And we wonder why so many ob/gyns don't seem cognizant of - or competent with - mental health issues as they affect pregnant and postpartum women's medical treatment?

Just saw this coverage of ACOG's warning in today's news.

Hard to believe that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) would be so slow to issue a statement in response to FDA warnings about the use of antidepressant Paxil during pregnancy -- It has, after all, been a full YEAR since the federal agency alerted the public to potential birth defects risks.

In its "hot off the press" statement, ACOG's Committee on Obstetric Practice "recommends that treatment with all SSRIs [selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors] or selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or both during pregnancy be individualized and paroxetine [Paxil] use among pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant be avoided, if possible." This recommendation will appear in the December issue of the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology.

Not exactly on the cutting edge of information delivery! And guess what? When you go to ACOG's massive website and do a keyword search for "Paxil," one lone entry comes up. And it's a two-year-old article related to hormone therapy.

Is it just me, or is something very wrong with this picture?

Posted by Sarah M. at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The World Health Organization (WHO) is recognizing the global impact of depression. A new WHO report, "Burden of Disease, 2002 to 2020" just published in the Public Library of Science journal Medicine, projects that depression will be among the top killers worldwide in years to come - By 2030, WHO projects that depression will rank among the five causes of death.

That's right. Depression.

Could there possibly be a bigger red flag for policymakers?

Posted by Sarah M. at 07:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Heads up for a continuing education opportunity for advocates and professionals in California:

Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders:
Assessment & Treatment
February 2-3, 2007 in San Jose

This training is open to anyone who works with pregnant and postpartum women. Discount for Postpartum Support International (PSI) members. CME/CEUs are available for MDs, RNs, PhDs, LCSW/MFTs.

For more info and registration, go to www.beyondtheblues.com and click on "Upcoming Seminars."

Posted by Sarah M. at 09:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A new post on Postpartum Progress, from blogger-advocate Katherine Stone:

Murders & Attempted Murders in California, South Carolina, & Connecticut Should Move Congress to Pass the MOTHERS Act

Posted by Sarah M. at 07:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1711) | TrackBacks (11)

I'm really pleased to be able to share this good news from Postpartum Support International (PSI), who held a successful fundraiser last night in New Jersey:

PSI's ANNUAL FUNDRAISER HONORING CBS CARES & COLD CASE ATTENDED BY LEGISLATORS, NATIONAL HEALTH ADVOCATES

Postpartum Support International (PSI) held their annual fundraiser last night at the Green Brook Country Club in N. Caldwell, NJ. The gala honored CBS Cares and CBS critically acclaimed series Cold Case for their groundbreaking Public Service Announcements on postpartum depression with PSI’s Excellence in Media Outreach Award.

Matthew Margo, Senior Vice-President of Program Practices at CBS accepted the awards on behalf of CBS Cares and Cold Case which were presented by Susan Dowd Stone, MSW, LCSW, President of PSI.

New Jersey resident Sylvia Lasalandra, a postpartum depression survivor and the author of the book A Daughter’s Touch, was the evening’s official hostess. Dr. Alexis Menken, NJ State Coordinator for PSI and Chairperson of public relations, welcomed the guests.

Former Governor and State Senator President Richard Codey and Mary Jo Codey addressed the audience as honored guests of the evening’s program.

In addition, Governor Jon Corzine, Senator Robert Mendendez, and Manny Alvarez, MD, Health Managing Editor for FOX News and Chairman, Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences for Hackensack University Medical Center, spoke to guests about legislative and advocacy efforts to prevent, detect, and treat perinatal mood disorders, a major public health issue. Presenters congratulated CBS and PSI on this groundbreaking public service announcement campaign of primetime PSAs, which will run through fall 2007.

As First Lady of New Jersey, Mrs. Codey worked tirelessly to raise awareness and increase screening for postpartum depression since making public her own personal struggles with the disorder and continues to serve in this important role today.

Governor Jon Corzine praised CBS Cares and Postpartum Support International for their groundbreaking collaboration on raising awareness of this issue.

Senator Robert Menendez acknowledged the importance of this collaboration in raising national awareness of this family issue and spoke about The MOTHERS ACT, the proposed federal legislation that will mandate education and screening for postpartum depression, based on New Jersey’s groundbreaking legislation, co-authored by himself and Senator Richard Durbin (IL). He spoke of Senator Edward Kennedy's interest and support of this legislation, which is most encouraging.

Manny Alvarez, MD, Managing Editor of Health for FOX News and Chairman of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences at Hackensack University Medical Center addressed the audience on Perinatal Mental Health: A Family Affair.

