313: Psychiatric Treatment of Maternal Mental Health Conditions with Dr, Liz Cox, MD

There are many questions and much misinformation about treatment options and medications for maternal mental health conditions (MMHCs). The key to having more awareness and understanding is to get correct information from qualified experts. Only when parents are educated and informed can they make the best decisions about their care! Today’s guest has valuable information to share to help us all become more knowledgeable. Join us to learn more! Dr. Liz Cox is a reproductive psychiatrist in private practice based in Raleigh, North Carolina. She has been in practice for over ten years, previously serving as the Medical Director for UNC Women’s Mood Disorders at Wake Med North in Raleigh and as Residency Education Director in Women’s Mood Disorders at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Department of Psychiatry, where she is currently an adjunct faculty member. Dr. Cox has authored numerous scholarly publications, including textbooks, about the treatment of MMHCs, and she is passionate about decreasing the stigma of MMHCs, increasing awareness, and advocating for appropriate treatments.  Show Highlights: How Dr. Cox came into the specialty of reproductive psychiatry Why many medical students aren’t getting much training and exposure to the treatment of women’s mood disorders What Dr. Cox is seeing in her work and research regarding the prevalence of perinatal depression (50-70% of women are undiagnosed!) Why Dr. Cox is passionate about treating the full person and the whole family How a treatment plan should prioritize self-care, sleep, movement, good nutrition, therapy, and appropriate medications Why there is such misunderstanding about medications for MMHCs The risks of untreated symptoms for mothers and babies How medications can help alleviate anxiety, shame, and stigma Why a reproductive psychiatry specialist can be helpful Dr. Cox shares her personal birth experience and why she chose to ask for medication What to expect in a consultation with a reproductive psychiatrist  What Dr. Cox wants listeners to know: “MMHCs are treatable conditions. No one should suffer needlessly or be shamed and stigmatized for asking for help.” Resources: Connect with Dr. Liz Cox: Website and Instagram  Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!  Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!