Preeclampsia in Pregnancy Boosts Future Health Risks |
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Yale School of Medicine researchers working in collaboration with the University of Copenhagen, Denmark have concluded that women who experience preeclampsia during pregnancy are at risk for future health problems such as hypertension, diabetes and blood clots, (Yale University, Jan. 2009).
Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs during pregnancy and the postpartum period that can affect both the mother and unborn baby. Preeclampsia affects between 5 and 8% of all pregnancies.
Symptoms of preeclampsia include swelling of the feet, face and hands, upper abdominal pain, headache, nausea, sudden weight gain, protein in the urine and changes in vision. Typically preeclampsia occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. Proper prenatal screening is essential to diagnose and manage the disorder. Left untreated, it can be life-threatenting to both mother and baby, and can lead to long-term health problems. The only reliable treatment for preeclampsia is delivery of the baby. Experts in the field are conducting research to determine the genetic links between pregnancy complications, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
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Report on the Co-Occurrence of Drug Abuse Disorders and Other Mental Illnesses |
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The National Institute of Drug Abuse has published a report on the comorbidity of drug use disorders and other mental illnesses. Comorbidity is defined as two disorders or illnesses that occur in the same person, simulltaneously or sequentially.The report states that the populations surveyed showed a high rate of comorbidity between drug addiction and other mental illnesses.
The authors of the report recognize drug addiction as a mental illness. It is a brain disease characterized by compulsive drug craving, seeking and use which produces negative behaviors. The drug-induced changes to the brain affect some of the same brain structures and areas associated with mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. Although research has not established a connection, the authors are certain that mental disorders are established risk factors for subsequent drug abuse and vice versa. Though it is noted that there is a high prevalence of comorbidity between drug use disorders and other mental illnesses, it does not necessarily mean that one is caused by the other.
The report indicates that it is difficult to separate the symptoms of drug addiction from those of other mental illnesses, and correct diagnosis is important for prescribing suitable treatment. It is also noted that women tend to seek treatment for mental health problems, whereas men are more likely to seek substance abuse treatment.
These findings have implications for women of reproductive age and healthcare providers who are treating women for mental illness. Additionally, women who are pregnant or planning to be pregnant are advised to stop using drugs and alcohol and to inform their health care provider if they have used these substances during pregnancy.
Learn more:
"Meth" and Pregnancy
LA Best Babies Network Substance Abuse Brief
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