Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2025
06:39
Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
3.0K
Maternal mental health as a major contributor to maternal mortality
Lauren A Gimbel1, Sarah J Weingarten2, Marcela C Smid1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, 30 North Mario Capecchi Dr., Level 5 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA.
Seminars in Perinatology
|August 2, 2024
Summary
Perinatal mental health conditions and substance use disorders (SUD) are common in pregnant and postpartum individuals, contributing to preventable maternal deaths. Early screening and accessible treatment are crucial for improving maternal outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Perinatal mental health conditions affect up to 20% of pregnant or postpartum individuals.
- Nearly 15% of pregnant individuals meet criteria for substance use disorder (SUD).
- Maternal mental health conditions, including SUD, are the leading cause of preventable maternal death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the prevalence of perinatal mental health conditions and SUD.
- To emphasize the role of Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) in identifying preventable deaths.
- To advocate for integrated screening and treatment within obstetric care.
Main Methods:
- Review of findings from Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs).
- Analysis of the impact of mental health conditions and SUD on maternal mortality.
- Identification of key recommendations for prevention.
Main Results:
- MMRCs identify maternal mental health conditions and SUD as leading causes of preventable maternal death.
- Screening and identification must be linked to evidence-based, patient-centered, and accessible treatments.
- Obstetric providers are uniquely positioned for screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Conclusions:
- Integrating mental health and SUD care into perinatal settings is essential.
- Healthcare providers must be equipped to manage these conditions.
- Addressing perinatal mental health and SUD can significantly reduce preventable maternal mortality.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Stress and Mental Health
91
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
91
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
59
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
59
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
340
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
340
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
81
Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
81
01:18Depression: Overview
229
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
229
01:28Anorexia Nervosa
53
Anorexia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain, an unrelenting pursuit of thinness, and a distorted body image. It often leads to dangerously low body weight relative to an individual's age and height. This disorder is marked by significant physical and psychological consequences, making it one of the most life-threatening psychiatric illnesses.
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
53