Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40890529
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BACKGROUND: One of the challenges women may face after experiencing severe burns is a shift in their social and marital roles. The process by which they reclaim these roles remains unclear. PURPOSE: This study was carrie...BACKGROUND: One of the challenges women may face after experiencing severe burns is a shift in their social and marital roles. The process by which they reclaim these roles remains unclear. PURPOSE: This study was carried out to explore how women work to restore their marital and social status. METHODS: This qualitative research involved face-to-face, semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions. Sixteen women with severe burn injuries participated in the study. Data collection proceeded until no new information emerged (data saturation), and the analysis was carried out using a conventional content analysis approach. The study was conducted in accordance with the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). RESULTS: Two themes and six subthemes emerged: Consistency of self-position in married life (self-sacrifice, continuity of roles, normalization of sexual relations) and social interaction (social isolation, reliance on internal forces in interaction with the community, use of available support). CONCLUSION: Following severe burn injuries, women often strive to reestablish their roles within their marital and social relationships. Healthcare professionals, including nurses and physicians, can play a vital role by educating survivors and their families (particularly their spouses) about how to effectively cope with the challenges associated with severe burns. Such educational efforts can support women in reclaiming their position and improving their overall well-being.
Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40888918
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PURPOSE: The discourse around menstrual cycles is often pathologized, potentially reinforcing negative perceptions of menstruation. The extent to which individuals have internalized the idea that bodily and social experi...PURPOSE: The discourse around menstrual cycles is often pathologized, potentially reinforcing negative perceptions of menstruation. The extent to which individuals have internalized the idea that bodily and social experiences before menstruation are the manifestation of ill-health, thereby biasing reports of premenstrual experiences towards negative emotions, remains unclear. METHODS: Using an online experimental design, we investigate whether phrasing the premenstrual experience as having both negative and positive dimensions would enable individuals to report more diverse and positive experiences than are reported in the absence of specific emotional prompts. Participants were recruited using a period tracker app and randomly allocated to one of three conditions: control (describe your premenstrual experience); treatment 1 (describe your negative and positive premenstrual experience); treatment 2 (describe your posititive and negative premenstrual experience). Sentiment analysis was used to derive polarity scores, and a two-part Bayesian model assessed the impact of phrasing order. RESULTS: Among 2,637 participants, responses skewed negatively (mean -0.25). Compared to the control, treatment conditions 1 and 2 reported premenstrual experiences 64% and 62% less negative, respectively. Positive themes, notably 'sex, libido, and energy'emerged. The absence of positive prompts in questioning led to more negative and less diverse reports. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support existing literature on the predominance of negative premenstrual phases and underline the need to broaden measurements to encompass positive symptoms. The study also pioneers the use of text analysis for investigating premenstrual symptoms.
Bacchi PS, Carezzato F, di Santi T
… +8 more, Suen P, Silveira F, Takeuchi T, Marczyk J, Trinca RT, Torres RS, Brasiliano S, Hochgraf P
Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40782139
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PURPOSE: This study examines the challenges and opportunities of implementing gender-equitable substance use disorder (SUD) treatment models in Brazil by revisiting a public policy initiative carried out between 2004 and...PURPOSE: This study examines the challenges and opportunities of implementing gender-equitable substance use disorder (SUD) treatment models in Brazil by revisiting a public policy initiative carried out between 2004 and 2006. During this initiative, a structured model of care, the Women's Drug Dependent Treatment Program (PROMUD), was replicated in two additional psychosocial care units in São Paulo. The study seeks to contribute to the visibility of a historically hidden population of women with SUD by comparing treatment retention across the three centers and identifying risk factors associated with dropout. METHOD: This observational, non-randomized post hoc analysis examined clinical data from 200 women who enrolled in PROMUD-based programs across three distinct psychosocial care centers-CAPS-AD Centro (DT), CAPS-AD Jardim Nélia (JN), and the original PROMUD site. All centers implemented the model concurrently using a standardized protocol. Treatment retention was defined as weeks between program admission and dropout (max follow-up: 104 weeks). Drop-out was defined as leaving treatment for reasons other than referral, improved discharge, administrative discharge, or death. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate retention, and Cox proportional hazards models identified predictors of dropout. RESULTS: 200 women were included, PROMUD had a higher percentage of white, educated and employed participants. DT had the highest prevalence of unstable housing and prostitution history. PROMUD and JN showed comparable retention at 104 weeks (44.8% and 42.4%), whereas DT exhibited the lowest retention (17.3%). Age was a protective factor (HR = 0.94, p < 0.001), substance of choice was not significantly associated with dropout. CONCLUSION: Gender-specific care models can be effectively implemented in resource-limited, community-responsive care units, though their success depends on local population characteristics and territorial dynamics. Despite the time gap since the original project, the challenges remain similar or have intensified.
