Within the field of psychiatry, there is a growing body of literature studying the use of antidepressants in women in the context of pregnancy and the postpartum period.  However, much less attention has focused on the impact of these drugs on fertility, particularly in men.  Because major depressive disorders affect about one in 10 American [...]

While some side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants tend to decrease or resolve over time, other side effects such as sexual dysfunction rarely remit spontaneously.  Treatment of sexual side effects in women is especially important when about 30-70% of patients taking antidepressants may experience sexual [...]

Happy holidays from the Center for Women’s Mental Health! As we finish up 2008, we thank you for your support and interest in our program over the past year. The following are the ten most widely read posts from our blog over the past six months: 1. Use of Wellbutrin (Bupropion) During Pregnancy – February [...]

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) has been effectively used for the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. Many women suffering from bipolar disorder are of childbearing age; therefore an adequate contraception is a major concern that needs to be addressed in this population. Special consideration should be taken when patients taking lamotrigine plan to use oral contraceptives (OCs).  Studies [...]

This Friday, October 10, is Screening for Mental Health’s National Depression Screening Day, an effort to raise awareness for depression and its treatment. The risk for depression is nearly twice as high in women as in men, and reproductive-aged women are at highest risk for developing depression.  Numerous research studies suggest that untreated depression can [...]

Infertility and its treatment have been shown to be a trigger for both depression and anxiety.  Women with pre-existing histories of depression and anxiety who have been stable on medication may find themselves with worsening symptoms brought on by the stress involved in the process of infertility treatment.  Many women find the process an emotional [...]

Depo-Provera (DMPA), also known as the birth control shot, is a highly effective form of contraception that lasts for 3 months, and thus requires only 4 injections per year. DMPA contains a long-lasting form of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate that works as a contraceptive agent by preventing the ovaries from releasing an egg each month. Potential [...]

Psychological symptoms play a significant role in infertility. Some studies have examined the impact of psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression) on fertility status. Most of this research has focused on women with unsuccessful IVF treatment. Some have investigated the extent to which a woman’s psychological state during assisted reproductive therapy (ART, which includes in vitro [...]

Infertility is a problem which has gained increased attention over the past several decades. While many factors may contribute to infertility, some medications may also affect reproductive functioning and thus may have an impact on fertility. This post will focus on the antipsychotic drugs, which are now used to treat many psychiatric disorders other than [...]

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 [...]