postpartum depression - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

New England Journal of Medicine Case Report: Postpartum Psychosis in a Woman with Bipolar Disorder

The most recent issue of the New England Journal of Medicine includes the presentation of a case from the Center for Women's Mental Health of a woman with bipolar disorder who developed postpartum psychosis after the birth of her child. The case highlights some of the clinical challenges in treating patients with bipolar disorder during pregnancy and the postpartum period and reviews the current literature on postpartum psychosis.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:23:59-04:00August 11th, 2008|Bipolar Disorder, Diagnosis & Screening, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Postpartum Psychosis, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off

MOTHERS Act Legislation Faces Opposition

The Melanie Blocker Stokes MOTHERS Act — named for an Illinois woman who committed suicide three months after giving birth — was approved by the House of Representatives in October. This article from the North Jersey Record reports that the legislation has been held up in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T13:36:11-04:00June 4th, 2008|Advocacy, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|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

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

Depression is More Common in Women with High Risk Pregnancies

Epidemiologic studies suggest that about 10% to 15% of women suffer from clinically significant depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Little is known, however, about the prevalence of depression among women with high risk pregnancies. A recent study published online in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry suggests that this population may be at significant risk for antenatal depression.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-11T10:36:02-04:00March 6th, 2008|Depressive Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|Comments Off

Depression Related to Childbirth Affects One in Seven Women

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-07-11T13:52:07-04:00December 24th, 2007|Depressive Disorders, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|Comments Off

Can Estrogen Be Used to Treat Posptartum Depression?

After delivery, women experience a dramatic drop in estrogen hormone levels. Many have hypothesized that this decline in estrogen levels may precipitate postpartum depression (PPD) in susceptible individuals, and several studies have explored the use of estrogen for the treatment of depression after delivery.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2020-07-27T12:57:41-04:00November 15th, 2007|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|Comments Off

Can Women Suffer from Postpartum Depression After Miscarriage?

After the birth of a child, it is common for women to experience some type of mood disturbance. Typically, it is relatively mild (postpartum blues). However, about 10-15% of women experience a more severe and disabling illness, postpartum depression. It has been suggested that women who develop postpartum depression may be more sensitive to the hormonal changes that take place after delivery and that these hormonal changes may contribute to emergence of depressive symptoms during the postpartum period.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-07-11T14:05:19-04:00October 19th, 2006|Depressive Disorders, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off

New Book: A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Women’s Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years, by Ruta Nonacs, MD. (Simon and Schuster, 2006)

Depression affects women almost twice as often as men, with about one in four women suffering from it in her lifetime. While depression may strike at any time, studies show that women are particularly vulnerable during their childbearing years.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-05-16T06:50:03-04:00July 30th, 2006|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Treatment|Comments Off

Postpartum Depression: Who is at Risk?

Many women imagine new motherhood as a time of total fulfillment, days filled with mother-infant bonding and boundless joy. In reality, however, many women experience significant mood changes following childbirth. Between 50 and 85% of new mothers experience a brief postpartum period of tearfulness and anxiety, termed the "maternity blues." But some 10 to 15% of women experience postpartum depression, or PPD, a longer-lasting and more pervasive type of mood disorder.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-22T15:31:51-04:00June 20th, 2005|Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Prevalence & Risk Factors|Comments Off