Fatima Tauqeer defended her thesis, titled "Perinatal Mental Health and Migraine: Exploring the Complexities of Drug Utilization and Treatment Decision-Making," on June 7, 2024, at 12:15 PM in Auditorium 3, Helga Engs hus. The defense was chaired by Head of Department Kathrin Bjerknes.
Committee Members: The committee assessing the doctoral thesis included the following experts:
- Senior Researcher, PhD Eeva-Leena Kataja, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Finland. Dr. Kataja recently delivered a guest lecture at our institution, further enhancing the interdisciplinary collaboration within the field.
- Researcher, PhD Ida Henriette Caspersen, Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
- Professor Arild Rustan, Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo.
Fatima Tauqeer's research was conducted under the supervision of Professor Angela Lupattelli and Professor Hedvig Marie Egeland Nordeng.
Photo: Private
Fatima Tauqeer's research delved into the management of migraines and mental health during the perinatal period, focusing on medication use and treatment decisions. The findings shed light on distinct patterns of migraine medication usage during pregnancy, with a significant number of women continuing treatment. However, the research also highlights the need for personalized approaches due to variations in migraine severity. Additionally, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health is revealed, with increased risks of depression and anxiety, particularly for women with pre-existing conditions.
Noteworthy Research Findings: Migraines and mental health disorders are prevalent among pregnant and postpartum women and necessitate careful attention. However, making treatment decisions in these circumstances is intricate, with limited information available concerning medication safety and efficacy. Fatima Tauqeer's research addressed this crucial gap and uncovered significant insights:
- Migraine Medication Use: The research emphasizes that while many pregnant women continue using migraine medications, a considerable number choose to discontinue their use. This highlights the necessity for individualized treatment plans that consider the severity of migraines and individual responses.
- Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The study underscores the significant influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health. Expectant and new mothers faced heightened risks of depression and anxiety during this challenging time.
- Decision-Making Challenges Regarding Antidepressants: Women encounter substantial decisional conflict when it comes to the use of antidepressants during pregnancy. Insufficient information and guidance from healthcare providers contribute to this challenge. The research emphasizes the critical need for improved communication and patient-centered care to navigate complex medical information and ensure tailored treatment.
Research Approach: Fatima Tauqeer's research employed a combination of Norwegian national health registries, web-based questionnaires, and focus groups involving pregnant and postpartum women. This integrative approach allowed for a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter, providing unique perspectives and robust findings.
We would like to thank all of the committee members for their evaluation and time spent on Fatima's PhD thesis.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Fatima Tauqeer for her outstanding accomplishments and wish her continued success in her academic and professional journey.