Our Faculty

Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D.

Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus of psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles.

Founder and Consulting Director of the Women’s Life Center at the Semel Institute and Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA.

Biography

Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of psychiatry in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). She is the founder and Consulting Director of the Women’s Life Center at the Semel Institute and Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA.

Dr. Burt has authored numerous articles and book chapters in the field of women’s psychiatry and co-authored The Clinical Manual for Women’s Mental Health. She has been honored with an Outstanding House Staff Teaching Award from the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute; both a President’s Award and an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Southern California Psychiatric Society; the Distinguished Service Award of the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital; and the 2008 Andre Boivin Professorship of the Motherisk Program at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada.

The focus of her activities includes projects on women’s mental health, with a particular focus on psychiatric illnesses associated with reproductive transitions.

Publications of Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D.

Perinatal Treatment of Bipolar Disorder – Interview

0.50 CMEs
In this interview, Dr. Burt discusses the nuanced treatment of bipolar disorder during the perinatal period, emphasizing the importance of satisficing and shared decision-making. She advocates for the continued use of lithium when effective, highlighting the importance of close monitoring and precautions to avoid toxicity. Dr. Burt addresses using other mood stabilizers, such as lamotrigine, carbamazepine, and valproate. She also touches on the use of newer antipsychotics and managing rapid cycling bipolar disorder, promoting personalized and vigilant care to maintain stability in pregnant women with bipolar disorder.
Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D.
UCLA
28.35 minutes of audio interview

Quick Take Vol. 56

0.75 CMEs
In this Quick Take volume, our expert faculty examine research on the possible effects of prenatal exposure to antidepressants across various trimesters of gestation as well as the safety and efficacy of lithium augmentation for the management of treatment-resistant depression. Our faculty also discuss studies regarding antipsychotics and liver safety as well as inappropriate medication use among older adults.
Faculty: Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D., Scott R. Beach, M.D., Paul Zarkowski, M.D., Lauren Osborne, M.D., Sydney M. LeFay, D.O.
38.05 minutes in 5 audio sections

Quick Take Vol. 54

0.75 CMEs
In this Quick Take volume, our expert faculty examine research on the association between NSAIDs and reduced rates of delirium, antidepressants and apathy, and victimization and violence among patients with schizophrenia. Our women’s health expert also discusses the efficacy and safety of zuranolone on patients with postpartum depression as well as the risks of major malformations in infants after maternal exposure to benzodiazepines.
Faculty: Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D., Scott R. Beach, M.D., Oliver Freudenreich, M.D., Kerstina Boctor, M.D.
39.39 minutes in 5 audio sections

Perinatal Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

1.00 CMEs
In this engaging video lecture, Dr. Vivien Burt thoroughly explores the complexities of the perinatal treatment of bipolar disorder, detailing the challenges and the repercussions of discontinuing mood stabilizers during pregnancy. In a careful analysis, Dr. Burt explores the potential hazards associated with the use of lithium, valproate, and carbamazepine in the context of pregnancy. Furthermore, she provides an enlightening review of the guiding principles for treating bipolar disorder during pregnancy. Finally, the video lecture culminates with a compelling clinical vignette, masterfully weaving together all the discussed concepts.
Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D.
UCLA
57.56 minutes in 12 sections

Quick Take Vol. 53

0.50 CMEs
In this Quick Take volume, our expert faculty examine research on the effects of brexanolone on depressive symptoms, anxiety, and insomnia in women with postpartum depression; aripiprazole co-prescription on prolactin levels among hospitalized patients; and the use of colony-stimulating factor on the outcomes of patients undergoing clozapine rechallenge. Selected faculty experts also discuss the phenomenon of tardive syndromes and appropriate management for these as well as the effect of pharmacogenomic testing on the outcomes of major depressive disorder.
Faculty: Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D., Scott R. Beach, M.D., Paul Zarkowski, M.D., Gregory Pontone, M.D., M.H.S., Oliver Freudenreich, M.D.
36.35 minutes in 5 audio sections

Blue Moods and Hot Flashes: Treating Perimenopausal Depression – Interview

0.75 CMEs
In this interview, Dr. Vivien Burt discusses depression in women during the perimenopausal stage. Dr. Burt also emphasizes strategies for managing perimenopausal depression as well as associated symptoms, such as vasomotor symptoms. Finally, she discusses various hormone therapies that are currently available for the management of perimenopausal symptoms.
Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D.
UCLA
41.37 minutes of audio interview - Expired on April 1, 2024

Blue Moods and Hot Flashes: Treating Perimenopausal Depression

0.75 CMEs
Perimenopausal depression needs to be recognized, assessed, and treated with psychotherapy and/or medications. These include antidepressants, HRT, and gabapentin.
Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D.
UCLA
40.07 minutes in 8 sections - Expired on April 1, 2024

Perinatal Psychopharmacology: Helping Patients Make Decisions in Pregnancy – Interview

0.50 CMEs
In this interview, Dr. Vivien Burt discusses the use of antidepressants, stimulants, and insomnia medications in pregnancy and the postpartum. She also guides clinicians on how to talk to patients about their best options and possible nonpharmacological strategies.
Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D.
UCLA
27.31 minutes of audio interview - Expired on April 1, 2025

Perinatal Psychopharmacology: Helping Patients Make Decisions in Pregnancy

1.00 CMEs
In this presentation, Dr. Vivien Burt discusses guiding principles for the treatment of depression in pregnancy. She introduces the concept of “satisficing” and reviews the latest research on the risks of untreated depression versus teratogenicity with the use of medications. The lecture is reinforced with a real-world case vignette.
Vivien K. Burt, M.D., Ph.D.
UCLA
60 minutes in 9 sections - Expired on March 31, 2022

Explore our library of over 440 video lectures, podcasts, research summaries and expert interviews.