depression - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Bipolar Disorder and PMS

Premenstrual worsening of mood is common among women with depression, but little is known about how often women with bipolar disorder experience worsening of their mood premenstrually. In a study by Payne et al. (2007), premenstrual symptoms were reported by twice as many women diagnosed with mood disorders (mixture of Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder) than by women who did not have a psychiatric diagnosis (67.7% vs. 33.7%). These results suggest that PMS symptoms are particularly common in women with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. However, this study involved women reporting prior experiences with PMS, which is not always as accurate as studies that involve prospective monitoring to obtain real-time reporting of PMS symptoms. Such prospective studies of PMS in women with bipolar disorder are sparse and have inconsistent conclusions.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:38:38-04:00December 15th, 2008|Bipolar Disorder, Diagnosis & Screening, PMS & PMDD, Prevalence & Risk Factors|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

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

Identifying Postpartum Depression: A Three Question Screening Tool

While postpartum depression is common among new mothers, our ability to reliably detect this illness remains poor. Recent studies have indicated that most obstetricians report that they screen for postpartum psychiatric problems at routine follow-up visits but typically do not use standardized instruments to assess for postpartum depression. Unfortunately, studies which have measured the success of routine screening suggest that without the use of standardized screening tools like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, many women with postpartum depression are not identified.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T11:45:03-04:00October 27th, 2008|Diagnosis & Screening, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|Comments Off

National Depression Screening Day – October 10, 2008

This Friday, October 10, is Screening for Mental Health's National Depression Screening Day, an effort to raise awareness for depression and its treatment.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-07-11T13:33:56-04:00October 9th, 2008|Women's Mental Health|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

St. John’s Wort: Is it Safe for Pregnancy?

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal preparation which has been shown, in some studies, to be effective for the treatment of mild to moderate depressive symptoms. St. John's wort is now one of the most commonly used herbal products in the United States and is widely used in Europe.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T14:14:20-04:00August 5th, 2008|Antidepressants, Depressive Disorders, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Using Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Treat Depression During Pregnancy

We commonly see women in our consultation service who have histories of depression and are planning pregnancy. They frequently have questions about alternative treatments for depression while pregnant. Given that many women are taking omega-3 fatty acids prior to pregnancy, the question arises whether they should discontinue them during pregnancy. An additional question is whether omega-3 fatty acids can be used instead of antidepressants for the treatment of depression during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:54:17-04:00June 25th, 2008|Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Postpartum Depression in Men Linked to Psychiatric Illness in Their Children

While many studies have looked at the impact of postpartum depression in mothers on their children, there is very limited data on postnatal depression in the fathers and the potential impact it may have on their children.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:27:52-04:00May 26th, 2008|Child Outcomes, Outcomes, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|Comments Off