DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Yale University, New Haven CT

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

This Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award (MRSCA) application defines a training program which will facilitate the development of the Principal Investigator (PI) as an independent investigator in effectiveness research. The educational activities outlined will enable the PI to change her focus from pharmacotherapy-based clinical trials in controlled environments to an investigator who examines the effectiveness, applicability, and costs of clinical interventions in actual clinical care settings. The training entails mastering a new treatment technique (Interpersonal Psychotherapy) and applying methods to measure a variety of health outcomes (symptomatic, quality of life, economic) in a diverse patient population. In order to achieve these training goals, the PI has developed a program that includes unique preceptorships, didactic courses, tutorials and several pilot projects. The proposed pilot projects will afford a hands-on experience, reinforcing the information and technqiues learned in the mentored and classroom settings. Specifically, the research will focus on the screening, recruitment, engagement and treatment of under-served women suffering from postpartum depression. Depression, which is a serious medical condition, has a lifetime prevalence in women of 21 percent. The postpartum period constitutes a time of increased risk for depressive disorders, and encompasses an especially critical time in the life cycle of both mother and infant. Despite the magnitude of this problem, postpartum depressive illnesses are frequently unrecognized. Under diagnosis and under detection are especially germane to socioeconomically disadvantaged women since they have a greater likelihood of suffering from depressive disorders, yet have more limited access to health care. The screening and treatment techniques investigated in this proposal will be piloted in this population through the UTSWMC Maternal Health and Family Planning Clinics (MHFPCs). It is anticipated that the programs instituted through this grant will ultimately be employed in an ongoing and cost-effective manner. This MRSCA is crucial in launching the PI into the arena of effectiveness research. Through this award, she will be able to extend her previous research commitment by adding new skills and knowledge which will enable her to contribute more meaningfully to our understanding of psychiatric interventions in real world settings.