Bilu Y, Amit G, Gueron-Sela N
… +4 more, Azani L, Yoffe R, Weiser M, Bar V
Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40748497
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PURPOSE: Children of mothers experiencing mental illness are known to exhibit elevated rates of developmental delays. However, there is little evidence-based research on the impact of perinatal psychiatric admissions. He...PURPOSE: Children of mothers experiencing mental illness are known to exhibit elevated rates of developmental delays. However, there is little evidence-based research on the impact of perinatal psychiatric admissions. Here we aim to quantify the association between maternal mental illness that leads to admission, and the likelihood of child developmental delay. In addition, we aim to understand the association between the timing of admission, the maternal diagnosis and the developmental domain in which delays manifest. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of data from well-child visits of 634,918 term-born children assessed between 2016 and 2022 at the ages of 1 to 36 months. Likelihood of failure in milestone attainment was modelled based on maternal psychiatric information available through the national registry, and adjusted for demographic and birth data from the Israeli national program of Maternal Child Health Clinics. Secondary analyses examined stratification by maternal diagnosis, timing of admission and developmental domain, as well as comparison to the association between the likelihood of child developmental delay and maternal high scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. RESULTS: Maternal mental illness that leads to psychiatric admission was associated with an increased odds ratio for child developmental delay (OR ~ 1.7). Higher odds ratio was associated with psychotic disorders diagnoses, multiple admissions and admissions between birth and child assessment. Nonetheless, increased odds were suggested also when first admission occurred after child assessment. In addition, increased odds were more evident when children were assessed at an older age. CONCLUSIONS: Children of mothers experiencing mental illness exhibit higher rates of developmental delays, especially when mothers are admitted. Identifying and supporting high-risk dyads during the peripartum period is therefore critical for both mother and child.
Kondo C, Ihara H, Ogata H
… +2 more, Saima S, Nakane E
Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40699321
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PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the association between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and the presence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit...PURPOSE: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the association between premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and the presence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adolescent females. While PMS and PMDD are well-studied in the general population, limited research exists on their prevalence and impact in adolescent females with ASD or ADHD. METHODS: Retrospective data collection was conducted using electronic medical records, covering 290 patients aged 10-19 years. PMS severity, depressive symptoms, and autistic tendencies were assessed using standardized tools, including the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) for depressive symptoms, Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) for autistic tendencies, and a PMDD assessment scale for PMS severity. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant association between moderate to severe PMS and ADHD (odds ratio [OR]: 2.43) as well as comorbid ASD + ADHD (OR: 3.27). In contrast, ASD alone did not exhibit a significant link to PMS severity. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the heightened vulnerability of females with ADHD or comorbid ASD + ADHD to premenstrual psychological distress, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention. The study underscores the need for tailored treatment strategies addressing the unique challenges faced by this population.
Yang W, Wu T, Feng Y
… +3 more, Hang X, Chen Y, Jin X
Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40637882
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This letter provides recommendations regarding the study titled "Psychiatric disorders, impulsivity and borderline personality in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome" published by Husni et al. on May 6, 2025.This letter provides recommendations regarding the study titled "Psychiatric disorders, impulsivity and borderline personality in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome" published by Husni et al. on May 6, 2025.
Tamton T, Matadar P, Summers A
… +2 more, Johnson M, El-Mallakh RS
Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40637881
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PURPOSE: Understanding mechanism of action of effective agents for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is necessary to advance care of these patients. It can be successfully treated with fluoxetine, but its efficacy w...PURPOSE: Understanding mechanism of action of effective agents for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is necessary to advance care of these patients. It can be successfully treated with fluoxetine, but its efficacy with intermittent use is difficult to understand because of documented delays in the onset of antidepressant action of this drug. METHODS: Targeted review of the literature is used to examine the hypothesis that fluoxetine's inhibiton of CYP3A4, which is needed to metabolize estrogen, underlies its utility when dosed intermittently. RESULTS: We propose that fluoxetine slows the degradation of estrogen the late luteal phase, thereby increasing its levels and reducing the PMDD symptoms that typically are associated with alterations in hormone concentrations. The hypothesis can be tested by using a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor that has no antidepressant action. Such agents include the antiviral drugs ritonavir and cobicistat which are potent CYP3A4 inhibitors and are currently being used to boost the levels of other antivirals in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Prospective studies with women with PMDD in this population before and after initiation of CYP3A4 inhibiting anti-retrovirals would help clarify this question. CONCLUSION: Confirmation of this mechanism may open the door to non-SRI treatments for women that do not tolerate SRI agents.
