The Complex Interplay Between Childhood Trauma, Intimate Partner Violence and Perinatal Depression
Those with depression are at greater risk of experiencing IPV and experiencing IPV is associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms.
Mind-Body Therapies for the Treatment of Depression, Anxiety and PTSD in Women Victims of Violence
This meta-analysis suggests that mind-body therapies are an effective treatment for women victims of violence.
Cannabis Use More Common Among Pregnant Women with Depression, Anxiety and Trauma
Despite decreasing rates of alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, the use of cannabis use during pregnancy is on the rise. Several qualitative studies have suggested that pregnant women report using cannabis to manage a [...]
Menopausal Symptoms More Common in Women with History of Intimate Partner Violence
While we have identified various sociodemographic variables as factors which modulate vulnerability to menopausal symptoms, no studies (to my knowledge) have looked at how a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) or other traumatic exposures [...]
Study Links Conflict with Partner to Increased Vulnerability to Perinatal Depression
The Maternity Experiences Survey (MES) is a national survey of Canadian women’s experiences, perceptions, knowledge and practices before conception and during pregnancy, birth and the early months of parenthood. This is a project funded by [...]
Intimate Partner Violence Increases Risk of Antenatal Depression and Suicidal Ideation
According to a recent review published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, it is estimated that nearly 31% of women and 26% of men report experiencing some form of intimate partner violence (IPV) in their [...]
Childhood Sexual Abuse and Risk for Perinatal Depression
Various studies have observed an association between history of abuse and increased risk for perinatal depression. The data regarding childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in particular have been less consistent. A recent review of the literature [...]
Abuse as a Risk Factor for Perinatal Depression
Two recent reports explore the relationship between abuse and risk for perinatal depression. The first is a study which analyzed data from 53,065 pregnant women participating in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). [...]
Understanding the Link between Trauma History and Risk of Perinatal Depression
While we are becoming more attentive to screening for depressive symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period, we may not always ask about a history of trauma, especially when a woman has had what most would consider an “uncomplicated” pregnancy. A recent study, however, indicates that a history of trauma may be a risk factor for depression during pregnancy.
Screening of Intimate Partner Violence Recommended for All Women of Reproductive Age
This is a topic we do not typically cover on our site, but it is clearly an important one. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has updated its recommendations on screening for family and intimate partner violence (IPV). These guidelines, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, recommend that all women of reproductive age be screened for intimate partner violence. The review provides some information on which screening instruments to use and reviews interventions to reduce the risk of IPV.