Perinatal depression and anxiety remain underdiagnosed and undertreated despite ACOG guidelines recommending universal, repeated screening across pregnancy and postpartum visits.
Hydroxyzine is used frequently for the management of anxiety and sleep problems during pregnancy. However, there is limited information regarding its reproductive safety.
According to a recent meta-analysis, about one out of every five women has at least one type of anxiety disorder during pregnancy or the postpartum period.
Behavioral activation intervention, whether delivered by specialists or non-specialists, was effective for the treatment of perinatal depression and anxiety.
While some antidepressants may affect the metabolism of tamoxifen into its active form, many antidepressants can be used safely in this population.
Despite FDA warnings, valproate is still prescribed to women of reproductive age, placing children at risk for birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders.
The recent FDA expert panel focused largely on the risks of SSRIs during pregnancy; however, medical organizations and experts support the important role of SSRIs and other medications in supporting maternal mental health.
Prenatal exposure to valproate is linked to increased risk of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, lower IQ, and intellectual disability, especially at higher doses.
Behavioral activation significantly reduced suicidal ideation in women with perinatal depression, showing effectiveness whether delivered in-person or remotely by specialists and non-specialists.
Women with premenstrual mood disorders face significantly higher risk of suicidal ideation and behavior, highlighting the need for careful assessment and targeted prevention.
