Contraceptive use may benefit mental health of women with psychiatric disorders: Study

For the study design, a literature search on contraceptives for women with psychiatric disorders in PsycINFO, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus. Publications were selected if they included, based on the authors' consensus, data supporting evidence-based care important for psychiatrists who treat women desiring contraceptives.

On data analysis, the following facts emerged.

• The majority of women choose combined oral contraceptives.
• Although long-acting reversible contraceptives (implants, intrauterine devices) are associated with low failure rates, favorable safety profiles, rapid return to fertility after removal, and few contraindications, they are chosen by only 14% of women.
• All methods are acceptable for women with depression, although medical comorbidities may dictate a specific type.
• The impact of hormonal contraceptives on the risk for depression is controversial; however, clinical studies and randomized placebo-controlled trials of women with psychiatric disorders have generally reported similar or lower rates of mood symptoms in hormonal contraceptive users compared with nonusers.
• Although interactions between psychotropic drugs and contraceptives are rare, clozapine, anticonvulsants, and St. John's Wort are exceptions.

Observing the results, the authors noted, "We assert that basic contraceptive knowledge is a critical component of our care of female patients and that residency and continuing education programs must include this important topic".

For full article follow the link: https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20020154

Primary source: American Journal Of Psychiatry