Phenomenology of Postpartum Psychosis: Preliminary Findings from MGHP3
The MGHP3 study provides key insights into the onset, duration, treatment, and characteristics of postpartum psychosis in a large, diverse cohort.
Prenatal Exposure to Cannabis and Risk of Autism in Children
Based on the findings of two meta-analyses and several large cohort studies, we cannot conclude that cannabis is “safe” for use during pregnancy. Data regarding risk for autism spectrum disorder is mixed.
Essential Reads: Lithium and Breastfeeding (2024)
Because women with bipolar disorder are at high risk for relapse during the postpartum period, we typically recommend that women continue treatment with lithium throughout the postpartum period. While this intervention clearly decreases risk for postpartum psychiatric illness, the use of lithium while breastfeeding presents certain challenges.
A New Threat to Pregnancy: Xylazine
Xylazine, a veterinary sedative, has become an increasingly common adulterant in the illicit opioid supply, posing unique risks to pregnant individuals and their developing fetuses.
Does Prenatal Cannabis Exposure Affect Executive Function in Preschool-Aged Children?
Prenatal cannabis exposure was associated with deficits in executive function and aggressive behavior; however, there are other important exposures to consider in this study.
Clinical Update 2024: Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Pregnancy
In this study with over 4000 infants exposed to gabapentin, the information is reassuring. While we cannot rule out the possibility of a small increase in risk of cardiovascular malformations in gabapentin-exposed infants, gabapentin does not appear to be a major teratogen.
Improving Cognitive Function After Surgical Menopause: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Lisdexamfetamine
The psychostimulant lisdexamfetamine was well-tolerated and improved both subjective and objective measures of attention and working memory in women undergoing surgical menopause.
Ketamine and Pregnancy: Taking a Look at the Practices of Ketamine Clinics
With ketamine and esketamine increasingly used to treat depression, especially in women of reproductive age, this study reveals important gaps in care, including inconsistencies in pregnancy testing, informed consent, and contraception practices among ketamine clinics in the United States.
During Pregnancy: Buprenorphine or Buprenorphine Plus Naloxone?
In this large observational study, similar and, in some instances, more favorable neonatal and maternal outcomes were observed in pregnancies exposed to buprenorphine combined with naloxone compared to pregnancies exposed to buprenorphine alone.
Is it Safe for Breastfeeding Mothers to Use Benzodiazepines?
Clinically significant anxiety symptoms are common during the postpartum period and frequently complicate the treatment of postpartum depression. While SSRIs are indicted for the treatment anxiety symptoms, especially when they co-occur with depression, many women may need to use a benzodiazepine for managing more severe symptoms of anxiety or insomnia.