MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Light Therapy for Depression During Pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy (antenatal depression) is relatively common, affecting about 10% of women. While there is a growing body of literature supporting the reproductive safety of certain antidepressants, our understanding of how these psychotropic medications affect the developing fetus remains incomplete. For this reason, antidepressants are typically avoided during pregnancy; thus, there is a clear need for effective non-pharmacologic treatments for women at high risk for antenatal depression.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T11:00:36-04:00June 23rd, 2002|Alternative & Complementary, Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Agnus Castus Fruit Extract as a Treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome

During the period before menstruation, many women report experiencing psychological and physical symptoms collectively referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The fruits, leaves and flowers of Vitex agnus castus (the Chaste Tree) have traditionally been used to relieve these symptoms. While the mode of action is not clear, the effects of the plant seem to mimic those of the corpus luteum, stimulating the production of lutenizing hormone, thereby increasing progesterone production. Schellenberg and colleagues recently studied the effects of agnus castus fruit in women with premenstrual syndrome.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T11:28:59-04:00May 20th, 2002|Alternative & Complementary, PMS & PMDD, Treatment|Comments Off

Depression and Preterm Labor

Although most people tend to think of pregnancy as a time of emotional well-being, depression is relatively common, affecting about 1 in 10 women. While there are obvious concerns related to the use of antidepressants during pregnancy and the effects of these medications on the developing fetus, less attention has focused on the impact of depression itself on the pregnancy. A recent study suggests that women with depression may be at greater risk for preterm labor.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T10:48:28-04:00April 30th, 2002|Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Venlafaxine for Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is relatively common, occurring in about 10 to 15% of women after delivery. Several reports have documented the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) sertraline, fluoxetine, and fluvoxamine for the treatment of this disorder. In a recent report, Cohen and colleagues have demonstrated the efficacy of venlafaxine for the treatment of PPD.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:24:00-04:00February 20th, 2002|Medication, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Treatment|Comments Off

Breastfeeding and Antidepressants

When discussing the use of antidepressant medications by breastfeeding women, It is somewhat misleading to say that certain medications are “safer” than others. All medications taken by the mother are secreted into the breast milk. The amount of drug to which the infant is exposed depends on many factors, including the medication dosage, as well as the infant’s age and feeding schedule. To date, we have not found that certain medications are found at lower levels in the breast milk and may therefore pose less of a risk to the nursing infant. Nor have we found that any antidepressant medication has been associated with serious adverse events in the baby.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T10:19:39-04:00January 6th, 2002|Antidepressants, Breastfeeding & Medications|Comments Off

Benzodiazepines and Pregnancy

The following post was written in 2001. The inforamiton has not changed considerably, but here are some more recent articles on this topic:

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2019-07-13T21:48:51-04:00May 6th, 2001|Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Selecting an Antidepressant During Pregnancy

Most women and their doctors try to avoid using medications during pregnancy. Of greatest concern is that a medication used during pregnancy may in some way harm the developing fetus or, at the very worst, cause a birth defect. But what happens when a pregnant woman needs to take a medication?

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T10:15:46-04:00May 6th, 2001|Anxiety Disorders, Child Outcomes, Depressive Disorders, Medication, Pregnancy & Medications, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Risk of Malformations, Treatment|Comments Off

Alternative Treatments for PMS

During the two weeks prior to the onset of a menstrual period, many women experience physical symptoms, such as bloating, breast tenderness, headache, and muscle aches. A small proportion of women also note a change in their mood and complain of irritability, mood swings, depressed mood, or feeling tense. If these symptoms interfere with a woman's ability to function, she may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T10:11:46-04:00May 6th, 2001|Alternative & Complementary, PMS & PMDD, Treatment|Comments Off

Bipolar Disorder and Pregnancy

Unfortunately the mood stabilizers most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder (including lithium and valproic acid) can increase the risk of certain types of birth defects or congenital malformations in children exposed to these medications during the first trimester of pregnancy. For this reason, many women with bipolar disorder choose to discontinue maintenance treatment during pregnancy. However, we have observed very high rates of illness during pregnancy among these women who discontinue treatment; over half of the women relapse, most frequently during the first trimester.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:38:39-04:00January 6th, 2001|Bipolar Disorder, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Preventing Depression During Pregnancy

Women who take antidepressants for their depression must make a difficult decision when they plan to become pregnant. Should they continue their medication during pregnancy? Or should they stop? Although there is information to support the reproductive safety of at least some antidepressants, most women, understandably concerned about exposing their babies to medication, choose to discontinue their antidepressant during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2022-01-13T18:09:48-04:00May 6th, 2000|Depressive Disorders, Prevention, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

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