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 stabile 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 [...]
Tag Archives: Anxiety
Maternal Stress and Low Birth Weight Predict Later Risk for Mood and Anxiety Disorders
May 22, 2008 – 9:49 am
It has been postulated that psychological stress in the mother, if present at a critical time of brain development, can permanently alter a child’s response to stress and may have long-term negative consequences. In response to stress, blood flow to the uterus is restricted and the fetus receives fewer nutrients, which may result in lower [...]
Stress During Pregnancy Increases ADHD Risk
May 10, 2008 – 5:02 am
While genetic factors are clearly important in determining a child’s risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), recent studies have investigated the link between exposure to certain maternal behaviors during pregnancy, such as smoking and alcohol use, and the risk of developing behavioral problems related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in childhood. While multiple studies [...]
How to Treat Anxiety Symptoms During Pregnancy
December 11, 2007 – 7:57 pm
Given the limited information on the reproductive safety of certain medications, it is common for women to discontinue anti-anxiety medications during pregnancy. However, many women experience worsening of their anxiety symptoms during pregnancy, and it seems that the first trimester may be particularly difficult. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques may be very useful for treating [...]
Link Found Between Anxiety and Preterm Birth
October 22, 2007 – 9:32 am
While there have been concerns regarding the reproductive safety of psychotropic medications, it must be recognized that withholding or withdrawing pharmacologic treatment for depression or anxiety during pregnancy may not always be the safest option. Untreated psychiatric illness in the mother cannot be considered a benign event, and a number of studies have indicated that [...]
Paroxetine and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the Treatment of Postpartum Depression
September 20, 2004 – 3:27 pm
Postpartum depression (PPD) is relatively common, occurring in about 10 to 15% of women after delivery. Non-pharmacologic interventions, including interpersonal psychotherapy, have been shown to be effective for the treatment of PPD. In addition, several reports have documented the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine (Effexor). In [...]
Infertility Treatment: A Trigger for Depression and Anxiety
August 18, 2004 – 4:05 pm
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 [...]
Depression and Preterm Labor
April 30, 2002 – 12:34 pm
Although most people tend to think of pregnancy as a time of emotional well-being, depression is relatively common, affecting about 1 in 10 women. While there are obvious concerns related to the use of antidepressants during pregnancy and the effects of these medications on the developing fetus, less attention has focused on the impact of [...]
Benzodiazepines and Pregnancy
May 6, 2001 – 4:08 pm
The data regarding the use of the benzodiazepines (including Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, and Valium) during pregnancy are somewhat controversial. Studies suggest there may be an increased risk of cleft lip and palate [...]
Serzone for Panic Disorder During Pregnancy
May 6, 2000 – 11:44 am
It is relatively common for women with panic disorder to experience recurrent anxiety and panic symptoms during pregnancy. This is especially true for women who have been stabilized on an anti-panic medication prior to conception and abruptly discontinue the medication after becoming pregnant. [...]
