Archives of Womens Mental Health

Impacts of disasters on women: the case of Kahramanmaras Earthquake sequence : Post-traumatic stress disorder and other problems among women after the Kahramanmaras Earthquake sequence
Samanci Tekin C and Aydin G
This study aimed to uncover difficulties, living conditions, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among women victims of the Kahramanmaras earthquake sequence on February 6, 2023.
Oestrogens and Mental Health
Riecher-Rössler A
Maternal alexithymia and caregiving behavior: the role of executive functioning - A FinnBrain Birth Cohort study
Nordenswan E, Deater-Deckard K, Kataja EL, Karrasch M, Laine M, Pelto J, Holmberg E, Lahtela H, Ahrnberg H, Kajanoja J, Karukivi M, Karlsson H, Karlsson L and Korja R
The growing interest in parental cognition calls for research clarifying how cognition interacts with other parenting determinants to shape caregiving behavior. We studied the interplay between executive functioning (EF; cognitive processes that enable goal-directed thinking and behavior) and alexithymic traits (characterized by emotion processing/regulation difficulties) in relation to emotional availability (EA; the dyad's ability to share an emotionally healthy relationship). As EF has been reported to shape parents' ability to regulate thoughts and emotions during caregiving, we examined whether EF moderated the association between maternal alexithymic traits, and EA.
Prenatal exercise and its effects on postpartum mental health: systematic review and meta-analysis
Hicks LE, Graf MD and Yeo S
The perinatal period, spanning from pregnancy through the first year after childbirth, is characterized by significant physiological, psychological, and socio-contextual changes. Women face complex stressors including psychosocial pressures, financial constraints, interpersonal dynamics, anticipatory stress related to parenthood, hormonal fluctuations, and societal expectations. These factors collectively influence the perinatal experience, increasing vulnerabilities and stress levels.
Young mothers and eHealth: a scoping review
Wiens KF, Joyce KM, Cluett RG, Hanson-Oliveira M, Reynolds K, Tomfohr-Madsen LM and Roos LE
Young mothers, defined as those age 25 and under, are at an increased risk of experiencing mental health problems. Despite this increased risk, very few mental health and parenting interventions that target the unique needs of this group are available. This scoping review summarized extant research on mental health and parenting eHealth interventions aimed at young mothers.
Severe alcohol withdrawal during pregnancy or early postpartum: maternal and fetal outcomes
Daidone S, Unlu H, Yehia A, Zhang N and Abulseoud OA
Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) during pregnancy is under-researched despite growing concerns about increased alcohol use among pregnant women. This study aims to explore the severity of AWS and its impact on maternal and fetal outcomes.
Associations between lifetime reproductive events among postmenopausal women with bipolar disorder
Gordon-Smith K, Perry A, Di Florio A, Craddock N, Jones I and Jones L
The premenstrual phase of the menstrual cycle, childbirth and perimenopause often coincide with a worsening of mood symptoms in women with bipolar disorder (BD). To date, findings from the limited number of studies investigating associations between these events among women with BD have been inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate associations between episodes in relation to the perimenopause and (i) premenstrual symptoms and (ii) postpartum mood episodes in a large sample of postmenopausal women with BD.
The prevalence of traumatic exposure in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): a systematic review
Grewal JK, Mu E, Li Q, Thomas EHX, Kulkarni J and Chen L
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a debilitating illness that affects 3-8% of women worldwide. There are multiple factors underlying the aetiology of PMDD, ranging from neuroendocrine changes to psychosocial factors such as exposure to trauma. This systematic review aims to assess the prevalence of traumatic exposure in women with PMDD.
Impact of work hours on sleep quality: a non-linear and gendered disparity
Doan T, Leach L and Strazdins L
Quality sleep is vital for good health. Although it is known that workhours affect sleep quality, it is not known at what point workhours begin to compromise sleep. Few studies consider workhours in the 'other job' (domestic and care work) or address reverse causality between sleep quality and how long people work. This study aimed to estimate the point at which weekly workhours harm sleep, among employed Australians aged 25-64.
Refugee mothers' mental health in Denmark: possibilities and limits of home visiting programs
Marti-Castaner M, Poulsen VR, Di Nucci E and Villadsen SF
To explore the experiences of refugee mothers and community health nurses participating in a nurse home visiting program in Denmark, focusing on the program's effects on the psychosocial well-being of refugee mothers during the transition to motherhood.
Prevalence and social determinants of self-reported health status among reproductive age women in Nepal
Rahman A, Tohan MM, Islam A, Saha BR and Kundu S
The self-reported health status (SRHS) is a subjective evaluation of an individual's health and has been connected to mortality and future health outcomes in numerous studies. However, the determinants of SRHS among women in Nepal remain largely unclear. In Nepal, traditional gender norms often result in women bearing greater responsibilities in terms of household chores, child-rearing, and taking care of elderly family members, all of which may potentially contribute to lower self-perceived health. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors influencing SRHS among women in Nepal.
