MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

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

Do Oral Contraceptives Cause Mood Changes?

Many women have concerns about the side effects of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Potential side effects include bloating, breast tenderness, and weight gain. In addition, some women may experience depression or mood swings, side effects that may influence a woman’s decision to start taking a birth control pill, particularly if she has a history of depression.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T12:44:52-04:00May 1st, 2008|Contraception, Depressive Disorders, General|Comments Off

Accumulating Data on Prenatal Exposure to SSRIs

November, 2006 by LEE COHEN, M.D. Over the last year, several studies on possible neonatal effects of prenatal exposure to SSRIs have been reviewed in this column. These studies have raised concerns about potential risks, [...]

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-12-11T12:38:11-04:00April 29th, 2008|Antidepressants, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

New Study Does Not Find Link Between Paroxetine and Cardiovascular Defects

In 2006, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) elected to change product label warnings for the antidepressant paroxetine (Paxil), advising against the use of this drug by women who are pregnant. This decision was based on preliminary studies which suggested an increase in the risk of cardiovascular malformations among infants exposed to paroxetine in utero. A recent study from the Motherisk Program in Toronto has reported on the outcomes of over 3000 paroxetine-exposed infants.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T12:19:14-04:00April 23rd, 2008|Antidepressants, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Migraine Headaches Associated with the Menstrual Cycle

Up to 25% of women experience migraine headaches during their reproductive years; often migraine headaches may be triggered or exacerbated by hormonal changes. It has been estimated that 7-14% of women experience migraines only during the premenstrual or menstrual phase of their cycles. Another 52-70% experience headaches throughout the month but note increased headache activity before or during menses.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T12:09:45-04:00April 10th, 2008|General|Comments Off

Obesity Linked to Postpartum Depression Risk

Previous studies have linked postpartum depression (PPD) to numerous risk factors, including depression during pregnancy, a history of depression prior to pregnancy, as well as marital problems, recent stressful events, and inadequate social supports.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T12:04:47-04:00April 3rd, 2008|Depressive Disorders, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|Comments Off

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Menopausal Hot Flashes

Many women report vasomotor symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweats, during the menopausal transition. While estrogen is clearly one of the most effective treatments for vasomotor symptoms, recent concerns regarding the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have made treaters much more reluctant to recommend HRT, even for short-term management of vasomotor symptoms. A recent study has demonstrated that acupuncture may be an effective non-hormonal treatment for vasomotor symptoms.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T11:54:30-04:00March 31st, 2008|Alternative & Complementary, Menopausal Symptoms, Treatment|Comments Off

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