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Thalia Robakis, MD, PhD
img_Thalia Robakis
SENIOR FACULTY | Psychiatry
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Specialties
Psychiatry
Research Topics
Developmental Neurobiology, Epigenetics, Epigenomics, Neurobiology, Psychiatry
Epidemiology of perinatal mood disorders
In collaboration with epidemiologists at Stanford University and elsewhere, Dr. Robakis is working to document the prevalence, scope, and clinical and social impact of perinatal psychiatric disease.
Effects of early life stress on metabolism and mood
In collaboration with the PALS network (Psychopathology and Allostatic Load across the Lifespan), Dr. Robakis is exploring the contributions of early life stress to the bidirectional relationships between metabolic dysfunction and mood disruption, and revealing improvements in mood with therapies that address metabolic dysregulation.
Maternal attachment style and risk for perinatal depression
Insecure attachment style is a major predictive factor for perinatal depression. Alterations in DNA methylation associated with perinatal depression may help identify biological pathways through which early life experiences exert their effects on outcomes in adulthood. Distinct patterns of DNA methylation associated with attachment insecurity, early life stress, and concurrent mood disruption in pregnant and postpartum women suggest that difficulty with the role transition to parenthood, a phenomenon long described by psychotherapists, may be a primary contributor to depression specific to the perinatal period. This work represents a contribution to the ongoing synthesis of psychological, psychiatric, and neurobiological paradigms.

MD, Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons

n/a, Stanford University Department of Psychiatry

Residency, Psychiatry, Stanford University Medical Center

2019

Departmental Innovator Scholarly Project Grant

Stanford University Department of Psychiatry

2019

Maternal and Child Health Research Institute Clinician Educator Grant

Stanford University

2018

Precision Health and Integrated Diagnostics seed funding

Stanford University

2015

NARSAD Young Investigator Grant

Brain and Behavior Research Foundation

2013

Biennial Perinatal Mental Health Conference Travel Award

Perinatal Mental Health Conference

2013

APA Junior Investigator Research Colloquium participant

American Psychiatric Association

2002

Hellenic Medical Society of New York Medical Scholarship

Hellenic Medical Society of New York

1999

Phi Beta Kappa

Barnard College

44
Publications

Selected Publications

Attachment classification and early adversity predict perinatal partial hospital treatment response. Annie Hart, Naomi Weiss-Goldman, Jennifer Halpern, Felicity Bennett, Lindsay A. White, Catherine Birndorf, Nicole Van Nortwick, Lauren M. Osborne, Thalia K. Robakis. Journal of Affective Disorders

Identifying postpartum depression: Using key risk factors for early detection. Mette Marie Zacher Kjeldsen, Kathrine Bang Madsen, Xiaoqin Liu, Merete Lund Mægbæk, Thalia Robakis, Veerle Bergink, Trine Munk-Olsen. BMJ Mental Health

Outcomes at the Motherhood Center: A Comparison of Virtual and On-Site Versions of a Specialized Perinatal Partial Hospitalization Program. Jeana DeMairo, Liza Rimsky, Ada Moses, Catherine Birndorf, Paige Bellenbaum, Nicole Van Nortwick, Lauren M. Osborne, Thalia K. Robakis. Maternal and Child Health Journal

View All Publications

Icahn (East) Building Floor 4 Room 445

1425 Madison Ave

New York, NY 10029

Physicians and scientists on the faculty of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai often interact with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology companies, and other outside entities to improve patient care, develop new therapies and achieve scientific breakthroughs. In order to promote an ethical and transparent environment for conducting research, providing clinical care and teaching, Mount Sinai requires that salaried faculty inform the School of their outside financial relationships.

Below are financial relationships with industry reported by Dr. Robakis during 2023 and/or 2024. Please note that this information may differ from information posted on corporate sites due to timing or classification differences.

Consulting or Other Professional Services Examples include, but are not limited to, committee participation, data safety monitoring board (DSMB) membership

  • Reunion Neuroscience

Mount Sinai's faculty policies relating to faculty collaboration with industry are posted on our website. Patients may wish to ask their physician about the activities they perform for companies.