Psychopharmacology and Perinatal Mental Health for Physicians: What to Know and How to Help

Friday, September 23, 2022, 12:00 AM - Thursday, August 31, 2023, 11:59 PM, Online


This course will review foundational information on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and review the current landscape and recommendations for psychopharmacology in the perinatal period for prescribers. Instructor, Dr. Sarah Oreck, MD, Columbia-trained reproductive psychiatrist, will share her experiences supporting the mental health of pregnant, postpartum, and lactating birthing people including case studies. She will define the goals of reproductive psychiatry and address common misconceptions about medication in pregnancy. She will also cover the risks of untreated mental illness for birthing and postpartum people as well as provide a brief discussion of non-pharmacologic approaches. Dr. Oreck will review the safety and efficacy of psychotropic medications in pregnancy and breastfeeding and discuss confounding factors found in research studies on psychotropic medications. Finally, you will hear the personal story of Amber Sheikh-Ginsberg who experienced a perinatal mental health condition and experienced many barriers to treatment to assist in integrating the material learned.

This course is beneficial to anyone providing healthcare during the perinatal period who seeks to increase their knowledge of the risks and benefits of pursuing medication-assisted treatment for pregnant, postpartum, and lactating individuals in order to support them in making an educated, informed decision in their pursuit of wellness and mental health.  Course Fee:  $40.00

Click here to access the course.

1. Define reproductive psychiatry and identify the parameters of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
2. Identify 3 risks of untreated psychiatric disorders in the peripartum period
3. Identify 3 non-pharmacologic approaches to consider prior to pursuing medication-assisted interventions
4. Critique empirical research studies to assess for implications for pregnant and postpartum bodies including possible limitations and confounders
5. Explain elements of safety and efficacy of psychotropic medications in pregnancy and during breast/chestfeeding

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Cedars-Sinai and Maternal Health NOW.  Cedars-Sinai is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center designates this Enduring Material for a maximum of 2.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Non-Physician Attendance
A certificate of participation will be provided to other health care professionals requesting credits. Participants should ensure in advance that their credentialing or licensing organization accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™.

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ (MD, DO) (2.00 hours), Non-Physician Attendance (RN, NP, PA and Others) (2.00 hours)

Mitigation of Relevant Financial Relationships

Cedars-Sinai adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers or others are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.