PSI is the world's largest organization offering support, referrals, education, training and resources to health care providers, women and their families coping with perinatal mood disorders. The organization was founded in 1987 by Jane Honikman and has its home office in Santa Barbara, CA. The purpose of the organization is to increase awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women experience during pregnancy and postpartum.

PSI has a volunteer coordinator in every one of the United States and in 26 countries around the world. PSI disseminates information and resources through the volunteer coordinators, the website and an annual conference. The goal is to provide current information, resources, education, and to advocate for further research and legislation to support perinatal mental health. For help women, partners and families may call 1.800.944.4773 (1.800.944.4PPD) or visit their website at www.postpartum.net to be directed to their local coordinator.

Posted by Sarah M. at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (1)

As recently reported on Karen Kleiman's fabulous Postpartum Stress Blog and Katherine Stone's equally terrific Postpartum Progress... The University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV) is conducting a research study in its Maternal Health Lab, investigating the relationship between perinatal hormone changes, women's cognition, and changes in affect (emotional state).

One of the goals of this study is to better identify the early markers for postpartum mental illness, which could go a long way toward preventing the types of horrific family tragedies that make international news headlines.

The UNLV research team needs research subjects for the three protocols they are currently running! To get more info and find out if you might be a candidate, click here.

Posted by Sarah M. at 04:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (459) | TrackBacks (26)

At a Capitol Hill event this morning in DC, the almost 100-year-old National Mental Health Association announced a new name, new activities (including an Advocacy Network of citizen-advocates), and a renewed mission.

The launch of Mental Health America's new name coincides with a sharp-looking new website, featuring - among other things - a research-based primer for women in their childbearing years who are considering using a psychiatric medication:

Because there is a risk of birth defects with some psychotropic medications during early pregnancy, a woman who is taking such medication and wishes to become pregnant should discuss her plans with her doctor. In general, it is desirable to minimize or avoid the use of medication during early pregnancy. If a woman on medication discovers that she is pregnant, she should contact her doctor immediately. She and the doctor can decide how best to handle her therapy during and following the pregnancy. Some precautions that should be taken are:

* If possible, lithium should be discontinued during the first trimester (first 3 months of pregnancy), because of an increased risk of birth defects.

* Benzodiazepines are not recommended during the first trimester.

The decision to use a psychotropic medication should be made only after a careful discussion between the woman, her partner, and her doctor about the risks and benefits to her and the baby. If, after discussion, they agree it best to continue medication, the lowest effective dosage should be used, or the medication can be changed.

For a woman with an anxiety disorder, a change from a benzodiazepine to an antidepressant might be considered. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be beneficial in helping an anxious or depressed person to lower medication requirements. For women with severe mood disorders, a course of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is sometimes recommended during pregnancy as a means of minimizing exposure to riskier treatments.

After the baby is born, there are other considerations. Women with bipolar disorder are at particularly high risk for a postpartum episode. If they have stopped medication during pregnancy, they may want to resume their medication just prior to delivery or shortly thereafter. They will also need to be especially careful to maintain their normal sleep-wake cycle. Women who have histories of depression should be checked for recurrent depression or postpartum depression during the months after the birth of a child.

Women who are planning to breastfeed should be aware that small amounts of medication pass into the breast milk. In some cases, steps can be taken to reduce the exposure of the nursing infant to the mother's medication, for instance, by timing doses to post-feeding sleep periods. The potential benefits and risks of breastfeeding by a woman taking psychotropic medication should be discussed and carefully weighed by the patient and her physician.

A woman who is taking birth control pills should be sure that her doctor knows this. The estrogen in these pills may affect the breakdown of medications by the body - for example, increasing side effects of some antianxiety medications or reducing their ability to relieve symptoms of anxiety. Also, some medications, including carbamazepine and some antibiotics, and an herbal supplement, St. John's wort, can cause an oral contraceptive to be ineffective.

Also worth checking out: Mental Health America's fact sheets, "Depression & Women". and "Postpartum Disorders". (Though it should be noted that the postpartum fact sheet needs updating... The resource organization Depression After Delivery no longer exists, as it has officially been absorbed as part of Postpartum Support International (PSI).)

Posted by Sarah M. at 04:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

Check out this new post from blogger-advocate Katherine Stone, of Postpartum Progress:

"Genetic test can predict impact of antidepressant side effects"

Posted by Sarah M. at 10:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

A Chicago television station's coverage of the work advocates for women and families are doing in the state of Illinois - and at the national level: "Group Pushes for Postpartum Depression Screening."

