Outcomes - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Antenatal Use of SSRIs and QT Interval Prolongation in Newborns

Over the last several years, a number of studies have indicated that exposure to antidepressants near the time of delivery may be associated with poor neonatal outcomes. A recent prospective study from Dubnov-Raz and colleagues published in the journal Pediatrics found an association between QTc interval prolongation in neonates and antenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants. The QT interval is a measurement of the heart's electrical cycle from ventricular depolarization to the end of ventricular polarization. It is determined from an electrocardiogram (ECG) and is corrected for heart rate.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:14:31-04:00March 24th, 2009|Antidepressants, Neonatal Symptoms, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

SSRIs in Pregnancy and Neonatal Distress Syndrome

Most obstetricians are now familiar with the potential for what has become known as neonatal distress syndrome (or "adaptation" syndrome) following third trimester exposure to SSRIs. Some patients still worry about the possibility of their baby developing neonatal distress syndrome, especially if anything unusual happened during the post-delivery experience of an earlier pregnancy. Women may be concerned about whether and to what degree the medication they were on played a role in their infant's distress and whether to continue that medication during a subsequent pregnancy. The following case may help illustrate the decision-making dilemmas.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:01:29-04:00February 17th, 2009|Antidepressants, Neonatal Symptoms, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Exercise and Depression

Exercise plays a vital role in achieving and maintaining good health. Along with numerous other health benefits, recent studies have shown that exercise alleviates symptoms of depression and may be useful in treating mild to moderate major depressive disorder (MDD). A study by Dunn and colleagues (2005) examined the efficacy of exercise as a treatment for depression, along with the dose-response relationship of exercise and reduction in depressive symptoms.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:05:36-04:00November 24th, 2008|Alternative & Complementary, Depressive Disorders, General, Outcomes, Treatment|Comments Off

Substance Abuse Treatment During Pregnancy Improves Outcomes

Despite efforts over the last decade to increase awareness regarding the negative effects of alcohol and other drug use during pregnancy, substance abuse among pregnant women continues to be a significant problem in the United States. The 2003 National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated that 9.3% of pregnant women used alcohol and 4.3% percent of pregnant women used illicit drugs. In other countries, the prevalence of substance use and abuse may be even higher. For example, in a recent survey of pregnant women in Ireland, 54% admitted to drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:03:46-04:00November 17th, 2008|Outcomes, Perinatal Substance Use, Treatment|Comments Off

Depression during Pregnancy Increases the Risk of Preterm Delivery

A new study reported in Human Reproduction supports what many other studies have found, that untreated depression during pregnancy increases the likelihood of delivering before 37 weeks gestation.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T11:47:05-04:00November 3rd, 2008|Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

PPHN and SSRIs: Another Study Evaluating the Risk

In 2006, Chambers and colleagues published an article linking SSRI use during late pregnancy to an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn (PPHN). Based on the results of this analysis, the authors estimated the risk of PPHN to be about 1% in infants exposed to SSRIs late in pregnancy (after 20 weeks). However, subsequent studies did not demonstrate a significant association between PPHN and SSRI usage. A new study, this one relying upon data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register, has observed an elevated risk of PPHN among SSRI-exposed infants.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T14:44:41-04:00September 16th, 2008|Antidepressants, Neonatal Symptoms, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Impact of Infertility Treatment on Risk for Depression and Anxiety

Infertility and its treatment have been shown to be a trigger for both depression and anxiety. Women with pre-existing histories of depression and anxiety who have been stable on medication may find themselves with worsening symptoms brought on by the stress involved in the process of infertility treatment. Many women find the process an emotional roller coaster of hopefulness and disappointment.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T14:43:11-04:00August 28th, 2008|Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Infertility and Mental Health, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|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

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

Psychological Stress During Pregnancy and Risk for Stillbirth

Previous studies have suggested that prenatal stress may be associated with a spectrum of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight (reviewed in Hobel et al, 2008). A recent study from Danish researchers has investigated the impact of psychological stress on risk for stillbirth.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T14:04:48-04:00July 21st, 2008|Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, PTSD and Stress Related Disorders|Comments Off