 Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
"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 expert 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 to men, particularly during the childbearing years. Unfortunately, women are less likely to report these problems and seek help 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:
- Postpartum depression is the #1 complication of childbirth and may cause impaired bonding between mother and infant. It affects between 15-20% of women.
- Depression during pregnancy can cause premature delivery and low birth weight. It occurs in more than 1 in 10 pregnant women.
- About 3-8% of women have premenstrual mood symptoms that may interfere with work, home and social relationships.
- Mood symptoms are frequently exacerbated in perimenopase and menopause.
Our program offers treatment for:
- Lifecycle changes
- premenstrual mood symptoms [PMDD]
- menopause and perimenopause
- Childbirth and the Postpartum period
- Postpartum Depression
- Depression and anxiety during Pregnancy: medication consultation
- Depression and lactation
- Mother infant attachment disorders
- Infertility
- Pregnancy Loss
- Eating Disorders
- Trauma
Treatments offered include:
- Comprehensive evaluation
- Medication consultation for the pregnant and breastfeeding mother
- Consultations and second opinions with other health care professionals
- Crisis intervention
- Psychotherapy
- Crisis intervention
- Structured intensive treatment
- Support groups
- Access to state-of-the-art research trials for new treatments
- Family education and support
Staff:
Margaret Spinelli, M.D. Director
Mary Sciutto, M.D. Administrative Director
Elizabeth Fitelson, M.D. Assistant Director
Eileen Kavanagh, M.D., M.P.A. Attending Psychiatrist
Consultants:
Linda Mullen, M.D. Liaison Psychiatrist to the Department of OB/GYN
Jennifer Downey, M.D.
Sylvia Fogel, M.D.
Jean Endicott, Ph.D.
Blair Simpson, M.D.
Evelyn Attia, M.D.
Contact:
To schedule an appointment, make a referral or for further information, please call:
Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm
212-305-6001
Our location:
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/
Columbia University Medical Center
Neurological Institute,710 West 168th Street
12th Floor, Psychiatry Specialty Clinics
New York, NY 10032
Links:
National Alliance on Mental Illness: http://www.nami.org/
National Institute of Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net
Postpartum Resource Center of New York: http://www.postpartumny.org
MotherRisk: www.motherisk.org
National women’s Health Information center: http://www.4women.gov/
Postpartum depression foundation: http://www.ppdchicago.org
Medical education postpartum depression from NIH: www.medEdppd.org
Research Page:
NIMH funded study:
Treating Pregnancy and Depression with Interpersonal Psychotherapy:
Call the Maternal Mental Health Program 212-543-5519
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