Psychiatric Disorders in Women: Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations Across the Female Lifespan (March 2022)

This course will focus on the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders in women across the reproductive lifespan.  Specialized knowledge is necessary to tailor treatments to reproductive events such as pregnancy and pregnancy planning, the postpartum, breastfeeding, the menopausal transition, and menstrual cycle related mood dysregulation.  Exposure to psychotropic medications and the consequence of untreated psychiatric disorders must be considered when treating pregnant women, those who may become pregnant during treatment, and those who are breastfeeding.  Up to date and comprehensive knowledge is required to help patients make collaborative and individualized treatment decisions. Focused material will also be presented regarding the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual mood exacerbation, as well as treatment considerations for the menopausal transition. Learning in this course will be facilitated by didactic materials delivered by the faculty from the MGH Center for Women’s Mental Health.  Faculty will also facilitate question and answer and case-based discussion sessions for course participants.  Readings to accompany course materials will also be provided.