Essential Reads: Guidelines for the Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy During Pregnancy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment for many psychiatric illnesses occurring during pregnancy.
Essential Reads: Neurosteroids, Allopregnanolone and Vulnerability to Depression in Women
This article focuses on how GABA-ergic neurotransmitter systems may modulate the interaction between reproductive steroid and sex steroid systems, and sheds light on the role allopregnanolone may play in medicating vulnerability to depression.Â
Depression During Pregnancy Affect Infant’s Brain Anatomy, But No Change with Prenatal Exposure to SSRIs
Infants exposed to maternal depression during pregnancy had significantly larger subcortical grey matter volumes and smaller midbrain volumes.
Essential Reads: Stress, Anxiety and Depression in Couples Undergoing Infertility Treatment
Individuals experiencing significant infertility-related psychological symptoms are less likely to pursue infertility treatment and more likely to drop out.
Essential Reads: Measuring the Impact of Antenatal Depression on the Fetal Brain Using Neuroimaging
Neuroimaging studies indicate that exposure to antenatal depression may determine risk for later neuropsychiatric illness in the child.
Depression During the COVID-19 Lockdown Highlights the Importance of Social Connections for New Moms
Because pregnant and postpartum women face unique challenges in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, they may be at increased risk for mental health problems in this setting. In a recent study, researchers from the University College of London surveyed 162 new mothers in London between May and June 2020 using a social network survey designed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown.Â
High Levels of Distress in Pregnant and Postpartum Women During the Pandemic
This international survey demonstrates that pregnant and postpartum women are more likely to report elevated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress than others in the general population in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Higher Rates of Depression and Anxiety in Mothers Caring for Children at Home During the Pandemic
There have been multiple studies over last year showing increased anxiety and depression in certain populations as a result of the COVID pandemic. It is clear that some members of the population may be [...]
Maternal Self-Efficacy as a Risk Factor for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Postpartum depression first gained medical attention in the 1970’s. While postpartum depression is similar to depression occurring at other times in a woman’s life, we have learned over time that many women with what we [...]
Probiotics for Prenatal Depression and Anxiety: Underscoring the Need for More Research
Although we have data on the reproductive safety of various medications used to treat anxiety, many women would understandably prefer to avoid medications when possible. Many women ask about alternative treatments, including dietary supplements, herbal [...]