Depressive Disorders - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Pre-Existing Psychiatric Illness is a Risk Factor for Postpartum Suicide Attempt

A recent population-based case-control study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology used Washington State birth certificates linked to hospital discharge data to evaluate the association between hospitalization for a psychiatric illness before delivery and risk of postpartum suicide attempt. The study compared women hospitalized for a postpartum suicide attempt (n = 355) with a group of controls who had not been hospitalized (n = 1420).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T14:41:39-04:00August 21st, 2008|Depressive Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Suicide|Comments Off

Antidepressants and Risk for Osteoporosis

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) account for approximately 62% of all antidepressants prescribed in the United States. There have been several recent studies suggesting that SSRIs may lower bone mineral density in individuals over the age of 65. However, depression itself has been shown to decrease bone mineral density and has also been associated with an increased risk of hip fractures in older women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-06-17T23:22:37-04:00August 15th, 2008|Antidepressants, Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Menopausal Symptoms, Outcomes|Comments Off

St. John’s Wort: Is it Safe for Pregnancy?

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal preparation which has been shown, in some studies, to be effective for the treatment of mild to moderate depressive symptoms. St. John's wort is now one of the most commonly used herbal products in the United States and is widely used in Europe.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T14:14:20-04:00August 5th, 2008|Antidepressants, Depressive Disorders, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Does Depo-Provera Cause Mood Changes?

Depo-Provera (DMPA), also known as the birth control shot, is a highly effective form of contraception that lasts for 3 months, and thus requires only 4 injections per year. DMPA contains a long-lasting form of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate that works as a contraceptive agent by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Potential side effects of DMPA include bone density loss, weight gain, and mood worsening. Although depression is listed in the packet insert as a side effect of the injection, available research addressing this side effect are limited and contradictory.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2019-03-01T13:36:17-04:00July 29th, 2008|Contraception, Depressive Disorders, General, Hormone Therapy, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off

Maternal Stress During Pregnancy Linked to Infant Sleep Problems

The link between maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy and adverse neonatal outcome has been well-documented in the medical literature and reviewed on our website. A recent study published in the journal Early Human Development suggests that a mother's stress during pregnancy may also negatively affect her baby's sleep patterns.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T14:06:19-04:00July 26th, 2008|Anxiety Disorders, Child Outcomes, Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, PTSD and Stress Related Disorders|Comments Off

Oral Contraceptives and the Risk of Blood Clots in Postpartum Women

If a woman does not breastfeed following delivery, prolactin levels decrease and fertility returns to normal, and pregnancy is possible. Even if a woman decides to breastfeed, she should still use some form of contraception, as prolactin levels vary depending on individual breastfeeding styles. Women may be fertile and become pregnant even before the resumption of their menstrual cycles.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:55:37-04:00July 2nd, 2008|Alternative & Complementary, Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Using Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Treat Depression During Pregnancy

We commonly see women in our consultation service who have histories of depression and are planning pregnancy. They frequently have questions about alternative treatments for depression while pregnant. Given that many women are taking omega-3 fatty acids prior to pregnancy, the question arises whether they should discontinue them during pregnancy. An additional question is whether omega-3 fatty acids can be used instead of antidepressants for the treatment of depression during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:54:17-04:00June 25th, 2008|Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|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

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