[SOSC 2090 : Prenatal and Postpartum Mental Health]

SOSC 2090 – Prenatal and Postpartum Mental Health Adjustment & Perinatal Mood Disorders, 1 cr. 

Term Taken: Winter 2023

Instructor:  Barbara Verneus 

Offered Limited terms The Mental Health course will delve deeper into the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of prenatal and postpartum mental health conditions. The course will explore issues of complex childhood trauma and attachment and the potential impact on parental mental health. Mental health conditions explored in depth will include underlying chronic mental health conditions such as PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, and personality disorders, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorders. Prenatal and postpartum conditions addressed will include prenatal depression, prenatal anxiety, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, and postpartum psychosis. This course will implore students to identify inequities for marginalized populations and how systemic isms may impact mental health. The student will develop the skills to practice effectively with clients who present with mental health disorders and to identify when to refer and when to transfer care. 

Learning Objectives:
1. Develop the skill to use evidence-based practices to screen for pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders including prenatal and postpartum depression, prenatal and postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, and postpartum psychosis.
2. Apply current standards of practice to support clients in promptly receiving evidence-based treatments.
3. Have a working knowledge of the risk factors for mood disorders affecting the populations most at risk including but not limited to being of low socioeconomic status, experiencing intimate partner violence, and the experience of marginalization and systemic oppression. 

Source: MCU Course Catalog, accessed May 4, 2023 https://www.midwifery.edu/course-catalog/