Kertesz DP, Mor L, Dekalo A
… +4 more, Weiner E, Mizrachi Y, Milstein A, Barda G
Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Dec · PMID 40627179
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PURPOSE: Maternal anxiety, depression, and cognitive changes during pregnancy are recognized as significant public health issues. While previous research has primarily focused on singleton pregnancies, little is known ab...PURPOSE: Maternal anxiety, depression, and cognitive changes during pregnancy are recognized as significant public health issues. While previous research has primarily focused on singleton pregnancies, little is known about how twin pregnancies impact maternal mental health and cognitive function. This prospective study aimed to compare anxiety, depression, and cognitive function between women with twin and singleton pregnancies. METHODS: A total of 160 pregnant women were recruited, including 104 with singleton and 56 with twin pregnancies. Anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale (STAI-S), depression using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and cognitive function using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) test. RESULTS: Women with twin pregnancies had significantly higher anxiety levels and a higher rate of severe anxiety, with over 50% scoring in the severe anxiety range. Their mean cognitive function scores were significantly lower compared to women with singleton pregnancies. However, depression scores were similar between the two groups. These differences in anxiety and cognitive function remained significant after adjusting for maternal age, BMI, use of psychiatric medications, education level, nulliparity, pregnancy complications, and multifetal gestation. CONCLUSIONS: Women with twin pregnancies experience greater psychological burden and cognitive decline compared to those with singleton pregnancies. Further research is necessary to explore the long-term effects of these outcomes and to develop interventions aimed at improving mental health and cognitive function in this population.
Huddleston R, Julian-Kwong M, Cedars MI
… +8 more, Jaswa EG, Eger MS, Sindalovsky A, Geisler K, Huddleston HG, Corley J, Hoskin E, Lindquist KJ
Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40615681
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This study assessed the correlation between social media use for medical information during pregnancy and maternal mental health. We found that prenatal social media use for medical information was associated with higher...This study assessed the correlation between social media use for medical information during pregnancy and maternal mental health. We found that prenatal social media use for medical information was associated with higher anxiety and distress symptoms at the end of pregnancy. Healthcare professionals should be prepared to counsel women on using social media for medical information during pregnancy.
McCauley E, Thompson A, Gawrys S
… +2 more, Benedict J, Schaffir J
Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40608072
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PURPOSE: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for mood disorders in pregnancy, though studies regarding effects on fetal behavior are conflicting. Previous studies have suggested that f...PURPOSE: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for mood disorders in pregnancy, though studies regarding effects on fetal behavior are conflicting. Previous studies have suggested that fetuses exposed to these medications in the third trimester may have decreased fetal heart rate variability. Since changes in variability may affect the interpretation of antenatal testing, clinicians should be aware of those medications that may impair effective testing. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study was performed to compare nonstress test (NST) parameters of fetuses exposed to SSRIs with unexposed fetuses at 36 weeks gestation. Subjects were excluded if they had multiple gestations, fetal anomalies including growth restriction, illicit substance use or use of other psychotropic medications. NSTs were compared for fetal baseline heart rate, variability, time to reactivity, number of accelerations over time, and number of fetal movements over time. RESULTS: Of 219 participants, 12 were taking an SSRI/SNRI at the time of their 36-week NST. There were no significant differences in demographics or indications for NST between groups. NSTs were reactive in 92% of those taking an SSRI/SNRI and in 97% of those not taking an SSRI/SNRI. Time to reactivity [8.6 min vs. 12.5 min], baseline heart rate [142 bpm vs. 139 bpm], and heart rate variability [12.1 bpm vs. 11.7 bpm] were all similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Though limited by sample size, lack of pharmacologic data and potential confounding by indication, the study suggests SSRI use is not associated with any significant changes in NST. Clinicians should be reassured that NST assessment remains a useful means of determining fetal wellbeing in patients using these medications.
