women's mental health - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Infertility Treatment: A Trigger for Depression and Anxiety

While several studies have demonstrated high levels of psychological distress among women pursuing infertility treatment, few studies have assessed the prevalence of psychiatric illness in populations undergoing infertility treatment using standardized diagnostic instruments. In a recent study from Taipei Veterans General Hospital, a university-affiliated medical center in Taiwan, women attending an assisted reproduction clinic were assessed using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) (Chen 2004) Of the 112 participants, 40.2% met criteria for a psychiatric disorder. The most common diagnosis was generalized anxiety disorder (23.2%), followed by major depressive disorder (17.0%) and dysthymic disorder (9.8%). Participants with a psychiatric disorder did not differ from those without illness in terms of age, education level, income, or years of infertility.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-21T11:30:27-04:00August 18th, 2004|Infertility and Mental Health|1 Comment

Prevention of Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a relatively common problem, affecting between 10% and 15% of women after delivery. Although it is difficult to reliably predict which women in the general population will experience postpartum mood disturbance, it is possible to identify certain subgroups of women who are more vulnerable to postpartum affective illness. Women who have had one episode of postpartum depression have about a 50% chance of experiencing another episode of PPD after a subsequent pregnancy. The extent to which a history of depression (prior to pregnancy) influences risk is less clear, but some studies indicate that between 30% and 50% will suffer from recurrent depression during the postpartum period. Several investigators have recently explored the potential efficacy of prophylactic interventions in these populations of women at risk.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-07T22:57:38-04:00July 20th, 2004|Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders|0 Comments

Is St. John’s Wort Safe in Breastfeeding Women?

Postpartum depression is a relatively common event, affecting 10 to 15% of women after the birth of a child. Many women, however, do not receive treatment, and one of the most common reasons for avoiding or deferring treatment is concern regarding the use of medications while breastfeeding. A preliminary study from Lee and colleagues at the Motherisk Program in Toronto, Canada has investigated the use of St. John’s wort in breastfeeding women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-21T11:28:28-04:00January 18th, 2004|Breastfeeding and Psychiatric Medications|0 Comments

Long-term Effects of Fetal Exposure to Antidepressants

Although data accumulated over the last 30 years suggest that some medications may be used safely during pregnancy, our knowledge regarding the risks of prenatal exposure to psychotropic medications is incomplete. Because neuronal migration and differentiation occur throughout pregnancy and into the early years of life, the central nervous system (CNS) remains particularly vulnerable to toxic agents throughout pregnancy. While insults that occur early in pregnancy may result in gross abnormalities, exposures that occur after neural tube closure (at 32 days of gestation) may produce more subtle changes in behavior and functioning.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-21T11:25:18-04:00March 31st, 2003|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Bupropion and Breastfeeding

Data have accumulated over the last few years on the use of antidepressants in nursing mothers. It appears that all antidepressants are secreted into the breast milk; however, the amount of medication to which the nursing child is exposed appears to be relatively small. We have the most information is available for fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and the tricyclic antidepressants. In general, one should try to choose an antidepressant for which there are data to support its safety during breastfeeding. However, there are often situations where one may choose another antidepressant that has not been as well characterized. For instance, if a woman has not responded well to any of the above medications.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-21T10:41:36-04:00November 6th, 2002|Breastfeeding and Psychiatric Medications|2 Comments

Anticonvulsants During Pregnancy in Women with Bipolar Disorder

Unfortunately the mood stabilizers most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder (including lithium and valproic acid) can increase the risk of certain types of congenital malformations in children exposed to these medications during the first trimester of pregnancy. For women who need a mood stabilizer during pregnancy, lithium is the safest option; however, when used during the first trimester, it carries a 0.1% risk of a cardiac malformation called Ebstein's anomaly. Although this is a potentially serious complication, it is important to keep in mind that the risk of malformation is relatively small.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-21T10:11:37-04:00October 6th, 2002|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Reevaluating the Pros and Cons of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Each year, more than 1.3 million American women become menopausal in the U.S. The menopausal transition is marked by intense hormonal variability, and frequently accompanied by vasomotor symptoms (e.g., hot flashes, night sweats), sleep disturbance, and altered libido. In addition, as women become estrogen-deprived, they may also experience an increased risk for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction, and depressive symptoms.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T11:48:35-04:00September 18th, 2002|Menopausal Symptoms|7 Comments

Breastfeeding Boosts Intelligence

Over the years, various studies have demonstrated the many advantages of breastfeeding, findings that have led the American Academy of Pediatrics to recommend that all mothers breastfeed their children for the first year of the child's life. Several studies have also examined the relationship between breastfeeding and intellectual development in younger children and have demonstrated better cognitive functioning in children who were breastfed. The extent to which breastfeeding during infancy has an effect on later intellectual development has been more difficult to assess.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T11:05:48-04:00July 18th, 2002|Breastfeeding and Psychiatric Medications|0 Comments

Light Therapy for Depression During Pregnancy

Depression during pregnancy (antenatal depression) is relatively common, affecting about 10% of women. While there is a growing body of literature supporting the reproductive safety of certain antidepressants, our understanding of how these psychotropic medications affect the developing fetus remains incomplete. For this reason, antidepressants are typically avoided during pregnancy; thus, there is a clear need for effective non-pharmacologic treatments for women at high risk for antenatal depression.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T11:00:36-04:00June 23rd, 2002|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|1 Comment

Agnus Castus Fruit Extract as a Treatment for Premenstrual Syndrome

During the period before menstruation, many women report experiencing psychological and physical symptoms collectively referred to as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The fruits, leaves and flowers of Vitex agnus castus (the Chaste Tree) have traditionally been used to relieve these symptoms. While the mode of action is not clear, the effects of the plant seem to mimic those of the corpus luteum, stimulating the production of lutenizing hormone, thereby increasing progesterone production. Schellenberg and colleagues recently studied the effects of agnus castus fruit in women with premenstrual syndrome.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-20T11:28:59-04:00May 20th, 2002|PMS and PMDD|0 Comments

women’s mental health