How does maternal functional assessment differ from and complement traditional maternal mental health screening?

Description

When women present for treatment during pregnancy or the postpartum it is usually with the goal of functioning better in daily life rather than obtaining a specific score on a depression or anxiety scale. Including an assessment of maternal functioning with the standard depression/anxiety measures will provide a more comprehensive picture of the mother’s wellness level in the postpartum period. 

LUNCH IS INCLUDED!

Presenter Jennifer L. Barkin, MS, PhD

Dr. Jennifer Barkin is a tenured Professor of Community Medicine and OBGYN at Mercer University, where she directs research and leads South Georgia Healthy Start. A trained biostatistician and psychiatric epidemiologist, she developed the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF). Dr. Barkin has published 80+ papers, served on expert panels, and advises organizations on maternal health, climate change, and perinatal mental health.