Reproductive psychiatry training: A critical component of access to perinatal mental health treatment.

Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PMHDs) pose significant challenges to the well-being of perinatal individuals, infants, and families. Despite their prevalence and impact, PMHDs often go undetected and untreated due to gaps in clinician education and training. This manuscript reviews the current state of perinatal mental health training, identifies emerging initiatives, and discusses innovative models of care aimed at enhancing the clinical preparedness of healthcare providers. Key findings highlight disparities in PMHD detection and treatment, the need for standardized education across disciplines, and the role of interdisciplinary collaboration in improving care outcomes. The manuscript emphasizes the urgency of prioritizing reproductive psychiatry education to mitigate the adverse effects of PMHDs on maternal and infant health. By standardizing education and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, we can ensure that all perinatal individuals receive the care they need to thrive.

Mental Health Across the Menstrual Cycle in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Insights and Implications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: We reviewed a wide body of emerging research highlighting the possibility for premenstrual exacerbations of mood symptoms in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). RECENT FINDINGS: Neuroendocrine dysregulation, sensitivity to ovarian hormone fluctuations as well as higher levels and types of adverse childhood experiences and demographic factors are emerging factors explaining high rates of psychiatric disorders in PCOS. Ovulatory dysfunction, common in PCOS, significantly interferes with one's identity and quality of life. Results on pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments for mood symptoms are mixed, though improvements in the physical sequalae of PCOS could also improve mood symptoms. However, significant improvements on the methodological quality are needed, particularly the evaluation of mood symptoms across the menstrual cycle. Evidence is preliminary on whether there are premenstrual exacerbations of psychiatric symptoms in PCOS. Prospective, longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to comprehensively understand the psychiatric profile in PCOS.

Implementation and evaluation of a proactive consultation-liaison model on an inpatient obstetric unit.

OBJECTIVE: Perinatal mental and anxiety disorders (PMADs) contribute to adverse health outcomes, though they are underrecognized and undertreated. Inpatient obstetric settings represent a unique opportunity for behavioral health engagement, including screening, brief treatment, and referrals for outpatient care. The proactive consultation-liaison (CL) model has proven effective in general hospital settings but is not well-studied in obstetric settings. This article describes the implementation and evaluation of a proactive CL model in an inpatient obstetric unit within a tertiary medical center. METHODS: We implemented a multidisciplinary, proactive CL model in an inpatient obstetric unit with the purpose of identifying patients at risk for or experiencing PMADs and providing intervention and/or referral to treatment. Systematic screening of 7322 admitted patients was performed over a 17-month period to identify eligible patients for behavioral health consultation. Consultation data was retrospectively extracted from the electronic medical record. Key implementation outcomes were assessed using a RE-AIM measures (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework. RESULTS: 1589 initial consults were conducted by the multidisciplinary team, yielding a consult rate of 21.7 %. The majority of consults (94 %) were completed by a social worker or psychologist, with most patients identified for consultation at multidisciplinary rounds (60.7 %). The most common indications for consultation with a psychiatrist included medication management, history of bipolar disorder, and history of anxiety. All invited staff and providers participated in the model. Alternative funding sources agreed to cover the salaries of the multidisciplinary team following conclusion of pilot grant funding. CONCLUSIONS: A proactive CL model implemented in an inpatient obstetric unit led to a higher consult rate (21.7 %) than is observed with traditional CL services. A multidisciplinary proactive CL model shows promise in identifying people at-risk for PMADs and providing targeted interventions to prevent PMADs and treat those with active symptoms.

Behavioral Health Integration on Inpatient Obstetric Units: Program Development, Strategies for Implementation, and Lessons Learned.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and substance use disorders are the primary causes of maternal mortality in the postpartum period and represent major public health concerns. Despite this, these conditions remain undertreated. Behavioral health integration in outpatient obstetric settings is necessary but insufficient to meet the needs of all patients. Inpatient behavioral health integration represents a promising avenue for addressing gaps in care. Results from recent program development indicate that needs assessment, stakeholder backing, collaboration with existing programs, and adaptability are key factors in successful implementation.

Perinatal Psychopharmacology: Innovative Approaches to Care Delivery.

Perinatal mental health conditions are the most common complications of childbirth and have well-established enduring negative effects. Obstetric (Ob) clinicians care for patients with perinatal mental health conditions across a spectrum of acuity, severity, and complexity. Ob and psychiatric clinicians can collaborate to create a cohesive continuum of psychopharmacologic care for perinatal patients. This chapter provides an overall framework for Ob-psychiatric clinician collaboration with examples of innovation in care delivery.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in Pregnancy: An Updated Review on Risks to Mother, Fetus, and Child.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an updated summary and appraisal of work from 2019 to 2022 examining risks of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) use in pregnancy. RECENT FINDINGS: Perinatal SSRI exposure does not increase risk of major malformations or gestational diabetes after accounting for underlying maternal illness. SSRIs are associated with small increase in risk of pre-eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm delivery, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions, though absolute risk of these outcomes is low. While data suggests no increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, mixed evidence indicates increased risk of adverse cognitive outcomes and affective disorders. Recent evidence suggest low absolute risk of clinically relevant negative outcomes with perinatal SSRI exposure when compared to untreated perinatal depression. However, study design and ability to control for confounding remains an ongoing research challenge, highlighting need for ongoing rigorous study design and analysis.