• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • RSS
  • YoutubeYoutube
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram
Dr Sarah Allen LogoDr Sarah Allen Logo 847 791-7722 Telephone and online sessions available
  • Home
  • About Sarah
  • Media Interviews
  • Anxiety & Depression
    • Anxiety Treatment
    • FREE Anxiety Book
    • Depression Treatment
    • Free Depression Book
    • Simple Steps To Improve Your Mood Workshop
  • Pregnancy Postpartum
    • Pregnancy & Postpartum Mood Disorders
    • Free Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Mood Issues
    • New Mom Workshop
    • Women’s Counseling
  • Eating & Weight Issues
  • Couples & Families
    • Relationship Coaching
    • Family Therapy
    • Parenting Coaching
  • Fees & FAQs
    • Initial Assessment Forms
    • Fees & Insurance Info
    • Telephone & Video Counseling
    • Appointment
      Rescheduling Policy
  • Blog
    • All Blogs
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Relationship Coaching
    • Eating & Weight Issues
    • Family Counseling
    • Parenting
    • Pregnancy and Postpartum
    • Teens
    • Women’s Issues
  • Contact & Directions
  • Contact
  • Directions

Blog

John Hopkins Researchers Uncover Genetic Predictors of Postpartum Depression

by Dr. Sarah Allen
separator

John Hopkins researchers have uncovered specific chemical alterations in two genes that, when present during pregnancy, reliably predict whether a woman will develop postpartum depression. This is a small study but if it can be replicated on a larger scale that would mean great news for pregnant moms. We already ask that doctors screen pregnant women by asking about risk factors such as prior or family history of mood disorders, current stressful situations or relationships but it is much easier (and therefore more likely that doctors have time to do it) if it is added to the standard battery of blood tests doctors already give pregnant women.

If we can more easily identify women who have a high risk for PPD, then we provide the new mom with support and education about effective treatments while she is still pregnant and hopefully get help started immediately following birth to reduce the depression’s severity or length. This will also help normalize the experience (research has shown that 10 – 20% of new moms experience PPD) and women won’t feel that it something that they are doing wrong or feel guilt about not enjoying new motherhood. We mustn’t start viewing PPD as only due to genetics though. We must also recognize the impact stressors i.e. lack of support, loneliness, financial and environmental stress or trauma have on PPD. This is a very small study but the researchers say they hope to move to the next step to collect blood samples from a larger group of pregnant women and follow them for a longer period of time.

A Way To Lighten Your Mood

by Dr. Sarah Allen
separator

You probably know John Cleese from Monthy Python or Fawlty Towers, he’s a funny man. He has done a documentary on the benefits of laughter yoga. I dare you to watch this and keep a straight face!

Maybe we should start this up in at Dr. Sarah Allen Counseling Services here in Northbrook?

Exciting News!

by Dr. Sarah Allen

When I set up my new website at the end of 2012 I also set up this blog but I have never got around to writing on it. It has been such a difficult thing to start – what to say? Today though I have had a two pieces of really, really good news so […]

Read the full article →

Your ‘Not To Do List’ For Happy Holidays!

by Dr. Sarah Allen

  It is very easy to forget that holidays are the time to have fun. I think this is especially true for women as they are frequently the ones trying to make everything work out. We have super long To Do Lists and although it feels good to check items off it can also mean […]

Read the full article →
  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Go to page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Go to page 9
  • Go to page 10
  • Go to page 11

Anxiety

  • Download This Free Booklet

    SIMPLE STEPS TO OVERCOME ANXIETY & WORRYING EBOOK

  • Please Enter Your Email To Download This Booklet

    You've just been sent an email that contains a confirmation link. Check your SPAM/JUNK folder if you don't see it within a couple of minutes. In order to activate to receive your free booklet, click on the CONFIRM link and you will be sent a second email with the booklet. It may also be in your SPAM folder.

  • Testimonials

    When I need to refer any of my patients for talk therapy I immediately think of Dr. Allen as she is wonderful at helping people with severe and complex issues really get to the root of their problems. She is very caring and knowledgeable and I have found her extensive experience really helps people to change their lives for the better.

    Dr. Teresa PoprawskiPsychiatrist, First Chicago Neuroscience Clinic

    Last year I was so crippled by anxiety and panic attacks and I didn’t believe that anything or anyone would be able to help me. Since seeing you my life has changed forever and I am finally turning into the person that I always wanted to be…and the person I never thought I could be. You will be the person I call if I start to feel that way again.

    Wendy T.

    I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a worrier and when my doctor suggested therapy instead of an antidepressant I didn’t think it could really help. I was totally wrong. I don’t spend so much time worrying about the “what ifs” now and concentrate on working on things that are in my control to change in the “here and now” rather than in the past or future. I spend much less time in my head worrying about everything and now have useful strategies to deal with many situations at home and at work. Life is much less stressful and I find myself teaching people I manage at work the strategies Dr. Allen taught me.

    Mark B.

    When I started seeing Dr. Allen for therapy I felt so overwhelmed and trapped in daily battles with my three children. Thank you so much for all your help. It has really helped me gain a better perspective. I am now a role model for my children and help them worry less about things by teaching them the tools you taught me.

    Margaret R.

    When I started seeing you for therapy I felt so overwhelmed and trapped in daily battles with my three children. Thank you so much for all your help. It has really helped me gain a better perspective. I am now a role model for my children and help them worry less about things by teaching them the tools you taught me.

    Margaret R.
  • Recent Posts

    • 6 Ways To Reduce Stress and Stop Worrying!
    • Oprah Magazine Interview About Stress Management
    • Remote Therapy Appointments Available
    • 5 Best Anxiety Treatment Blog Posts
    • 7 Simple Grounding Techniques For Calming Down Quickly
    • Woman’s World Magazine America’s Ultimate Experts Article
    • Is Overthinking Making You Anxious?
    • Beach Waves Mini Meditation Helps Reduce Stress
    • Need A Simple Way To Keep Calm?
    • Sleep – Why It’s Important & How To Get It!
  • Footer

    As featured in...

    sponsors
    Contact SarahDr. Sarah Allen
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS
    • YoutubeYoutube
    • Linkedin
    • Instagram

    COPYRIGHT © 2018 DR. SARAH ALLEN INC. 3400 DUNDEE ROAD, SUITE 245, NORTHBROOK, IL 60062 . TEL: (847) 791-7722 . FAX: (847) 562-9352 | FEES & INSURANCE | FORMS

    SERVING NORTHBROOK & CHICAGO NORTHSHORE COMMUNITIES INCL. ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, BUFFALO GROVE, DEERFIELD, DES PLAINES, EVANSTON, GLENCOE, GLENVIEW, HIGHLAND PARK, LAKE FOREST, LINCOLNSHIRE, MORTON GROVE, NORTHFIELD, RIVERWOODS, SKOKIE, VERNON HILLS, WHEELING, WILMETTE AND WINNETKA.