depression - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

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

Depression is Common Following Successful IVF

Psychological symptoms play a significant role in infertility. Some studies have examined the impact of psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression) on fertility status. Most of this research has focused on women with unsuccessful IVF treatment. Some have investigated the extent to which a woman's psychological state during assisted reproductive therapy (ART, which includes in vitro fertilization (IVF)) interferes with the success of the treatment. ART itself has been shown in other studies to negatively impact a patient's psychological well-being, with prolonged treatment associated with increased depression and anxiety.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:17:47-04:00May 18th, 2008|Depressive Disorders, Infertility and Mental Health|Comments Off

Stress During Pregnancy Increases ADHD Risk

While genetic factors are clearly important in determining a child’s risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), recent studies have investigated the link between exposure to certain maternal behaviors during pregnancy, such as smoking and alcohol use, and the risk of developing behavioral problems related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood. While multiple studies have indicated a greater risk of ADHD symptoms among children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy, contradictory findings were reported in studies focusing on exposure to alcohol. Results from studies investigating the impact of psychological stress during pregnancy have been inconsistent but suggest a possible contribution to ADHD symptoms int he offspring.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T10:07:59-04:00May 10th, 2008|Anxiety Disorders, Child Outcomes, Depressive Disorders, Long-Term Outcomes, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, PTSD and Stress Related Disorders|Comments Off

Do Oral Contraceptives Cause Mood Changes?

Many women have concerns about the side effects of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Potential side effects include bloating, breast tenderness, and weight gain. In addition, some women may experience depression or mood swings, side effects that may influence a woman’s decision to start taking a birth control pill, particularly if she has a history of depression.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T12:44:52-04:00May 1st, 2008|Contraception, Depressive Disorders, General|Comments Off

Accumulating Data on Prenatal Exposure to SSRIs

November, 2006 by LEE COHEN, M.D. Over the last year, several studies on possible neonatal effects of prenatal exposure to SSRIs have been reviewed in this column. These studies have raised concerns about potential risks, [...]

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-12-11T12:38:11-04:00April 29th, 2008|Antidepressants, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

New Study Does Not Find Link Between Paroxetine and Cardiovascular Defects

In 2006, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) elected to change product label warnings for the antidepressant paroxetine (Paxil), advising against the use of this drug by women who are pregnant. This decision was based on preliminary studies which suggested an increase in the risk of cardiovascular malformations among infants exposed to paroxetine in utero. A recent study from the Motherisk Program in Toronto has reported on the outcomes of over 3000 paroxetine-exposed infants.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T12:19:14-04:00April 23rd, 2008|Antidepressants, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Obesity Linked to Postpartum Depression Risk

Previous studies have linked postpartum depression (PPD) to numerous risk factors, including depression during pregnancy, a history of depression prior to pregnancy, as well as marital problems, recent stressful events, and inadequate social supports.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T12:04:47-04:00April 3rd, 2008|Depressive Disorders, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|Comments Off

PPHN and SSRIs: New Findings

Over the past few years, multiple reports have raised questions regarding the safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants during pregnancy. Chambers and colleagues reported that exposure to SSRIs late in pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). In the general population, PPHN affects about 1 to 2 per 1000 live births. Infants with PPHN are typically full-term or near-term and present shortly after delivery with severe respiratory distress. In the worst cases, PPHN requires intubation and mechanical ventilation and may result in long-term morbidity. In 2006, Chambers and colleagues published an article linking SSRI use during late pregnancy to an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn. Based on the results of this analysis, the authors estimated the risk of PPHN to be about 1% in infants exposed to SSRIs late in pregnancy (after 20 weeks).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T11:42:51-04:00March 31st, 2008|Antidepressants, Neonatal Symptoms, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Untreated Maternal Depression: What is the Impact on the Unborn Child?

Depression during pregnancy is common. While concerns have been raised regarding the potential teratogenic and long-term neurobehavioral effects of psychotropic drug use during pregnancy, what is often overlooked is the fact that untreated maternal depression may also put the unborn baby at risk.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T10:52:05-04:00March 27th, 2008|Anxiety Disorders, Child Outcomes, Depressive Disorders, Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Desvenlafaxine for the Treatment of Menopausal Hot Flushes

Last Friday, Wyeth received FDA approval for the antidepressant desvenlafaxine succinate (marketed under the name Pristiq), a metabolite of venlafaxine or Effexor. Although this drug was approved for the treatment of major depression, a recent study has demonstrated that desvenlafaxine could be an effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms in postmenopausal women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T10:37:31-04:00March 7th, 2008|Medication, Menopausal Symptoms, Treatment|Comments Off