"The burden of mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety, fall disproportionately on women of childbearing and childrearing age." -Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 2003.
The Women’s Program in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University was created to address the particular mental health needs of women across the reproductive life cycle. The program offers state-of-the-art consultation and treatment conducted by psychiatrists with particular expertise in women’s mental health. Our program includes internationally renowned faculty in the field of reproductive psychiatry.
The mission of the Women's Program
Mood disorders are twice as prevalent in women compared with men, particularly during the childbearing years. Unfortunately, women are less likely to report and seek help for these problems than they are for general medical problems, though they may be just as disabled by them. Both stigma and lack of knowledge regarding mental health problems are barriers to receiving care.
Furthermore, studies have shown that untreated maternal depression has adverse effects not only for women, but for their children and their families as well.
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Postpartum depression is the #1 complication of childbirth and may cause impaired bonding between mother and infant. It affects between 15 - 20% of women.
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Depression during pregnancy can cause premature delivery and low birth weight. It occurs in more than 1 in 10 pregnant women.
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About 3 - 8% of women have premenstrual mood symptoms that may interfere with work, home and social relationships.
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Mood symptoms are frequently exacerbated in perimenopause and menopause. |
Treatment
Our program offers treatment for:
Treatments offered include:
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Comprehensive evaluation;
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Medication consultation for the pregnant and breastfeeding mother;
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Consultations and second opinions with other health care professionals;
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Crisis intervention;
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Psychotherapy;
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Crisis intervention;
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Structured intensive treatment;
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Support groups;
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Access to state-of-the-art research trials for new treatments; and
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Family education and support.
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Staff
Margaret Spinelli, MD Director
Mary Sciutto, MD Administrative Director
Elizabeth Fitelson, MD
Eileen Kavanagh, MD, MPA
Consultants:
Linda Mullen, MD, Liaison Psychiatrist to the Department of OB/GYN
Jennifer Downey, MD
Sylvia Fogel, MD
Jean Endicott, PhD
Blair Simpson, MD
Evelyn Attia, MD
Links
National Alliance on Mental Illness
National Institute of Mental Health
Postpartum Support International
Postpartum Resource Center of New York
Motherisk
National Women’s Health Information Center
Postpartum Depression Foundation
Medical Education Postpartum Depression from NIH
Research Page:
To find out about our NIMH-funded study, “Treating Pregnancy and Depression with Interpersonal Psychotherapy,” please call the Maternal Mental Health Program at 212-543-5519.
Contact:
To schedule an appointment, make a referral or for further information, please call us
Monday - Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM, at 212-305-6001.
Location
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Columbia University Medical Center
Neurological Institute
Psychiatry Specialty Clinics
710 West 168th Street, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10032
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