Depressive Disorders - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Depression and Anxiety: Do They Impact Infertility Treatment?

Infertility affects an estimated 10-15% of couples of reproductive age. Several studies have indicated that patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) experience high levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Multiple risk factors for anxiety and depression during infertility treatment have been identified; these include being female, age over 30, lower level of education, lack of occupational activity, a male cause for infertility, and infertility for 3-6 years.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:46:54-04:00June 30th, 2010|Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Infertility and Mental Health, Outcomes|Comments Off

Diet and Nutrition May Influence Risk for Depression

There has been a long held belief that diet may influence well-being. The phrase “you are what you eat” suggests that nutrition has an impact on physical as well as mental health. Until recently, however, there have been few studies that provide data to support this idea.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:25:39-04:00March 18th, 2010|Alternative & Complementary, Depressive Disorders, General, Prevention|Comments Off

Acupuncture for the Treatment of Depression During Pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy is relatively common, affecting about 10 to 15% of women. While there is a growing body of literature supporting the reproductive safety of certain antidepressants, many women and their physicians would prefer to avoid the use of these medications during pregnancy; thus, there is a clear need for effective non-pharmacologic treatments for women who suffer from depression during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:16:02-04:00February 23rd, 2010|Alternative & Complementary, Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Hot Flashes or Depression: Which Comes First?

Hot flashes and depression are both common symptoms of the menopause transition. Several studies have found a relationship between depression and hot flashes: depressed women are more likely to experience hot flashes and women with hot flashes are more likely to have depression. Other studies have found no association between hot flashes and depression.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T15:09:09-04:00September 14th, 2009|Depressive Disorders, Menopausal Symptoms, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off

Depression and Menopausal Symptoms Go Together

It is well established that women are at increased risk for developing depression compared to men. It has been hypothesized that this vulnerability to depression may be hormonally mediated, and several longitudinal studies have documented an increased risk of depressive symptoms during perimenopause or the menopausal transition. Based on the results of two prospective cohort studies, approximately one-third of women will develop their first episode of depression during the menopausal transition. (Cohen LS et al 2006, Freeman EW et al 2006).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:58:10-04:00August 17th, 2009|Depressive Disorders, Menopausal Symptoms, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off

Prepregnancy Depressive Mood is a Risk Factor for Preterm Birth

There have been multiple studies suggesting that depression during pregnancy increases the risk for preterm labor. Most studies do not attribute this increase in risk to antidepressant exposure, but to the effects of the depression itself. The mechanism is believed to be related to increased levels of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) which is triggered by stress. Elevated levels of CRH have been shown to be a predictor of preterm birth.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:53:20-04:00July 28th, 2009|Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Depression in Women

An ideal treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in women would be efficacious, safe, and offer broad health benefits. MDD is prevalent in women of childbearing years, and recent research underscores the risk of recurrence [...]

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-12-11T12:39:30-04:00June 19th, 2009|Alternative & Complementary, Depressive Disorders, General, Treatment|Comments Off

Maternal Depression During Pregnancy May Lead to Infant Sleep Problems

About 15% of women suffer from depression during pregnancy, and many reports have suggested that depression during pregnancy may have negative effects on the fetus. A new study from researchers at the University of Michigan indicates a link between depression during pregnancy and infant sleep problems.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:34:16-04:00May 12th, 2009|Child Outcomes, Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Using New Research to Inform Treatment Decisions during Pregnancy: A Case Report

As more research is conducted within the field of women's mental health, there are times when recommendations may change depending on the available data. We will discuss a case here to illustrate this point.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:09:25-04:00March 17th, 2009|Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Disorders, Medication, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Case: Prevention of Mood Episodes When Planning for Pregnancy

Our Perinatal and Reproductive Psychiatry team often discusses clinical cases in Rounds, a confidential forum in which we can get advice and consultation from peers who also work in the area of Women's Mental Health. We discussed a patient's situation recently that highlighted the controversial area about how to prevent mood episodes in a woman planning for pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:05:35-04:00March 2nd, 2009|Depressive Disorders, Prevention, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off