Birthing People of Color who May be Reluctant to Start Psycho-pharmacological Treatment: How to Navigate this Challenge-View Presentation

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Video Summary

In this video, Dr. Tesler, an instructor at Harvard Medical School, discusses the importance of health equity in reproductive mental health. She explains that untreated mental illness during the perinatal period can have significant adverse effects on both the patient and their fetus. She emphasizes the need for screening and management of mental health concerns during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. Tesler also discusses the safety of medication use in pregnancy and lactation, specifically focusing on the use of SSRIs. She explains that while we don't have randomized controlled trials for medication use during pregnancy, there is extensive data on the safety of SSRIs. She highlights that untreated mental illness poses risks and that the benefits of medication often outweigh the risks. Dr. Ojo then discusses the challenges faced by birthing people of color when it comes to seeking psychopharmacologic treatment. She explains that structural racism, interpersonal racism, mistrust of the medical system, intergenerational trauma, shame and stigma, and fear of losing custody of their children are all obstacles that can prevent these individuals from seeking help. Dr. Ojo emphasizes the need for culturally appropriate strategies to encourage patients to consider medication as a treatment option. She also discusses the importance of creating a diverse workforce, normalizing conversations around mental illness, and acknowledging the specific challenges faced by individuals of color. The presenters provide resources for further information and support in reproductive mental health.

Keywords

health equity

reproductive mental health

untreated mental illness

perinatal period

medication use

SSRIs

risks

birthing people of color

psychopharmacologic treatment

culturally appropriate strategies