Week 0: Introduction!

Hi! My name is Yalini Kathamuthu, and my senior project regards the connection (if there is one!) between postpartum illnesses (i.e, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis) and the onset of Schizophrenia in women. Of the two disorders, schizophrenia is more widely known by the general public, but its etiology is still largely elusive, which is why I want to investigate it.

The idea to connect schizophrenia with postpartum disorders first occurred to me when recalling a close family member’s postpartum experience. She had experienced mental health challenges during and after her pregnancy and was eventually given a diagnosis of bipolar disorder that later evolved into schizophrenia. This anecdote, alongside the passion for abnormal psychology that I’ve been fostering since middle school, influenced me to choose the topic I did for my senior project. I’m so excited to dive deeper into it for the next 3 months!

As for my internship, I am still ironing out the details, but it will likely be at a clinic near me called The Iyer Clinic. I’ve connected with one of the Doctors there and am looking forward to gaining some hands-on experience with patient care. 

There is also a psychiatric office right next to the clinic, where I might be able to gain insight into my desired field of psychiatry, so I’m also super excited to have that opportunity! That’s a rundown of everything I’ve got planned for the next few weeks. I will (hopefully!) have updates about my internship for my first post.

Till next time,

Yalini