substance abuse - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Maternal Depression Leads to Risky Behaviors in Adolescent Children

Maternal depression has been identified as a risk factor for adolescent depression. In addition, maternal depression appears to increase the risk of certain behavioral problems in children; however, it appears that the timing of exposure may play an important role in mediating the effects of maternal depression. A recent study suggests that childhood exposure to maternal depression between the ages of 4 and 14 may result in risky behaviors later on during adolescence.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-04-06T13:27:04-04:00April 6th, 2015|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|0 Comments

Progesterone Reduces the Use of Cocaine in Postpartum Women with Cocaine Use Disorder

It has been suggested in prior literature that the effects of cocaine are partially modulated by the gonadal hormones, estradiol and progesterone, which may account for sex differences in the use and abuse of cocaine (Evans et al. 2002 & Jackson et al. 2006). Because previous studies have shown that women who use cocaine tend to use less of this drug during periods of high endogenous progesterone levels, as in pregnancy or during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, a recent study explored whether progesterone replacement could be effective in reducing cocaine use in postpartum women with a cocaine use disorder. In this recent double-blinded study performed by researchers at Yale School of Medicine, women were eligible for the study if they met DSM IV criteria for cocaine abuse or dependence in the 6 months prior to conception or during pregnancy and were within 12 weeks of delivery.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-02-13T12:09:29-04:00February 4th, 2015|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|0 Comments

Opioids and Women of Reproductive Age: A Growing Problem

This report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) was published yesterday and is a good, albeit alarming, companion to the post we published yesterday on obstetrical outcomes.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-17T10:54:22-04:00January 23rd, 2015|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Opioid Abuse and Dependence in Pregnancy: Impact on Obstetrical Outcomes

In a recent study, researchers looked at the rising nationwide trend of opioid abuse and dependence in pregnancy and obstetrical outcomes in this patient population. Previous research has focused on neonatal outcomes, such as neonatal abstinence syndrome; however, maternal complications have not been well-studied. In this study, data was collected from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), including nearly 57 million American women who were admitted for obstetric delivery between the years 1998-2011. Overall 113,105 of those women (0.2%) were identified as abusing or being dependent on opioids. The prevalence increased by 127% from the beginning of the study in 1998 until its completion in 2011, reflecting the growing opioid epidemic. The increase was mostly represented in women 20 to 34 years or age.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-02-13T10:11:40-04:00January 22nd, 2015|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Facilitating Smoking Cessation in Pregnant Women: An Innovative Web-Based Training for Healthcare Professionals

Women who smoke during pregnancy are at greater risk for certain complications, including placental previa, placental abruption, and premature rupture of the membranes, and premature delivery. Furthermore, infants of mothers who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to be small for gestational age and are at greater risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-10T15:42:16-04:00October 27th, 2012|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Risk Factors for Postpartum Smoking Relapse

A high proportion (47%–63%) of women who quit smoking during pregnancy relapse during the postpartum period. Being able to identify those women at highest risk for relapse may help to devise strategies for preventing relapse.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T10:52:21-04:00October 14th, 2012|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|1 Comment

Methadone and Breastfeeding

Up until 2001, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that methadone was compatible with breastfeeding in women taking less than 20 mg per day. Because most women on methadone maintenance therapy typically require 50 to 15o mg of methadone per day during pregnancy, this meant that most women on methadone were not able to breastfeed. However, the dose restriction for methadone was eliminated in 2001, a decision driven by several studies indicating that the levels of methadone secreted into human breast milk were relatively low.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2017-05-05T18:31:03-04:00March 21st, 2011|Breastfeeding and Psychiatric Medications|5 Comments

ACOG Focuses on Smoking Cessation in Pregnant and Postpartum Women

In the November issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has issued recommendations to providers regarding efforts to support smoking cessation in pregnant and postpartum women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2017-05-05T11:50:17-04:00November 10th, 2010|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Postpartum Depressive Symptoms Increase the Risk of Smoking Relapse

While many women who smoke successfully quit smoking during pregnancy, most of these women return to smoking within 12 months of delivery. Several studies have suggested that certain factors may increase the risk of postpartum relapse, including unwanted pregnancy, multiparity, and stressful life events. Two recent studies indicate that postpartum depressive symptoms may also increase the risk of smoking relapse after delivery.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:23:58-04:00May 19th, 2009|New Research, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|1 Comment

Substance Abuse Treatment During Pregnancy Improves Outcomes

Despite efforts over the last decade to increase awareness regarding the negative effects of alcohol and other drug use during pregnancy, substance abuse among pregnant women continues to be a significant problem in the United States. The 2003 National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated that 9.3% of pregnant women used alcohol and 4.3% percent of pregnant women used illicit drugs. In other countries, the prevalence of substance use and abuse may be even higher. For example, in a recent survey of pregnant women in Ireland, 54% admitted to drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:03:46-04:00November 17th, 2008|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|2 Comments