Overview
An outline of the full range of psychiatric disorders as they present during pregnancy and the first postnatal year. Also includes the adaptive demands on the mother and family during the perinatal period.
Understanding the nature and extent of psychiatric disorders as they present in women during pregnancy and the first postnatal year is crucial. Health professionals with in-depth knowledge of this are well placed in the community to recognise and manage the consequence of these disorders and play a key role in management, education or liaison.
About this paper
| Paper title | Introduction to Perinatal Psychiatry |
|---|---|
| Subject | Psychological Medicine |
| EFTS | 0.25 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $3,103.25 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- MHealSc, PGCertHealSc, PGDipHealSc
- Notes
- Candidates must possess an appropriate health professional qualification and have at least two years postgraduate clinical experience.
- Eligibility
- Candidates must possess an appropriate professional qualification and have at least two years' postgraduate clinical experience. The paper would be suitable for individuals who have a basic knowledge of the nature and extent of psychiatric disorders or individuals who have obstetric or paediatric health qualifications.
- Contact
- More information link
- View further information about PSME 432
- Teaching staff
The Department of Psychological Medicine
- Paper Structure
- This paper provides an outline of the full range of psychiatric disorders as they present during pregnancy and the first postnatal year and includes assessment and management issues. It also outlines the adaptive demands on the mother and family during the perinatal period paying particular attention to ethical issues with regard to care and protection.
- Teaching Arrangements
- Two 4-day block courses to be held in Christchurch. Attendance at these block courses is compulsory.
- Textbooks
- Brief introductory notes and a reading guide will be provided. There are a number of key references, but a fuller bibliography will be provided at the start of the paper. We have a resource folder of key articles and difficult-to-access book chapters. This folder will be available for use during the paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Cultural understanding, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Gain knowledge of important factors in perinatal adjustment and distress
- Gain knowledge of psychiatric disorders as they manifest in the perinatal period, particularly unipolar and bipolar mood disorders; anxiety disorders; and complex post-traumatic stress disorder
- Gain knowledge of the treatment of psychiatric disorders in the perinatal period
- Apply this knowledge to recognise psychiatric disorders in the perinatal period
- Apply this knowledge in the clinical setting to support women and their families going through perinatal distress or psychiatric disorder
- Understand the impact of perinatal psychiatric illness on infants
- Gain a knowledge of the issues related to psychotropic medication in pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Gain knowledge of the effects of common drugs of dependence on developing foetus in utero and on breast milk
- Gain an understanding of different models of service delivery
Timetable
Overview
An outline of the full range of psychiatric disorders as they present during pregnancy and the first postnatal year. Also includes the adaptive demands on the mother and family during the perinatal period.
Understanding the nature and extent of psychiatric disorders as they present in women during pregnancy and the first postnatal year is crucial. Health professionals with in-depth knowledge of this are well placed in the community to recognise and manage the consequence of these disorders and play a key role in management, education or liaison.
About this paper
| Paper title | Introduction to Perinatal Psychiatry |
|---|---|
| Subject | Psychological Medicine |
| EFTS | 0.25 |
| Points | 30 points |
| Teaching period | Not offered in 2025, expected to be offered in 2026 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2025 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- MHealSc, PGCertHealSc, PGDipHealSc
- Notes
- Candidates must possess an appropriate health professional qualification and have at least two years postgraduate clinical experience.
- Eligibility
- Candidates must possess an appropriate professional qualification and have at least two years' postgraduate clinical experience. The paper would be suitable for individuals who have a basic knowledge of the nature and extent of psychiatric disorders or individuals who have obstetric or paediatric health qualifications.
- Contact
- More information link
- View further information about PSME 432
- Teaching staff
The Department of Psychological Medicine
- Paper Structure
- This paper provides an outline of the full range of psychiatric disorders as they present during pregnancy and the first postnatal year and includes assessment and management issues. It also outlines the adaptive demands on the mother and family during the perinatal period paying particular attention to ethical issues with regard to care and protection.
- Teaching Arrangements
- Two 4-day block courses to be held in Christchurch. Attendance at these block courses is compulsory.
- Textbooks
- Brief introductory notes and a reading guide will be provided. There are a number of key references, but a fuller bibliography will be provided at the start of the paper. We have a resource folder of key articles and difficult-to-access book chapters. This folder will be available for use during the paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Cultural understanding, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Gain knowledge of important factors in perinatal adjustment and distress
- Gain knowledge of psychiatric disorders as they manifest in the perinatal period, particularly unipolar and bipolar mood disorders; anxiety disorders; and complex post-traumatic stress disorder
- Gain knowledge of the treatment of psychiatric disorders in the perinatal period
- Apply this knowledge to recognise psychiatric disorders in the perinatal period
- Apply this knowledge in the clinical setting to support women and their families going through perinatal distress or psychiatric disorder
- Understand the impact of perinatal psychiatric illness on infants
- Gain a knowledge of the issues related to psychotropic medication in pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Gain knowledge of the effects of common drugs of dependence on developing foetus in utero and on breast milk
- Gain an understanding of different models of service delivery