Major Depressive Disorder & Postpartum Depression: Targeting the GABA Deficit
This activity is supported by an educational grant from Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen.
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Overview
Provider Statement
This continuing education activity is provided by 
Support Statement
This activity is supported by an educational grant from Sage Therapeutics, Inc. and Biogen.
Activity Description
Major depressive disorder (MDD), perinatal depression, and postpartum depression (PPD) are increasingly prevalent conditions that carry an extremely high disease burden. Underdiagnosis and undertreatment of major depressive episodes have led to significant unmet needs for these patient populations. Success of treatment with traditional antidepressants that target monoaminergic deficiencies and imbalances is limited by non- or incomplete therapeutic response as well as delayed onset of action. A new therapeutic class of medications with a more rapid therapeutic onset has emerged to target the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic dysfunction that can contribute to depressive symptoms. To improve outcomes for patients, health professionals such as psychiatrists, obstetricians/gynecologists, and others would benefit from an educational intervention that helps them understand risk factors for MDD and PPD, the role of underlying GABAergic dysfunction, and therapeutic strategies that address the GABAergic deficit associated with these conditions. In this educational program, experts will review disease burden and risk factors, explain how GABAergic dysfunction contributes to MDD and PPD, and review evidence for current and emerging GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators that may improve patient outcomes.
Target Audience
The intended audience for this activity is psychiatrists, obstetricians/gynecologists, physician associates, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals involved in the management of patients with MDD and/or PPD.
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:
- Recall the prevalence, burden, and risk factors associated with MDD and PPD.
- Characterize the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of MDD and PPD.
- Discuss clinical data regarding current and/or emerging GABAergic agents for the treatment of MDD and PPD.
Activity Chair
Anita H. Clayton, MD
Wilford W. Spradlin Professor and Chair
Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences
University of Virginia School of Medicine
Charlottesville, VA
Faculty
Kristina Deligiannidis, MD
Director, Women’s Behavioral Health
Zucker Hillside Hospital
Northwell Health
Professor of Psychiatry, Molecular Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology
Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Glen Oaks, NY
Jennifer L. Payne, MD
Professor and Vice Chair of Research
Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
Planners/Reviewers
Ronald A. Codario, MD, EMBA, FACP, FNLA, RPVI, CHCP
Linda A. Giarraputo, BS, PA-C
Accreditation
In support of improving patient care, Vindico Medical Education is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Credit Designation
Vindico Medical Education designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Vindico Medical Education has been authorized by the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA) to award AAPA Category 1 CME credit for activities planned in accordance with AAPA CME Criteria. Approval is valid until June 29, 2024. This activity is designated for 1.25 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. PAs should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation.
This enduring material is approved for 1 year from the date of original release, June 30, 2023, to June 29, 2024.
How to Participate in This Activity and Obtain CE Credit
To participate in this activity, you must read the objectives, answer the polling and pretest questions, view the content, and complete the posttest and evaluation. Provide only one (1) correct answer for each question. A satisfactory score is defined as answering 4 of the 5 posttest questions correctly. If a satisfactory score on the posttest is achieved, Vindico Medical Education will issue an AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ certificate or AAPA Category 1 CME Certificate.
Disclosures
Vindico Medical Education adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a continuing education activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.
Relationship information is accurate at the time of content development.
Activity Chair and Faculty report the following relevant financial relationship(s)
Anita H. Clayton, MD
Advisor: Sage Therapeutics
Consultant: Brii Biosciences, PureTech Health, Sage Therapeutics
Independent Research Contractor: Sage Therapeutics
Kristina Deligiannidis, MD
Consultant: Brii Biosciences, Gerbera Therapeutics, Sage Therapeutics
Independent Research Contractor: Sage Therapeutics
Jennifer L. Payne, MD
Consultant: Brii Biosciences, Biogen, PureTech Health, Sage Therapeutics
Planners/Reviewers report the following relevant financial relationship(s)
Ronald A. Codario, MD, EMBA, FACP, FNLA, RPVI, CHCP
No relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Linda A. Giarraputo, BS, PA-C
No relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Vindico Medical Education staff report the following relevant financial relationship(s)
No relevant financial relationships to disclose.
Signed disclosures are on file at Vindico Medical Education, Office of Medical Affairs and Compliance.
Unlabeled and Investigational Usage
The audience is advised that this continuing education activity may contain references to unlabeled uses of FDA-approved products or to products not approved by the FDA for use in the United States. The faculty members have been made aware of their obligation to disclose such usage. All activity participants will be informed if any speakers/authors intend to discuss either non–FDA-approved or investigational use of products/devices.
Copyright Statement
Created and published by Vindico Medical Education, 6900 Grove Road, Building 100, Thorofare, NJ 08086-9447. Telephone: 856-994-9400; Fax: 856-384-6680. Printed in the USA. Copyright © 2023 Vindico Medical Education. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The material presented at or in any Vindico Medical Education continuing education activity does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Vindico Medical Education. Neither Vindico Medical Education nor the faculty endorse or recommend any techniques, commercial products, or manufacturers. The faculty/authors may discuss the use of materials and/or products that have not yet been approved by the FDA. All readers and continuing education participants should verify all information before treating patients or utilizing any product.
CE Questions?
Contact us at cme@vindicoCME.com