New perinatal mental health conditions diagnosed during COVID-19: a population-based, retrospective cohort study of birthing people in Ontario
Correia RH, Greyson D, Kirkwood D, Darling EK, Pahwa M, Bayrampour H, Jones A, Kuyvenhoven C, Liauw J and Vanstone M
We aimed to determine the incidence of mental health diagnoses and associated health and social risk factors among perinatal people in three different COVID-19 phases.
Neuroactive steroid levels are elevated in the follicular phase and predict premenstrual depression and anxiety symptom severity in women with menstrually related mood disorder
Kimball A, Bourassa J, Chicote ML, Gerweck AV, Dichtel LE and Miller KK
Menstrually related mood disorder (MRMD) is marked by severe affective symptoms in the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. We hypothesized that women with MRMD experience relative neuroactive steroid deficiency, specifically low allopregnanolone levels due to reduced conversion of progesterone, in association with the onset of affective symptoms in the late luteal phase.
Psychometric properties of the OCI-4: a brief screening tool for perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder
Abramowitz JS, Myers NS, Friedman JB, Juel EK, Nestadt G, Kimmel M, Osborne LM, Storch EA, Samuels J, Nestadt PS and Musci R
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has an elevated prevalence among pregnant and postpartum women, with negative impacts on both mother and child. There is a need for brief, efficient screening tools for OCD in perinatal care because OCD is underrecognized. We evaluated the psychometric properties of the 4-item Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (OCI-4), and investigated it as a screening measure, in a perinatal sample.
Menstrual distress in women with eating disorders: insights from the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q)
Rossi E, Cassioli E, Cordasco VZ, Caiati L, Rinaldo A, Tarchi L, Dani C, Vannuccini S, Petraglia F, Ricca V and Castellini G
Despite the well-established association between Eating Disorders (EDs) and menstrual disorders, menstrual distress in women with EDs has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to compare menstrual distress between patients with EDs and healthy controls (HCs), explore correlations between menstrual distress and ED psychopathology, and examine the differential impact of hormonal contraception on perceived menstruation-related distress in patients compared to HCs.
Attention control in the peripartum period: a longitudinal study
Emesh TB, Meiran N, Ran-Peled D, Ben-Zion H, Horwitz A, Finkelstein O and Tikotzky L
Given research inconsistency, this study aimed to assess whether attention control changes from pregnancy to postpartum, focusing on the moderating role of maternal objective and subjective sleep. Our second objective was to evaluate attention control's role in predicting psychological outcomes in peripartum women.
Application of time series analysis in predicting postpartum depression: integrating data from the hospitalization period and early postpartum weeks
Hsu FM, Chen HC, Wang KC, Ling WL and Chen NC
This study aimed to explore the dynamic changes in postpartum depressive symptoms from the hospitalization period to 4-8 weeks postpartum using time series analysis techniques. By integrating depressive scores from the hospital stay and the early postpartum weeks, we sought to develop a predictive model to enhance early identification and intervention strategies for Postpartum Depression (PPD).
Gender bias of antisocial and borderline personality disorders among psychiatrists
Özel B, Karakaya E, Köksal F, Altinoz AE and Yilmaz-Karaman IG
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) challenge mental health professionals with similar maladaptive behaviors. However, these two disorders differ regarding available evidence-based treatments. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has been criticized as being gender-biased diagnostic construct. The present study aimed to determine the gender bias of ASPD and BPD among Turkish psychiatrists.
Obsessive-compulsive symptom trajectories from pregnancy through the postpartum: examining longitudinal course and risk factors during the COVID-19 pandemic
Levinson AR, Preis H, Lobel M, Philippopoulos A, Law K and Mahaffey B
The peripartum is a time of increased risk for the development or worsening of obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms. Existing evidence suggests that OC symptoms commonly surge immediately postpartum followed by a gradual recovery. Yet how societal conditions, such as a widespread public health crisis, may affect this pattern remains unknown. Increased OC symptom prevalence in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with the pre-existing vulnerability of peripartum women suggests they may have been at particularly high risk for sustained symptoms. Thus, the aim of the current study was to examine trajectories in OC symptoms, particularly contamination concerns, in women who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to look at risk and resiliency factors that may influence symptom course METHODS: A sample of 164 US pregnant women were recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic. They reported OC symptoms at 3 timepoints: April/May, 2020, July, 2020, and February, 2022. We used a growth mixture modeling approach to examine OC symptom trajectories from pregnancy through the postpartum across these timepoints, comparing the goodness of fit of models with 1-5 trajectory classes for overall OC symptoms and for contamination-related OC symptoms.
