What is the Best Time to Screen for Perinatal Anxiety?
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.
Essential Reads: Prenatal Exposure to Valproate and Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring
Prenatal exposure to valproate is linked to increased risk of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, lower IQ, and intellectual disability, especially at higher doses.
Essential Reads: Are Premenstrual Mood Symptoms a Risk Factor for Suicide?
Women with premenstrual mood disorders face significantly higher risk of suicidal ideation and behavior, highlighting the need for careful assessment and targeted prevention.
True or False: Myths and Misconceptions About Bioidentical Hormones for Menopausal Symptoms
While many peri- and post-menopausal women request bioidentical hormones, there is no data to suggest that bioidential hormones are safer or more effective than FDA-approved hormone replacement therapies.
Essential Reads: Screening for Anxiety Disorders During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
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.
Can We Screen for Postpartum Depression Earlier?
Several studies suggest that screening during the first week postpartum may be helpful in identifying women at higher risk for experiencing postpartum depression.
Essential Reads: Mirtazapine (Remeron) and Pregnancy
While we have adequate data to support the use of SSRI and SNRI antidepressants during pregnancy, there is less data regarding other classes of antidepressants. Although we less commonly use mirtazapine in pregnancy, several [...]
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. Â
Essential Reads: The Use of Sedative-Hypnotic Drugs During Pregnancy
More study is needed regarding the safety of sedative-hypnotic medications during pregnancy.
Essential Reads: Postpartum Depression, Is it Unipolar or Bipolar?
Vigilance is required in screening women who present with postpartum depression; a subset of women who screen positive for depression may actually have bipolar disorder.