A study found a threefold increase in documented suicidality among childbearing women between 2006 and 2017. Suicidal thoughts and self-harm were more common after childbirth, with nearly 92% of those affected having co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. The findings highlight the need for improved screening and treatment during and after pregnancy to reduce suicide risk.

A study found that women who experienced sexual assault or workplace harassment are more likely to develop high blood pressure, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that multiple exposures to sexual violence have compounding effects on women’s cardiovascular health, highlighting the importance of addressing the long-term health impacts of such experiences.

A study in Kenya explored factors affecting the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among young women at high risk of HIV. Barriers included stigma, mistrust, and social perceptions, while supports involved community awareness and personal responsibility. These findings highlight the importance of addressing multi-level challenges to improve HIV prevention in vulnerable populations.

A large population study highlights the differences in the onset and recurrence of depression before, during, and after pregnancy. The study found higher rates of first-time depression episodes postpartum and in the second trimester, showing that pregnancy and postpartum are critical periods for maternal mental health. These findings suggest the need for expanded mental health care throughout and beyond pregnancy.

A study funded by the NIH found that high maternal stress during pregnancy combined with prenatal COVID-19 infection may negatively impact an infant’s attention span and socioemotional development. These findings suggest managing stress during pregnancy could reduce the risk of developmental delays.

A large NIH-funded study shows that a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention significantly reduced the risk of postpartum anxiety and depression by over 70% in women from low-resource settings. The study highlights the potential of non-specialized providers delivering CBT to help address mental health needs during and after pregnancy.

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects many new mothers, often due to a drop in the neurosteroid allopregnanolone after childbirth. Decades of NIMH-supported research led to the development of brexanolone, the first drug approved to treat PPD. Brexanolone mimics the effects of allopregnanolone, offering fast and effective relief from PPD symptoms, representing a major breakthrough in mental health treatment.

Suicide is a complex but preventable public health issue, often linked to mental health conditions like depression. Warning signs include talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, or withdrawing from loved ones. Effective suicide prevention involves recognizing these signs, offering support, and connecting individuals with mental health care. Treatments include therapy, safety planning, and follow-up care.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects a person’s thinking, behavior, and emotions. It often involves symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive difficulties, which can significantly disrupt daily life. Treatment typically includes antipsychotic medications and psychosocial therapies, helping individuals manage symptoms and improve functioning.

PTSD is a mental health disorder that develops in some individuals after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. PTSD can be treated with psychotherapy and medications, helping individuals manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.