First episode depression during the perinatal period is associated with atopic diseases and persistently increased eosinophil and basophil levels
Wagner EN, Pichler EM, Müller M, Eisenhut A, Buadze A, Xu Y, Seifritz E, Strippoli MF, Castelao E, Ranjbar S, Glaus J, Vandeleur C, Preisig M, von Känel R and Ajdacic-Gross V
A previous diagnosis of depression is a strong predictor for perinatal depression, apart from other mental disorders, stress, and atopies. It is less clear which factors interfere if perinatal depression occurs as a first depression episode (fePND).
The prevalence and risk of anxiety and depression in polycystic ovary syndrome: an overview of systematic reviews with meta-analysis
Infante-Cano M, García-Muñoz C, Matias-Soto J, Pineda-Escobar S, Villar-Alises O and Martinez-Calderon J
To summarize the pooled prevalence rates of anxiety and depression in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Predictors of perinatal cannabis use in colorado and the association with depression during pregnancy
Teano VJ, Weikel BW, Hwang SS, Wymore EM, Blackwell S and Bourque SL
To evaluate the prevalence and predictors of cannabis use and reasons for use during and/or after pregnancy among Colorado birthing individuals. To determine the independent association of self-reported depression during pregnancy and cannabis used.
Mediating attentional control between depression and problematic Internet use in female adolescents: the role of attentional focusing and shifting
Chang SM, Yeh TP, Ma WF, Ho YF and Chang TG
Female adolescents are more prone to depression compared with male adolescents, and depression is often associated with poor attentional control and problematic internet use (PIU). Attentional control includes both focusing and shifting functions. Focusing refers to the ability to direct attention to a task despite distractions. Shifting refers to the ability to flexibly switch attention between different tasks. This study examines the mediating role of attentional focusing and shifting between depression and PIU.
Antenatal depression and drug use among deaf and hard-of-hearing birthing parents: results from a U.S. National Survey
Tan NS, James TG, McKee KS, Moore Simas TA, Smith LD, McKee MM and Mitra M
This study aimed to investigate antenatal depression and drug use among deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) birthing parents who use American Sign Language (ASL), spoken English, or bilingually both ASL and English.
Mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic: An international comparison of gender-related home and work-related responsibilities, and social support
Eugene D, Nöthling J, Tarsitani L, Palantza C, Papola D, Barbui C, Bryant R, Panter-Brick C, Hall BJ, Lam AIF, Huizink AC, Fuhr D, Purba FD, Mittendorfer-Rutz E, Andriani D, van der Waerden J, Acartürk C, Kurt G, Burchert S, Knaevelsrud C, Witteveen AB, Patane M, Quero S, Díaz-García A, Morina N, Pinucci I, Sijbrandij M and Seedat S
PURPOSE  : To assess gender differences in COVID-19 related changes in home and work responsibilities longitudinally, and determine whether these differences, together with other potential risk and protective factors, are associated with depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology.
Birthing a new maternal cognition literature: 10 recommendations for future research
Orchard ER and Rutherford HJV
Whilst the field of maternal cognition is gaining interest, with a recent increase in publications, there are still only a handful of existing studies. This presents a unique opportunity for reflection and growth, advancing scientific rigor to ensure that future interpretations of maternal cognitive functioning are based on robust, generalizable data. With this in mind, we offer ten recommendations for future cognitive research in motherhood, with a focus on intentional study design. A study's design dictates the questions that can be asked, and the answers that can be gleaned from collected data, making study design a cornerstone of robust and reproducible science. These recommendations are intended as a resource for study conceptualization and design, participant recruitment, result interpretation, and peer review.
Effect of transdermal testosterone therapy on mood and cognitive symptoms in peri- and postmenopausal women: a pilot study
Glynne S, Kamal A, Kamel AM, Reisel D and Newson L
The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of testosterone therapy on mood and cognitive symptoms in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.
Association between gestational hypnotic benzodiazepine receptor agonists exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Wang X, Xu J, Mo Y and Wang L
Hypnotic benzodiazepine receptor agonists (HBRA) are frequently prescribed in pregnancy but little is known about their effects on pregnancy outcomes. Herein, we systematically reviewed the evidence on the effects of HBRA exposure during pregnancy and risk of preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), birth defects, and low birth weight (LBW).
Longitudinal associations between prenatal internalizing symptoms and mindfulness traits with postnatal bonding difficulties
Garon-Bissonnette J, Bean CAL, Cárdenas EF, Jackson M, Abitante G, Humphreys KL and Kujawa A
Mothers' reported connection, or bond, with their infants develops across the early postnatal period and is relevant to mother and offspring functioning. Little is known, however, about early predictors of bonding difficulties over time. The present study examined prenatal anxiety, depressive symptoms, and trait mindfulness and variation in bonding difficulties in mothers across the first two months postnatal.
Risk of adverse infant outcomes associated with maternal mental health and substance use disorders
Brown CC, Tilford JM, Thomsen M, Amick BC, Bryant-Moore K, Gomez-Acevedo H, Nash C and Moore JE
This study aimed to evaluate the association of mental health and substance use disorders on the risk of adverse infant outcomes overall and by race/ethnicity and payer.