Faculty Bibliography

This article describes the Engage, Motivate, Protect, Organize, self-Worth, Educate, Respect (EMPOWER) Clinic for Survivors of Sex Trafficking and Sexual Violence located at Gouverneur Health in New York, New York, as a model for integrated gynecologic and psychiatric care of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Although patients with a history of sexual trauma often have critical health needs that persist long after the traumatic event, most existing services for survivors of sexual violence focus solely on the provision of acute care immediately after the violence has occurred. There are very few clinics in the United States dedicated to managing the significant long-term medical consequences and sequelae of sexual violence in a trauma-informed setting. We report on best practices for the provision of trauma-sensitive medical care to this patient population based on those employed at the EMPOWER Clinic. In particular, we outline some of the unique considerations for treating survivors relating to taking a patient history, conducting the physical and gynecologic examinations, ensuring confidentiality, and managing legal issues. Finally, we reflect on the challenges faced in sustaining the EMPOWER Clinic and the importance of the existence of a clinic dedicated to this specific population.

New York City (NYC) public hospitals recently mandated that all pregnant women be screened for depression, but no funds were allocated for screening or care coordination/treatment, and research suggests that unfunded mandates are not likely to be successful. To address this, we implemented an on-site depression prevention intervention (NYC ROSE) for positive depression screens among pregnant, mostly Black and Hispanic, lower-income women in one public hospital. In this paper, we used Aarons' implementation model to describe the successes and challenges of screening and intervention. Patient tracking sheets and electronic medical records were abstracted. Key informant interviews and an informal focus group were conducted, and staff observations were reviewed; common implementation themes were identified and fit into Aarons' model. We found that a lack of funding and staff training, which led to minimal psychoeducation for patients, were outer context factors that may have made depression screening difficult, screening results unreliable, and NYC ROSE enrollment challenging. Although leadership agreed to implement NYC ROSE, early involvement of all levels of staff and patients would have better informed important inner context factors, like workflow and logistical/practical challenges. There was also a mismatch between the treatment model and the population being served; patients often lived too far away to receive additional services on site, and economic issues were often a higher priority than mental health services. Screening and interventions for perinatal depression are essential for optimal family health, and a detailed, thoughtful and funded approach can help ensure effectiveness of such efforts.

This article summarizes research pertinent to the clinical care of women with bipolar disorder. With bipolar disorder, female gender correlates with more depressive symptoms and different comorbidities. There is a high risk of symptom recurrence postpartum and possibly during perimenopause. Women with bipolar disorder have increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases, unplanned pregnancies, excessive weight gain, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease. Mood stabilizing medications, specific psychotherapies, and lifestyle changes can stabilize mood and improve functioning. Pharmacologic considerations include understanding interactions between mood stabilizing medications and contraceptive agents and risks and benefits of mood stabilizing medication during pregnancy and lactation.

Reviews the book, "Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy," edited by Jesse H. Wright (see record 2004-14688-030). This book, volume 23 of "American Psychiatric Publishing's Review of Psychiatry" series, is a user-friendly overview of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Wright authors the chapter on computer-assisted cognitive-behavioral therapy. The remaining four chapters cover cognitive-behavioral therapy for schizophrenia, a cognitive-behavioral approach to treatment of bipolar I disorder, cognitive-behavioral therapy, for patients with physical illnesses, and cognitive-behavioral therapy with children and adolescents. The book succinctly covers a broad scope of cognitive-behavioral therapy, including both clinically useful treatment strategies and evidence-based reviews of the literature. This book is highly recommended for clinicians who want to learn more about the broadening scope of cognitive-behavioral therapy. The chapters are well-written, succinct, and clinically useful. The book certainly attains its goal of enriching the understanding of strengths and limitations standing of cognitive-behavioral therapy and providing new opportunities for helping patients.