Reproductive Psychiatry Research Program

The University of Virginia’s Reproductive Psychiatry Research Program (RPRP) is a collection of research studies headed by Dr. Jennifer L. Payne, MD. The goals of these studies are to understand the genetic, biological, and psychological underpinnings of reproductive-related mood disorders.

Research findings related to these mechanisms may lead to a greater understanding of the pathophysiology of mood disorders in general, and lead to better practices supporting the health of both mothers and their newborn children.

For more information about the RPRP and our current research studies, please visit the links to the right.

Dr. Payne Named a 2024 UVA Vivian Pinn Scholar!

UVA’s Pinn Scholars program is named in honor of the extraordinary career of Dr. Vivian Pinn, one of the first African American graduates of the UVA School of Medicine and the inaugural director of the NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health. The Pinn Scholars Program recognizes and rewards research faculty whose scientific expertise, research productivity, mentorship, and service have resulted in large contributions to the School of Medicine and the greater research community. Up to three scholars are chosen for this award each year and will hold the title of UVA Vivian Pinn Scholar for three years.

As part of this award, Dr. Payne will receive $120,000 to elevate her research and will present her results at the annual Pinn Scholars Symposium!

To read more about UVA’s Pinn Scholars, CLICK HERE.

Congratulations to Dr. Payne for receiving this prestigious honor!

Check out Dr. Payne’s thoughts on the exciting approval of zuranolone for treatment of postpartum depression!

Jennifer Payne, MD – President of Marcé of North America, Promoting Perinatal Mental Health

Check out Dr. Payne in UVA’s Medicine in Motion News

Click here to listen to Dr. Payne talk about Women’s Mood Disorders, the challenges of psychiatric treatment during pregnancy, and future directions of research in the field!