Jennifer L. Barkin, PhD

Education

  • BS, Statistics, Carnegie Mellon University
  • MS, Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh
  • PhD, Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh
  • Postdoctoral Study, Psychiatric Epidemiology, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Research Interest

Dr. Barkin’s research is focused on mental health during the childbearing years and mental health in relation to climate change. Her intellectual property, the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF), has been used in academia, community-based settings, and in industry-sponsored clinical trials. Notably, the BIMF was employed as an outcomes measure in the clinical trials for FDA-breakthrough treatment Brexanolone (Zulresso). Internationally, Dr. Barkin supports various groups in implementing the BIMF in different populations of new mothers – often assisting with interpretation and dissemination of the findings. Her recent climate change-related distress work has received state and nationwide recognition, including a climate champion designation from the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health.

Selected Publications

  • Barkin, J. L., Buoli, M., Curry, C. L., von Esenwein, S. A., Upadhyay, S., Kearney, M. B., & Mach, K. (2021). Effects of extreme weather events on child mood and behavior. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 63(7), 785-790. *Invited Editorial
  • Barkin, J. L., Osborne, L. M., Buoli, M., Bridges, C. C., Callands, T. A., & Ezeamama, A. E. (2020). Training frontline providers in the detection and management of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Journal of Women’s Health, 29(7), 889-890. *Invited Editorial
  • Buoli, M., Cesana, B. M., Barkin, J. L., Tacchini, G., & Altamura, A. C. (2018). Validity of a clinical diagnosis of bipolar disorder among participants in a multicenter study using the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Bipolar disorders, 20(3), 284-284.
  • Barkin, J. L. (2019). Recurrent pregnancy loss and neurological deficits in offspring: confirmation should precede modifications in patient counselling. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 61(1), 10-11. *Invited Editorial
  • Serati, M., Barkin, J. L., Orsenigo, G., Altamura, A. C., & Buoli, M. (2017). Research Review: The role of obstetric and neonatal complications in childhood attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder–a systematic review. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58(12), 1290-1300.
  • Barkin, J. L., & Wisner, K. L. (2013). The role of maternal self-care in new motherhood. Midwifery, 29(9), 1050-1055.
  • Barkin, J.L., Wisner, K.L., Bromberger, J.T., Beach, S.R., Terry, M.A., Wisniewski, S.R. The Development of the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning, Journal of Women’s Health, 2010, 19(12): 2239-2246. PMC3003914
  • Barkin, J. L., Wisner, K. L., & Wisniewski, S. R. (2014). The Psychometric Properties of the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 43(6), 792-802. [Invited Submission for In-Focus Series]
  • Kornstein, S.G., Young, E.A, Harvey, A.T., Wisniewski, S.R., Barkin, J.L., Thase, M.E., Trivedi, M.H., Nierenberg, A.A., Rush, A.J. The Influence of Menopausal Status and Postmenopausal Use of Hormone Therapy on Presentation of Major Depression in Women. Menopause. Menopause, 17(4): 828-839. 2010 July. PMCID: PMC2949279.
  • Klein, D.N., Arnow. B.A., Barkin, J.L., Dowling, F., Kocsis, J.H., Leon, A.C., Manber, R., Rothbaum, B.O., Trivedi, M.H., & Wisniewski, S.R. (2009). Early adversity in chronic depression: Clinical correlates and response to pharmacotherapy. Depression and Anxiety, 26, 701-710. PMCID-pending

Grants

  • Maternal Child Health Academic Health Department. Georgia Department of Public Health, North Central Health District. Principal Investigator. 7/1/2018-present. $80,000.
  • Uptake of Mercuric Species at Basolateral Membrane of Isolated Hypertrophied Proximal Tubules. National Institutes of Health. Statistician. 4/1/2020-present. 424,500.00.
  • South Georgia Healthy Start. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Co-Investigator. 4/1/2019-TBD. $5,470,000.
  • Central GA Centering Pregnancy Program. March of Dimes. Co-Investigator. 02/2015-2016. $36,000.
  • Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities. National Institutes of Health. Co-Investigator. 2014-2017. 1.57 million (subcontract).

Professional Involvement

  • Georgia Clinicians for Climate Action, Steering Committee (current)
  • International Marce Society, Member (current)
  • Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health, Member (current)
  • Memora Health, Clinical Advisory Board (current)
  • Postpartum Support International, Georgia Chapter, Board of Directors, Chair of Corporate Sponsorship (past)

Contact Dr. Jennifer Barkin

barkin_jl@mercer.edu