Does Stress Increase Vulnerability to Postpartum Psychosis in High-Risk Women?
In studies of psychosis unrelated to childbirth, there is evidence linking stress to the onset of psychosis.Â
Brexanolone: Related to Allopregnanolone, Effective for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression
In 2015, we first reported on SAGE-547 (SAGE Therapeutics), a new medication for the treatment of severe postpartum depression. Â SAGE-547, now called brexanolone, is an allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors. Â This drug was initially under [...]
SAGE-547: A Novel Treatment for Severe Postpartum Depression?
SAGE-547 (SAGE Therapeutics) is a new drug, an allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors, which is currently under investigation for the treatment of refractory seizure disorders. Â It turns out that SAGE-547 may also be useful for [...]
Screening for Depression During Pregnancy May Lead to Misdiagnosis for Women with Bipolar Disorder
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology now recommends that women be screened for depression during pregnancy. Â Because depressive symptoms during pregnancy have been associated with worse outcomes and are a robust predictor of postpartum [...]
ACOG Opinion: Depression Screening for All Pregnant and Postpartum Women
It is estimated that about 15% of women suffer from depression either during pregnancy or the postpartum period. Prior to the 1980s, most new mothers had never heard of postpartum depression. Â Over the last few [...]
More Pediatricians Are Screening for Postpartum Depression
An article published today in the US News and World Report discusses the expanded role pediatric health care providers are playing in screening new mothers for postpartum depression.  Because pediatricians have frequent contacts with the mother [...]
In the New York Times: Understanding Maternal Mental Illness
This week in the New York Times, there is a two-part story on maternal mental illness. Highlighting the experience of two women who became ill during the postpartum period, the articles focus on the range of disorders which can emerge during the postpartum period -- not only depression, but bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis.
Sleep Interventions During Pregnancy Reduce the Risk of Postpartum Depression
It should be no surprise that many women complain of disrupted sleep during pregnancy. According to a recent study, approximately 28%-38% of women meet criteria for sleep deficiency during early pregnancy. (Sleep deficiency is defined as short sleep duration, insufficient sleep, [...]
Support Women and Families with PPD and Raise Public Awareness: Climb Out of the Darkness
This is from Katherine Stone at Postpartum Progress. Katherine Stone has long been an advocate for women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. In addition to her website which provides information and support, she has [...]