From PMDD to Menopause: Psychopharmacology Basics for the General Consultation Psychiatrist

Across the lifespan, women’s health has historically been ignored or under-researched, with many studies excluding women altogether. Additionally, reproductive psychiatry has been under-emphasized in psychiatry residency training with training directors citing lack of access to perinatal specialists as a cause for this deficiency (Hutner et al, 2021). These systemic shortcomings are even more pronounced when considering individuals from communities historically marginalized by the medical system. As a result, general psychiatrists are often faced with gaps in their knowledge base in reproductive psychiatry and may be uncomfortable with clinical scenarios involving hormonal transitions including perinatal psychiatry.

This pre-conference course focuses on women's mental health as it pertains to the general consultation psychiatrist and is aimed at those with limited experience with reproductive psychiatry. Providing foundational knowledge using a case-based format, we will broadly discuss the management of mood disorders and other comorbid psychiatric conditions utilizing a lifespan approach, from premenopausal syndrome (PMS) to peripartum health to the perimenopausal syndromes. Attendees will learn from perinatal psychiatrists how to discuss with their female patients proactive management of their mental health through an interactive, case-based format and utilizing principles of adult learning. Up-to-date knowledge is required for collaborative treatment planning with patients across reproductive events such as pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding, and menopause.