Bentley B, Horner-Johnson W, Nidey N
… +6 more, Hoang TM, Wu CF, Martin S, Brevil A, Chapple R, Tabb KM
Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40542198
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PURPOSE: Perinatal depression disparately impacts diverse groups, with marginalized populations often facing greater vulnerability. While previous research has highlighted disparities in perinatal depression by race/ethn...PURPOSE: Perinatal depression disparately impacts diverse groups, with marginalized populations often facing greater vulnerability. While previous research has highlighted disparities in perinatal depression by race/ethnicity and by disability status independently, there is a lack of research examining the intersectionality of these social identities and their combined association with perinatal depression. Therefore, this study adopts an intersectional lens to explore variations in perinatal depressive symptoms associated with the combination of race/ethnicity and disability status in a nationally representative sample of women who had recently given birth. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional secondary data analysis using 2019-2020 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), including a sample of disabled and non-disabled individuals across 22 sites. We used logistic regression analyses to estimate associations of race/ethnicity and disability status with perinatal depressive symptoms, performing separate analyses for the antenatal and postpartum periods. In adjusted regression models, we controlled for other sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Our analysis included 33,854 individuals, including 31,480 (93%) without a disability and 2,374 (7%) with at least one disability. Women with disabilities reported higher prevalence of antenatal (42.7%) and postpartum (33.1%) depressive symptoms compared to non-disabled women (14.1% and 12.1%, respectively). Antenatal depression was most common among disabled Non-Hispanic (NH) White women, while prevalence and odds of postpartum depression were highest among disabled NH American/Indian Alaska Native and disabled NH Black women. CONCLUSION: Our findings emphasize the need for perinatal depression screening for disabled women, as well as culturally appropriate interventions to support the mental health of diverse women with disabilities throughout the perinatal period.
Sun J, Sun B, Sun X
… +6 more, Duan Y, Hu J, Hu K, Zhang X, Cui L, Chen ZJ
Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40537617
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OBJECTIVES: Identifying the specific etiology of unexplained infertility is a focus of reproductive research, particularly investigating overlooked topics such as addressing the emotional and psychological impact of infe...OBJECTIVES: Identifying the specific etiology of unexplained infertility is a focus of reproductive research, particularly investigating overlooked topics such as addressing the emotional and psychological impact of infertility. The present study aimed to explore the association between emotional distress (anxiety and depression) and assisted reproductive technology outcomes among women with unexplained infertility in a nested case-control study. METHODS: Each woman with unexplained infertility and assisted reproductive technology failure (case group) was matched by age and body mass index (BMI) with one randomly selected woman with unexplained infertility and successful assisted reproductive technology (control group). Totally, 1512 patients in case group and 1512 matched controls were identified. RESULTS: Anxiety and depression in women with unexplained infertility were associated with a significant increased risk of failed assisted reproductive technology, respectively. The Johnson-Neyman plot for the conditional effect of anxiety symptoms indicated that the negative impact on assisted reproductive technology outcomes depended on the pre-pregnancy BMI (22.796-30.914 kg/m), whereas the effect of depression symptoms on assisted reproductive technology outcomes depended on both age (27.749-39.048 years) and pre-pregnancy BMI (19.514-28.389 kg/m). CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring emotional distress among women of reproductive age or those who are not obese and have unexplained infertility is crucial.
McDonald M, Lyons G, Hughes RB
… +3 more, Laughon K, Johnson C, Alhusen JL
Arch Womens Ment Health
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40512234
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PURPOSE: Using an intersectional lens, this study examined the association between maternal reports of emotional distress due to racism (EDR) and postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms among persons with and without disabi...PURPOSE: Using an intersectional lens, this study examined the association between maternal reports of emotional distress due to racism (EDR) and postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms among persons with and without disabilities in minoritized racial and ethnic populations. METHODS: An analysis of Phase 8 (2018-2020) data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) included 2,452 respondents with a recent live birth from three states (MO, GA, VA). We examined the association between EDR and PPD symptoms among respondents with and without disabilities using Pearson's chi-square test. Multivariate regression models were used to further estimate the odds of PPD symptoms associated with EDR and to examine differences in this relationship by disability status. RESULTS: EDR was significantly associated with PPD symptoms, with a higher prevalence of PPD symptoms among those with at least one disability (52.3%) compared to those without disabilities (19.9%). After adjusting for maternal demographics, EDR was significantly associated with PPD symptoms across disability groups. No significant interaction between disability group and EDR was observed, suggesting the association's strength did not differ significantly by disability group in this study. In the fully adjusted model, history of depression attenuated the EDR-PPD association across disability groups, highlighting the effect of prior depressive episodes on PPD outcomes. CONCLUSION: EDR is significantly associated with PPD symptoms, and persons with disabilities in minoritized racial and ethnic populations may be particularly susceptible to EDR and PPD. Additional research using an intersectional perspective is needed to elucidate PPD disparities as related to multiple, intersecting social identities and experiences of discrimination.