Although I cringed at the inappropriate blurring of the line between the (very common) condition of PPD and the (very, very rare) condition of postpartum psychosis reflected in the wording of the headline and the content of the story... I still believe kudos are in order to reporter Sylvia Gomez for for telling the tragic story of Melanie Stokes in a context that can truly have a ripple effect on policy and public awareness. It's a story that can easily be leveraged as just a sound byte, a sensationalistic headline. But what happened to Melanie - and her devastated loved ones - is very real and should never have to be endured by another family. Women like Melanie aren't inherently doomed to lose their lives. They can and must be accurately diagnosed and appropriately treated.

We have to keep working hard to press past the lingering stigma and ignorance. . . one news story at a time, one state or federal bill at a time.

Posted by Sarah M. at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

An ongoing research study at the Center for Women's Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital: "Breastfeeding and the Use of Psychiatric Medications."

Here's a description:

This study evaluates the extent to which infants are exposed to psychiatric medications when mothers use these agents while breastfeeding. Breast milk and serum from mother and infant are collected at one point during the postpartum period to study the presence of psychiatric medications.

For more information, contact Viveka at (617) 724-6540 or vprakash (at) partners (dot) org.

Posted by Sarah M. at 02:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (13)

The "2005 Women's Health" report is out from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. To see their reporting on maternal mental health in America - and more specifically, on perinatal depression - click here.

It's important to know that the text and charts in this report are NOT copyrighted! That means you have permission to reprint and redistribute all or part of the publication to share with women and families. Just include this credit line on any reprints, and you're good to go:

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration. Women's Health USA 2005. Rockville, Maryland: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2005.

For PDFs from this report that you can download and print, click here.

Posted by Sarah M. at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The loss of a fetus during any stage of pregnancy can be one of the most stressful, grief-filled - but least understood or recognized - events in a woman's life.

Too often, miscarriage is "swept under the rug" by well-meaning partners, friends, or relatives who don't recognize the level of impact it has had. And too often, women who have experienced a miscarriage don't get the bedside manner - or the referrals for mental health support - that they need from their healthcare providers.

The Mayo Clinic has published concise but helpful tip sheets on their website: "Coping with Pregnancy Loss" and "Understanding Miscarriage."

Posted by Sarah M. at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The November 9 edition of The Washington Post featured an important story by Gene Kuleta, "Rejection of Stigma Leads to Renewal: Mother, 13 States Advocate for Pregnancy-Related Depression."

For more information about the statewide Maryland program spotlighted in this story that is reaching out to address prenatal depression and anxiety, go to www.healthynewmoms.org.

Posted by Sarah M. at 07:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you tuned in to the ABC News program 20/20 Friday night, you caught their segment on the tough issues surrounding motherhood and work. An area that is intricately related to emotional wellbeing and stress management for millions of American moms!

Journalist Elizabeth Vargas is just back from maternity leave, and her first topic is quite appropriate. The program featured an interview with Joan Blades, one of the fabulous co-founders of MomsRising and Carol Evans, president and CEO of Working Mother magazine. The program was headlined "Elizabeth Vargas Returns: Can Working Mothers Truly Have it All?"

Even if you missed the segment, you can still take part in the online message boards and other related features (including print stories) at the 20/20 website.

To give ABC kudos for treating women in the workplace as the important issue it is - for families, for the economy, for employers - and to let them know you want to see more coverage of issues American families are grappling with, send email to: 2020 (at) abc (dot) com.

Posted by Sarah M. at 08:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Last night in Indiana, actress-turned-perinatal-mental-health-advocate Brooke Shields spoke publicly about her experience of postpartum depression (PPD) for the first time since publishing her personal account, Down Came the Rain.

The occasion was a 30th anniversary dinner gala for Meridian Services, a mental health service provider. After her 40-minute speech, Shields took part in a panel discussion with physicians from Meridian Services and the Voss Center for Women, who sponsored the event.

Posted by Sarah M. at 07:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

New research conducted by Carnegie Mellon University faculty suggests that happiness - i.e., positive emotions - plays an even more important role in determining our overall health than previously thought.

The study is published in th journal Psychosomatic Medicine and featured by the Science Daily news service.

Posted by Sarah M. at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yet another juicy twist in the celebrity standoff between the Cruise camp and Brooke Shields, which began last year when Tom publicly went after Shields for taking antidepressant medication to treat severe postpartum depression.

All's well that ends well?

Posted by Sarah M. at 09:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)