Our Studies

We who are Women's Behavioral HealthCARE are dedicated to research that provides insight into illnesses affecting women of childbearing age. We seek to advance both clinical care and education of health care professionals through leadership in research advances. Katherine L. Wisner, M.D., and her staff are gathering information on the effects of depression during pregnancy and its effects on child development, the effectiveness of therapies for depression before and after pregnancy, and the value of new treatments for bipolar illness in women. This information will be used to guide physicians, health professionals, and women of childbearing age in risk-benefit decision making associated with depression.

How do antimanic agents affect the growth and development of the fetus? How does untreated bipolar illness affect the pregnancy and fetus? What effect, if any, do antimanic drugs have on breastfeeding? Is estradiol (delivered by skin patch) an effective treatment for postpartum depression? How does the brain function of depressed postpartum women change? These are only a handful of the questions that Women's Behavioral HealthCARE is attempting to answer through its research.

Each of our studies is explained in detail in this section. Please click on the study of interest to you in order to read more about it and who is eligible to participate. Feel free to contact us toll free at (800) 436-2461 for more information about research at Women's Behavioral HealthCARE.