Dear Colleague,
Researchers know that hormones and other chemicals created in the body fluctuate during the perinatal period. Now scientists are coming closer to an understanding of what role these chemicals play in maternal mood disorders and infant attachment.
In a recent study using functional MRI that measured mothers' physical response to images of their infant, dopamine reward centers were activated when mothers viewed images of their own infant, producing a natural "high."(Pediatrics. 2008;122(1):40-51.) Another study showed a flood of the hormone oxytocin is released when a woman breastfeeds. Oxytocin is known to elicit feelings of trust and bonding.(PLoS Comput Biol. 2008;4(7):e1000123) Researchers hope these studies will help to determine why infant-maternal attachment is sometimes delayed or absent.
In one of MedEdPPD's most popular First Thursday teleconferences, Effects of Maternal Depression, Lisa Segre, PhD., discussed the effects of postpartum depression on infant interaction and the toll reduced interaction has on the child. To view Effects of Maternal Depression, click here.
Medical
Updates
Acceptance and experience of treatment for postnatal depression in a community mental health setting.
McCarthy M, McMahon C.
Health Care Women Int. 2008 Jul;29(6):618-37.
Interviews with women in a community health center yield clues about women's stigmas about PPD and acceptance of treatment.
Antenatal depression predicts depression in adolescent offspring: Prospective longitudinal community-based study.
Pawlby S, Hay DF, Sharp D, Waters CS, O'Keane V.
J Affect Disord. 2008 Jul 3. [Epub ahead of print]
A 16-year study of mothers and their children showed a 4.7 times greater risk of depression for teens who were exposed to maternal antenatal depression.
Perinatal depression: treatment options and dilemmas.
Pearlstein T.
J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2008 Jul;33(4):302-18.
Review of known adverse effects of medications for pregnant and breastfeeding women, the known negative effects of untreated stress and mood disorders, and treatment dilemmas for women with perinatal depression.
View More»
In
The
News
Dying To Be A Good Mom - Eating Disorders In Pregnancy
Brainblogger.com, July 18, 2008
Women who have a history of eating disorders may be at increased risk for postpartum depression as well as disordered eating during the perinatal period.
Breast-feeding DOES help mothers bond with babies
Daily Mail.co.uk, July 18, 2008
Large amounts of oxytocin, the "love hormone," are released when a woman breastfeeds, aiding mother-infant bonding. Scientists are studying the hormone as a possible cure for depression and anxiety.
Pregnancy Alone Not A Risk for Mental Health Problems
Washington Post.com, July 7, 2008
A study of over 14,000 women found that pregnancy alone is not associated with increased risk of common mental disorders. Younger age, lack of a partner, and pregnancy complications are, however, increased risk factors for psychiatric disorders.
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Office Gynecology
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When:August 14-17
Where: August 14-17
Marce Society International Conference
When: September 10-13
Where: Sydney, Australia
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Index of Alternative Therapies and Modalities
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