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Anxiety (Panic)/DepressionExerciseFolic AcidLight TherapyOmega-3 Fatty AcidsPregnancySAMeSt. John's Wort

CAM for perinatal depression

JR

Further research is needed, but Dr. Marlene Freeman from The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas brings us up to date.

The results are based on her review of the literature.

Omega-3 fatty acids

  • But based on 3 studies, the results are conflicting.

CAM that can be easily added to treatment with little risk and general health benefits for most women. However, there’s insufficient evidence to recommend any of these as treatment for perinatal depression.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Exercise
  • Folate

S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe) and bright light therapy

  • Reasonable to consider based on the evidence.

St. John’s Wort

  • Requires further study with regard to safety in pregnancy.
  • Drug interactions are a potential problem.

The bottom line?
“In our society, the stigma about depression and an idealized picture of motherhood make asking for help very difficult,” says Dr. Freeman.

But as stated above, when it comes to CAM and perinatal depression, more research is needed.

8/12/08 21:50 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.

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