Publications - Perinatal Emotional Concerns

Signs of Postpartum Depression May Appear Months After Initial Screening, by The Wall Street Journal, The Wall St. Journal , Jun 22 2015.

“Screening women for symptoms of depression shortly after giving birth may fail to identify those at high risk to develop postpartum depression in later months, says a study in the Annals of Family Medicine. For many women, the first signs of depression appeared months later, the study found. Surprisingly, women who appeared least likely to develop depression after giving birth were later found to be at greatest risk. Currently, women aren’t routinely screened for postpartum depression in the U.S. ”

People Have Misconceptions About Miscarriage, And That Can Hurt, by Katherine Hobson, NPR , May 8 2015.

“Most people think a miscarriage is rare, and many believe that if a woman loses a pregnancy that she brought it upon herself. Neither of those things is true, but the enduring beliefs cause great pain to women and their partners. In fact, almost half of people who have experienced a miscarriage or whose partner has had one feel guilty, according to a survey to be published Monday in Obstetrics & Gynecology. More than a quarter of them felt shame. Many felt they'd lost a child. ”

History of depression puts women at risk for diabetes during pregnancy, study finds, by Loyola University Health System, ScienceDaily , Mar 31 2015.

“A history of depression may put women at risk for developing diabetes during pregnancy, according to research published in the latest issue of the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing by researchers from Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing (MNSON). This study also pointed to how common depression is during pregnancy and the need for screening and education. "Women with a history of depression should be aware of their risk for gestational diabetes during pregnancy and raise the issue with their doctor," said Mary Byrn, PhD, RN, study co-author and assistant professor, MNSON. "Health-care providers also should know and understand the prevalence and symptoms of prenatal depression and gestational diabetes and screen and manage these women appropriately." ”

Study: New Mothers May Suffer From Postpartum OCD, by Brian Krans, Healthline News , Mar 6 2015.

“A new mother has plenty to worry about, but some mothers’ fretting may go beyond natural protective instincts and into the realm of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A recent study from Northwestern University found that new mothers are five times more likely than their peers to experience OCD as long as six months after their child is born. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about three percent of the general population has OCD, an anxiety disorder marked by uncontrollable thoughts and fears and repetitive behaviors. The Northwestern researchers found that 11 percent of new mothers experience significant OCD symptoms, including fear of injuring the baby and worry about proper hygiene and germs. Some of these are normal feelings a woman experiences with a newborn, but researchers said that if the compulsions interfere with a mother’s duties it could indicate a serious mental health issue. ”

Phone support can help ease postpartum depression, by Lisa Rapaport, Reuters , Feb 24 2015.

“Phone support can help ease postpartum depression, a small study suggests, offering an option for mothers who are unable or unwilling to seek therapy in person. In the study, women with postpartum depression received telephone counseling from other women who had previously suffered from the disorder and recovered. The new moms found that the conversations helped relieve symptoms. ”

Beyond the Blues: Prenatal and Postpartum Depression, by Bennett, Shoshana, 2015.

Study finds Depression in Pregnancy, Postpartum is Overlooked and Undertreated, by David Jacobson, UCSF School of Pharmacy , Dec 1 2014.

“About 10 to 20 percent of women suffer from new-onset depression during pregnancy or after giving birth. Untreated, the impact of such illness can be profound, ranging from substance abuse, poor prenatal care, and miscarriages to impaired infant bonding and developmental delays. But a new study comparing the medical records of more than 6,000 such perinatal women-both during their pregnancies and postpartum-to those of about 57,000 non-pregnant women of the same ages (18 to 39 years) has found the perinatal group was significantly less likely to be diagnosed with depression. ”

Postpartum Difficulties Not Just Limited to Depression, by Traci Pedersen, Psych Central, Aug 19 2014.

“Both mothers and fathers need to pay attention to their mental health during the perinatal period, and they need to watch for these other types of conditions, not just depression, said Carrie Wendel-Hummell, a doctoral candidate in sociology. Anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, and bipolar disorder are all shaped by circumstances that surround having a baby.”

Looking after New Mothers, by New York Times, New York Times , Jun 19 2014.

“A dozen states have laws that encourage some form of awareness and education about postpartum depression. In three of those states--New Jersey, Illinois, and West Virginia--screening is required by law. Should screening for postpartum depression be mandatory? How can those suffering be assured of treatment? ”

Thinking of Ways to Harm Her, by Pam Belluck, New York Times , Jun 15 2014.

“Postpartum depression isn't always postpartum. It isn't even always depression. A fast-growing body of research is changing the very definition of maternal mental illness, showing that it is more common and varied than previously thought. Scientists say new findings contradict the longstanding view that symptoms begin only within a few weeks after childbirth. In fact, depression often begins during pregnancy, researchers say,and can develop any time in the first year after a baby is born. ”

Suppressing Positive Emotions Can Lead to Postpartum Depression, by Rick Nauert, Psych Central , Apr 30 2014.

“New research discovers that the suppression of positive feelings can play an important role in the development of postpartum depression. Investigators believe this finding has implications for the treatment of depressed mothers. ”

Depression risks increase for young dads, by Michelle Healy, USA Today , Apr 14 2014.

“Becoming a dad can be emotionally tough for any guy, but especially for young, first-time fathers. A new study finds that the first five years of parenthood - key attachment and bonding years for a child - may be the riskiest for young dads when it comes to developing depression. Symptoms of depression increased on average by 68% over the first five years of fatherhood for men who were around 25 years old when they became fathers and lived with their children, according to the study published online today in the journal Pediatrics. ”

Higher risks among perinatal women with bipolar disorder, by Brown University, ScienceDaily , Feb 24 2014.

“Women with bipolar disorder often struggle with the illness during and after pregnancy. A new study finds that they were significantly more likely to face important psychiatric and childrearing challenges compared to women who were seeking treatment for other psychiatric disorders. The findings indicate the importance of properly identifying the disorder and developing specific treatments for women during and after pregnancy, the lead author states. ”

Maternal Depression May Affect Infant Development, by Rick Nauert, Psych Central , Dec 5 2013.

“New research finds that depression among pregnant women may have an impact on their developing babies. Experts have observed that children of depressed parents are at an increased risk of developing depression themselves - presumably a combination of both genetic and environmental factors. These children also display alterations in the amygdala, a brain structure important for the regulation of emotion and stress. ”

Rep. Ellen Story calls Miriam Carey death 'wake up call' on postpartum depression, by Anne-Gerard Flynn, The Republican, Oct 5 2013.

“I am deeply distressed about, and sorry for the tragic death of Miriam Carey. It is a wake-up call for all of us to do everything we can to identify and treat postpartum depression, said Rep. Ellen Story D-Amherst, co-chairperson of the commission, and author of the 2010 Massachusetts Postpartum Depression legislation. ”