Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Assessment and Effective Evidence-Based Treatment

The American Pediatric Association states postpartum depression is the most common under diagnosed and untreated complication of pregnancy.  Unfortunately, the unique diagnostic and treatment aspects of maternal mental health are not always included in health or mental health care provider training programs.  Untreated maternal and paternal postpartum mood and anxiety disorders have negative effects on breastfeeding, childhood development, attachment, and also increase the risk for adolescent psychiatric disorders.  The effects of untreated illness in couples can be devastating for a relationship and contributes to discord.  

Shame and guilt make it difficult to seek help, and a lack of provider information makes access to care more difficult. This course will cover risk factors for maternal mental illness, diagnostic features, screening, and the most up-to-date treatment information. You will learn evidenced-based treatment strategies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Interpersonal therapy, as well as modalities including yoga, infant massage, and groups. We will also discuss recent controversies regarding psychotropic medication during pregnancy and in breast milk.

OUTLINE

Under Diagnosed & Under Treated

• Myths of motherhood
• Barriers to treatment
• Care provider biases
• Consequences of untreated maternal and paternal illness

Assessment & Diagnosis

• Risk factors
• Screening tools
• Mood- Depression, Bipolar ddisorder, Psychosis
• Anxiety- GAD, Panic disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Birth, NICU families
• Paternal illness

Treatment Modalities

• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) for prenatal and postpartum
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Group Therapy models for prenatal and postpartum
• Complementary and Alternative Treatment: yoga & infant massage
• Psychopharmalogical interventions: Medications during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Implement Prevention & Treatment into Your Practice

• Prevention-what we know so far
• Social support
• Resources; Books, web, organizations

OBJECTIVES

• Explain the differences between prenatal or postpartum OCD and psychosis.
• Identify prenatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders risk factors.
• List three barriers to treatment of a prenatal or postpartum mood or anxiety disorder.
• Describe various evidence treatment modalities for anxiety and mood disorders.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Pec Indman EdD, MFT is an internationally recognized expert in the field of maternal mental health.  She is the Director of Women’s Health for Regroup Therapy, an online provider of mental health services.  A former family practice Physician Assistant with a Master’s Degree in Health Psychology and a Doctorate in Marital and Family Therapy, she has been a practicing psychotherapist in San Jose, California for over 23 years, specializing in Women’s Mental Health.  The former Chair of the Education and Training Committee for Postpartum Support International, Pec has been creating curriculum and teaching internationally and throughout the US.  She is a certified trainer for Postpartum Support International and has been an invited participant for projects and programs for the National Institute of Mental Health and the Department of Maternal Child Health Bureau, HRSA. 

In 2002 she co-authored the award-winning book, Beyond the Blues, Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety.  The book has been updated several times, the most recent edition in 2010.  She is also the co-editor of Postpartum Support International’s DVD, Happy Mom, Healthy Family.  She has been interviewed by lay and professional magazines as well as on TV.

To keep current, Pec is an active member of three organizations dedicated to specifically to women’s mental health, and attends one to two international conferences each year.

To order the book, CBT Toolbox: A Workbook for Clients and Clinicians, please visit our product store.

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