cognitive behavioral therapy - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

New Research from the CWMH: CBT to Reduce Risk of Relapse in Women Attempting to Discontinue Antidepressants

Pregnancy is a time of risk for women with histories of major depression. In a study where 201 women with histories of recurrent depression were followed prospectively through pregnancy, 43% experienced a relapse of major depression during pregnancy. Relapse rates were highest in the group of women who elected to discontinue antidepressant treatment proximate to conception (68% as compared to 26% in the group of women who maintained antidepressant treatment).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:02:51-04:00July 1st, 2014|Depressive Disorders, Prevention, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Psychotherapy, Research at CWMH|Comments Off

CBT for Depression During Pregnancy Improves Mothers’ Attentiveness to Her Infant

During pregnancy, a woman develops increasing sensitivity and responsiveness to infants’ distress. If depression during pregnancy occurs, this process may be disrupted. Various studies are shown that women with depression are less responsive to an infant’s distress. The major concern is that this diminished responsiveness may persist as long as one year after the child is born, and when it persists, it may negatively affect the child. Decreased responsiveness of the mother to the infant’s cues may lead to emotional, cognitive and developmental problems in the child later on.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T11:25:09-04:00October 10th, 2012|Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Psychotherapy, Treatment|Comments Off

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Infertile Women: Is it Better than Medication?

Research indicates that women undergoing infertility treatment experience high rates of psychological distress (1). Additionally, it is believed that stress and depression have an impact on fertility, as it has been shown that certain psychological interventions may improve pregnancy rates in infertile women (2-4). In a recent study, Faramarzi and colleagues compared the effects of group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), fluoxetine, and no treatment on the mental health of infertile women who had been trying to conceive for at least 2 years (5).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:32:54-04:00April 4th, 2011|Depressive Disorders, Infertility and Mental Health, Medication, Psychotherapy, Treatment|Comments Off

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Premenstrual Syndromes: A Review of the Literature

Significant numbers of reproductive-aged women experience premenstrual syndromes characterized by depressed mood, irritability, mood swings, anxiety or tension, sleep disruption, and other physical symptoms, including bloating and breast tenderness. Typically these symptoms emerge during the week preceding menstruation, improve with the onset of menses, and are not present during the week after menstruation.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T14:18:14-04:00April 6th, 2009|PMS & PMDD, Psychotherapy, Treatment|Comments Off

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Used to Treat Depression in Pregnancy

Mood disorders and symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period are not uncommon and affect women across the world. In spite of relatively high rates of depression among childbearing women, there are often inadequate resources for treatment, particularly in poorer countries. In countries lacking resources, health care is often managed by community health workers or individuals with basic health care training who provide care to difficult-to-reach populations. There are often few mental health professionals, leaving many women without adequate treatment. In an attempt to provide treatment to a greater number of women, some investigators are attempting to train community health workers to provide some psychotherapy as part of their standard duties.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-14T12:20:53-04:00January 13th, 2009|Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for the Treatment of Menopausal Hot Flashes: A Pilot Study

Hot flashes are a common and distressing symptom of menopause, affecting approximately 60-70 % of women undergoing the menopausal transition. Several pharmacologic treatments for hot flashes, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and some antidepressants, have been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. However, some women prefer not to use HRT or antidepressants and seek alternative treatments, such as homeopathic or herbal remedies. Many of these alternative treatments have not yet been evaluated for safety or efficacy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T15:16:17-04:00September 29th, 2008|Menopausal Symptoms, Psychotherapy, Treatment, Vasomotor Symptoms|Comments Off

How to Treat Anxiety Symptoms During Pregnancy

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By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T11:11:38-04:00December 11th, 2007|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Cognitive Therapy versus Medication in the Treatment of Depression

Both antidepressant medications and cognitive therapy have been shown to be effective for the treatment of depression; however, the question remains as to whether one treatment is preferred over the other. Subjects enrolled in The Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study (men and women with major depression, ages 18-75) were initially treated with citalopram, an SSRI. Those who had unsatisfactory outcomes after initial treatment were eligible for a randomized second-step treatment trial in which they switched to a new treatment (either cognitive therapy or a different antidepressant) or augmented the citalopram regimen with either cognitive therapy or a different antidepressant.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T11:03:46-04:00November 26th, 2007|Depressive Disorders, General, Medication, Psychotherapy, Treatment|Comments Off

Preventing Depression During Pregnancy

Women who take antidepressants for their depression must make a difficult decision when they plan to become pregnant. Should they continue their medication during pregnancy? Or should they stop? Although there is information to support the reproductive safety of at least some antidepressants, most women, understandably concerned about exposing their babies to medication, choose to discontinue their antidepressant during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2022-01-13T18:09:48-04:00May 6th, 2000|Depressive Disorders, Prevention, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off