Several studies have observed that fetal exposure to the antiepileptic drug (AED), valproic acid (Depakote), may significantly increase the risk of having a child with an autism spectrum disorder. In contrast, exposures to other AEDs, [...]
In our community of perinatal psychiatrists, we have recently seen many questions regarding the use of folic acid supplementation in women taking lamotrigine (Lamictal). While all recognize that all women of childbearing age should receive [...]
It’s only been a few days since Johns Hopkins released the preliminary results of a study on folate levels and autism, and we have already received calls and emails regarding the findings. Unfortunately the [...]
Last week was National Folic Acid Awareness Week at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), so this seems like a great time to remind women (and their caregivers) of the importance of folic acid in the prevention of birth defects. By taking the recommended dosage of folic acid daily, women will reduce the risk of neural tube defects by 50% - 70%. In addition, women who take folic acid supplements are less likely to give birth to a child with an autism spectrum disorder.
The European Medicine Agency (EMA)'s Pharmacovigilance and Risk Assessment Committee recently recommended strengthening the restrictions on the use of valproic acid in women of reproductive age. Over the last few years, we have seen a host of articles documenting the deleterious effects of valproic acid on the developing fetus:
In a recent editorial in The Annals of Internal Medicine entitled “Enough Is Enough: Stop Wasting Money on Vitamin and Mineral Supplements,” authors make a case that multivitamins are not a good value (Dec 17, 2013 issue). This editorial was based on new research that demonstrated that there was no association between multivitamin use and rates of mortality, cognitive decline and recurrent cardiovascular events in three different studies. The assertion that multivitamins are not worth the money was widely reported in the media.
In an excellent and thoughtful review article, Kristina Deligiannidis and Marlene Freeman (from the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health) summarize data on the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicine therapies for the treatment of perinatal depression. This is one of the most thorough reviews on CAM and provides thoughtful, evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of these treatments for women with perinatal depression. It is definitely worth tracking down a copy of this review, but if you can’t find it, here is a summary.
Last summer, we posted a blog about using folate to treat (and perhaps prevent) depression in women of childbearing age. Supporting that recommendation are the several reports indicating that people with lower folate levels are at higher risk of major depression or may experience more severe depressive symptoms. Other studies have indicated that in folate-deficient patients, antidepressants may be less effective or may take longer to take effect.
A new study reports that women taking folic acid before pregnancy were less likely to give birth to children with autism. The risk of having a child with autism was reduced by 40% among women who had taken folic acid supplements from four weeks prior to conception and continuing eight weeks into the pregnancy.
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.
