Trends in (not) using scales in major depression: A categorization and clinical orientation.

Background: Standard depression rating scales like the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale were developed more than 40 years ago. They are mandatory in clinical trials but are for a variety of reasons seldom used in clinical practice. Moreover, most clinicians are less familiar with more recent trends or with some dilemmas in assessment tools for major depression.

The influence of maternal cortisol and emotional state during pregnancy on fetal intrauterine growth.

Background: This exploratory study investigates the influence of maternal cortisol and emotional state during pregnancy on fetal intrauterine growth (IUG). We expected higher basal cortisol levels, or more depressive and anxious complaints during pregnancy, to be associated with slower IUG and lower birth weight.

Methods: A total of 91 pregnant women were recruited from the antenatal clinic and were seen once each trimester.