Approximately 10-15% of women will experience mood symptoms that meet criteria for a Major Depressive Episode during the postpartum period. However, as many as 50% of women may experience some level of depressive symptoms during the postpartum period. Recent evidence suggests that even depressive symptoms that do not qualify for a diagnosis of postpartum depression [...]

While anticonvulsants, such as lamotrigine (Lamictal), topiramate (Topamax), and gabapentin (Neurontin), are being used with increasing regularity for the treatment of women with bipolar disorder, we have limited information with respect to the reproductive safety of the newer anticonvulsant agents.  In 2006, we reported on preliminary data indicating an increased risk of oral clefts among [...]

It is well established that women are at increased risk for developing depression compared to men.  It has been hypothesized that this vulnerability to depression may be hormonally mediated, and several longitudinal studies have documented an increased risk of depressive symptoms during perimenopause or the menopausal transition.  Based on the results of two prospective cohort [...]

Many patients ask questions about generic medications, wondering how they differ and if they’re as safe and as effective as the more expensive brand name versions. To better understand this concept, we’ll discuss an example. Many patients have heard of the medication, Prozac, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, generically known as fluoxetine. The company, [...]

Postpartum psychosis is rare, occurring in about 1 to 2 per 1000 women after delivery.  While there appears to be a strong link between postpartum psychosis and bipolar disorder, it is estimated that about half of women who present with postpartum psychosis have no psychiatric history prior to delivery, making it difficult to identify those [...]