 2008|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Depression is Common Following Successful IVF

Psychological symptoms play a significant role in infertility. Some studies have examined the impact of psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression) on fertility status. Most of this research has focused on women with unsuccessful IVF treatment. Some have investigated the extent to which a woman's psychological state during assisted reproductive therapy (ART, which includes in vitro fertilization (IVF)) interferes with the success of the treatment. ART itself has been shown in other studies to negatively impact a patient's psychological well-being, with prolonged treatment associated with increased depression and anxiety.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:17:47-04:00May 18th, 2008|Depressive Disorders, Infertility and Mental Health|Comments Off

Stress During Pregnancy Increases ADHD Risk

While genetic factors are clearly important in determining a child’s risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), recent studies have investigated the link between exposure to certain maternal behaviors during pregnancy, such as smoking and alcohol use, and the risk of developing behavioral problems related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood. While multiple studies have indicated a greater risk of ADHD symptoms among children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy, contradictory findings were reported in studies focusing on exposure to alcohol. Results from studies investigating the impact of psychological stress during pregnancy have been inconsistent but suggest a possible contribution to ADHD symptoms int he offspring.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:07:59-04:00May 10th, 2008|Anxiety Disorders, Child Outcomes, Depressive Disorders, Long-Term Outcomes, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, PTSD and Stress Related Disorders|Comments Off

Eating Disorders in Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression

The British Medical Journal recently published a brief, but comprehensive review of eating disorders in pregnancy by Veronica Bridget Ward. Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorder not otherwise specified) most commonly occur in women of reproductive age and may be influenced by pregnancy and its associated weight gain and change in body shape. Some women experience a worsening of eating disorder symptoms, while others improve, or remain unchanged throughout the course of the pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T12:55:07-04:00May 8th, 2008|Eating Disorders, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off

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