Prevalence & Risk Factors - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

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 and Low Birth Weight Predict Later Risk for Mood and Anxiety Disorders

It has been postulated that psychological stress in the mother, if present at a critical time of brain development, can permanently alter a child's response to stress and may have long-term negative consequences. In response to stress, blood flow to the uterus is restricted and the fetus receives fewer nutrients, which may result in lower birth weight. Several studies have demonstrated an association between maternal stress and low birth weight, and it is felt that low birth weight is a marker for stressful intrauterine conditions.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:24:01-04:00May 22nd, 2008|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Eating Disorders in Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression

The British Medical Journal recently published a brief, but comprehensive review of eating disorders in pregnancy by Veronica Bridget Ward. Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and eating disorder not otherwise specified) most commonly occur in women of reproductive age and may be influenced by pregnancy and its associated weight gain and change in body shape. Some women experience a worsening of eating disorder symptoms, while others improve, or remain unchanged throughout the course of the pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T12:55:07-04:00May 8th, 2008|Eating Disorders, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off

Sleep Problems in Menopausal Women

Peri- and post-menopausal women frequently complain of insomnia or poor sleep quality. Sleep disturbance is often attributed to nocturnal hot flashes; however, a recent study from researchers at Wayne State University School of Medicine suggests that about half of these women may have a primary sleep disorder.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:44:52-04:00November 3rd, 2007|Menopausal Symptoms, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Sleep Disorders|Comments Off

Perimenopause May Be a Time of Risk for New Onset Depression

The transition to menopause has typically been considered a time when women may be more vulnerable to mood changes. There have been inconclusive data, however, as to whether women with no lifetime history of depression transitioning to menopause are at increased risk for developing an episode of major depression.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-07-11T13:57:12-04:00February 10th, 2007|Depressive Disorders, Menopausal Symptoms, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off

Depression During Pregnancy is Often Not Treated

While pregnancy has traditionally been considered a time of emotional well-being, recent data indicate that about 10% to 15% of women experience clinically significant depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Furthermore, women with a history of major depression appear to be at high risk for recurrent illness during pregnancy particularly in the setting of antidepressant discontinuation. In a recent study researchers from the University of Michigan report that while depression affects many women during pregnancy the majority of women suffering from this illness do not receive adequate treatment.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-07-11T14:10:59-04:00February 10th, 2007|Depressive Disorders, Diagnosis & Screening, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Can Women Suffer from Postpartum Depression After Miscarriage?

After the birth of a child, it is common for women to experience some type of mood disturbance. Typically, it is relatively mild (postpartum blues). However, about 10-15% of women experience a more severe and disabling illness, postpartum depression. It has been suggested that women who develop postpartum depression may be more sensitive to the hormonal changes that take place after delivery and that these hormonal changes may contribute to emergence of depressive symptoms during the postpartum period.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-07-11T14:05:19-04:00October 19th, 2006|Depressive Disorders, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off

New Research from the CWMH: Relapse of Major Depression during Pregnancy

Over the last decade, the number of reproductive-age women treated for depression has increased significantly. Given the incomplete information available regarding the reproductive safety of many antidepressant medications, many women choose to discontinue pharmacologic treatment during pregnancy. However, several studies estimate that about 10 to 15% of women suffer from depression during pregnancy (O'Hara et al, 1990; Evans et al, 2001). A recent study from the Center for Women's Mental Health indicates that the risk for depression is particularly high among women with histories of major depression (Cohen et al, 2006).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-11-26T08:41:14-04:00April 22nd, 2006|Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Research at CWMH|Comments Off

Perimenopause: A Time of Risk for Depression

More than 50 percent of women experience some perimenopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, and sleep disturbance, before reaching the menopause. A recent article from Aetna Intelihealth notes that many women may also experience depression. In a study form Dr. Claudio Soares, women with clinically confirmed perimenopause were interviewed:

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-22T15:15:13-04:00October 22nd, 2005|Depressive Disorders, Menopausal Symptoms, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off

Postpartum Depression: Who is at Risk?

Many women imagine new motherhood as a time of total fulfillment, days filled with mother-infant bonding and boundless joy. In reality, however, many women experience significant mood changes following childbirth. Between 50 and 85% of new mothers experience a brief postpartum period of tearfulness and anxiety, termed the "maternity blues." But some 10 to 15% of women experience postpartum depression, or PPD, a longer-lasting and more pervasive type of mood disorder.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-22T15:31:51-04:00June 20th, 2005|Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off