Even among women who recognize that they are experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression, many may be reluctant to take conventional antidepressants. Alternatives to traditional therapy that may be useful alone or as adjuncts to pharmacologic treatment include exercise, aromatherapy, massage, and dietary supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids. Studies suggest a correlation between omega-3 deficiency and depression, and researchers have observed that perinatal women are particularly deficient in these essential fatty acids due to the transference of polyunsaturated fatty acids to the developing fetus (Rees AM, Austin MP, Parker G. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2005;39:274-80). In our next First Thursday teleconference, Marlene P. Freeman, MD, will review the rationale for consideration of omega-3 fatty acids in perinatal depression, pilot data, and suggested future research directions in this area. For more information or to register, click here.
Postpartum mood disorders and maternal perceptions of infant patterns in well-child follow-up visits.
Orhon FS, Ulukol B, Soykan A.
Acta Paediatr. 2007 Dec;96(12):1777-1783.
The aims of this study were to evaluate the associations between postpartum depressive symptoms and maternal perceptions of infant patterns with 1-year follow-up examinations, and to assess the impacts of treatment on these perceptions.
Neural dysfunction in postpartum depression: an FMRI pilot study.
Silverman ME, Loudon H, Safier M, Protopopescu X, Leiter G, Liu X, Goldstein M.
CNS Spectr. 2007 Nov;12(11):853-62.
This study attempted to address a critical gap in the mechanistic understanding of PPD by probing its systems-level neuropathophysiology, in the context of a specific neurobiological model of fronto-limbic-striatal function.
Non-psychotic psychiatric disorders after childbirth: Prevalence and comorbidity in a community sample.
Navarro P, García-Esteve L, Ascaso C, Aguado J, Gelabert E, Martín-Santos R.
J Affect Disord. 2007 Nov 12; [Epub ahead of print]
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and co-occurrence of DSM-IV psychiatric disorders in a community sample of postpartum Spanish mothers.
InTheNews
Women and Doctors Have Widely Different Views About Depression Medication Use Around Pregnancy
Society for Women's Health Research, November 13, 2007
A survey released by the Society for Women's Health Research indicates that while most doctors believe medications to treat depression are safe during and after pregnancy, the majority of women surveyed believe drugs for depression are unsafe around this time. The survey also found that women are much less likely than their doctors to recognize symptoms of depression.
New Jersey church launches training on postpartum depression
NCR Online.org, November 16, 2007
The New Jersey Catholic Conference is working with the statewide Maternal and Child Consortia to educate clergy, religious and lay leaders in the state's 684 parishes to recognize the warning signals of postpartum depression.
Moms-to-be at risk: Kaiser program reaches out to women depressed during pregnancy
Sacramento Bee.com, October 20, 2007
A new program at Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento, California, is designed for pregnant women experiencing depression or anxiety.
Postpartum Depression Conference
When: December 3
Where: Oak Lawn, IL
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Perinatal Depression: Rationale, Evidence, and Directions for Future Research
When: December 6
Where: Teleconference
SMFM 28th Annual Meeting: The Pregnancy Meeting™
When: January 28-February 2
Where: Dallas, TX
MedEdResources
Index of Alternative Therapies and Modalities
A comprehensive list of alternative medicine terms with definitions and explanations. From the Harvard Medical School and Natural Standard, an international research collaboration that aggregates and synthesizes data on complementary and alternative therapies.
Science Daily Health and Medicine Web Site
The latest headlines about research in health and medicine including pregnancy, women's health, and alternative medicine. The Web site is indexed by topic and updated daily.
National Association of Social Workers
The largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain standards for the profession, and to advance sound social policies.
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