Gail Robinson publishes casebook illuminating mental health disorders in postpartum

Dr. Gail Robinson, professor of psychiatry and obstetrics and gynaecology, recently published “Postpartum Mental Health Disorders: A Casebook,” providing case vignettes to illuminate the range of mental health symptoms that can present in postpartum. The casebook was developed by the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry Committee on Gender and Mental Health. It offers practical guidance on the recognition and management of postpartum mental health disorders and illustrates the important intersection of the fields of psychiatry and obstetrics and gynaecology.

“10% of women develop major depression or an anxiety disorder postpartum, and 0.1% develop a psychotic disorder, with an increased risk in women with a history of bipolar illness,” says Dr. Robinson. “Obstetricians, family practitioners, nurse practitioners, and students are often presented with these disorders. The casebook is aimed at helping them understand each case and make appropriate decisions through treatment or referral.”

Alongside chapters dedicated to postpartum mental health disorders including depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, psychotic disorders, bipolar disorders, traumatic stress disorders, personality disorders, and eating disorders, the casebook also includes a chapter on the uses and safety of psychotropic medication during postpartum and breastfeeding.

The chapters are organized into collections of case examples designed to provide at-a-glance information about diagnoses, treatment, outcome, and advice on when to refer to a specialist. The casebook also includes assessment tools in each chapter to assist with diagnosis, a list of risk factors for developing postpartum disorders, and an appendix of screening questionnaires as key tools to assist practitioners in recognizing and managing psychiatric disorders in the postpartum period.