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Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy

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 |2015-08-12T12:25:29-04:00July 25th, 2012|Depressive Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off on Folic Acid and Risk of Perinatal Depression: Is There an Association?
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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 |2015-08-12T13:56:55-04:00July 10th, 2012|Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off on Measuring the Effects of Antidepressants versus Untreated Depression on Pregnancy Outcomes
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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 |2015-08-12T13:58:40-04:00July 10th, 2012|Alternative & Complementary, Anxiety Disorders, Infertility and Mental Health, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off on Acupuncture Helpful for Reducing Anxiety in Women Undergoing IVF
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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 |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 on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Pregnancy
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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).

By |2024-07-24T11:56:34-04:00October 20th, 2011|Alternative & Complementary, Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off on Light Therapy: A Good Alternative to Medications during Pregnancy?
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What is the Impact of Depression During Pregnancy?

In a recent study by Gerardin and colleagues, the authors note that more research has been done to demonstrate the consequences of postpartum depression than depression during pregnancy (also called antenatal or prenatal depression).  Infants born to mothers with depression during pregnancy have been demonstrated to have lower scores on motor behavior and more crying and irritability.  Few studies, however, have assessed the longer-term effects of antenatal depression.

By |2015-07-28T14:40:30-04:00July 12th, 2011|Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off on What is the Impact of Depression During Pregnancy?
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