Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Eating Disorders

Most studies have shown that women experience an improvement or remission in eating disorders during pregnancy; however, studies assessing how eating disorders may affect pregnancy outcomes have yielded conflicting results. While some studies have demonstrated no negative effects, others have demonstrated higher miscarriage rates among women with bulimia nervosa. In addition, women with histories of eating disorders have been shown to be significantly more likely to experience preterm delivery and to give birth to babies small for gestational age.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:10:02-04:00September 11th, 2012|Eating Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

More on Vitamin D and Depression

We have recently written about the link between vitamin D and depression. While several studies have indicated that low vitamin D levels may be associated with depression, we lack randomized, controlled trials assessing the benefits of vitamin D supplements for the treatment (or prevention) of depression. A recent report from the Women's Health Initiative Calcium and Vitamin D Trial included 36,282 women (50 to 80 years of age) who were randomized to receive 400 IU vitamin D (with 1000 mg calcium) or to placebo.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-07-27T12:45:01-04:00September 5th, 2012|Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale to Screen for Antenatal Depression: Once is Not Enough

Over the past few years, there has been a push to screen women for depression both during pregnancy and the postpartum period. While there have been various initiatives mandating screening, there remain questions regarding the optimal timing of screening and the best screening tools to use.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:23:32-04:00July 30th, 2012|Diagnosis & Screening, Postpartum Depression, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Folic Acid and Risk of Perinatal Depression: Is There an Association?

Recent reports suggest that people with lower folate levels are at higher risk of major depression or may experience more severe depressive symptoms. Other studies indicate that in folate deficient patients, antidepressants may be less effective or may take longer to take effect. In addition, some clinical trials have shown that folate may have a therapeutic effect on depression, either when taken alone or in combination with an antidepressant.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:25:29-04:00July 25th, 2012|Depressive Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Measuring the Effects of Antidepressants versus Untreated Depression on Pregnancy Outcomes

Multiple studies have demonstrated an increased risk of poor neonatal adaptation associated with exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants in late pregnancy. Results in the literature consistently indicate that about 25%-30% of infants exposed to SSRIs late in pregnancy manifest symptoms of poor neonatal adaption, including jitteriness, restlessness, increased muscle tone, rapid breathing. These symptoms are transient, resolving spontaneously with no specific medical intervention.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T13:56:55-04:00July 10th, 2012|Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Acupuncture Helpful for Reducing Anxiety in Women Undergoing IVF

Most women undergoing infertility treatment experience increased anxiety. In a randomized clinical trial, researchers explored the effectiveness of acupuncture in diminishing anxiety in a group of women undergoing IVF. 43 patients undergoing IVF received either active acupuncture (n=22) or sham treatment (n=21). Women with a history of psychiatric illness and those using antidepressants and/or anxiolytic drugs were excluded from the study. Anxiety levels were assessed before and after treatment using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAS).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T13:58:40-04:00July 10th, 2012|Alternative & Complementary, Anxiety Disorders, Infertility and Mental Health, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Pregnancy

Understanding posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during pregnancy is important given that PTSD is relatively common and persistent in nature. PTSD will occur in approximately 10% of women in their lifetime, with one-third of episodes lasting more than five years. Given the relatively high prevalence of PTSD in young women and the chronic nature of the illness, many women may experience PTSD symptoms during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-07-11T11:02:06-04:00December 20th, 2011|Diagnosis & Screening, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, PTSD and Stress Related Disorders|Comments Off

Light Therapy: A Good Alternative to Medications during Pregnancy?

Depression during pregnancy is common and has major health implications for the mother, the fetus and the family. On this website, we have reviewed numerous treatments for affective disorders in pregnancy, including psychotropic medications and several forms of psychotherapy. We have not had much data to support the use of light therapy for antepartum depression, yet I often discuss light therapy as a potential adjunctive treatment for patients with a seasonal component to their depression. A recent study, published by Wirz-Justice and colleagues in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, provides evidence that light therapy may be a useful non-pharmacologic treatment for women who suffer from depression during pregnancy(1).