All Services > Our Specialties > Reproductive Psychiatry
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Pre-pregnancy Consultation Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Pregnancy Medication in PregnancyPostpartum Depression Postpartum Psychosis Psychiatric Treatment of Infertility Psychiatric Treatment for Pregnancy Loss Psychiatric Treatment for PerimenopausePsychiatric Treatment for Menopause
Reproductive Psychiatry Q & A
Reproductive Psychiatry is a specialty that helps women deal with psychiatric conditions that develop in relation to specific points in their reproductive life cycle, such as their menstrual cycle, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. Despite the fact that women make up over 50% of our population and over 60% of adults seeking help from mental health professionals, women with these neurobiological conditions are often under-diagnosed and under-treated. At WCWCW, our board-certified psychiatrists and psychotherapists specialize in reproductive psychiatry. To request an appointment, call our office in Bethesda, Maryland, or submit an online appointment request today.
What is Reproductive Psychiatry?
The Reproductive Psychiatry Program WCWCW focuses on the mental health needs of women at every stage of childbearing, from preconception through pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting, through perimenopause and menopause. We provide evaluation and treatment for psychiatric conditions in pregnant and postpartum patients, as well as emotional support for issues such as coping with the stresses of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss.
What is a Reproductive Psychiatrist?
Reproductive psychiatrists are knowledgeable about the potential risks of untreated mental illness during pregnancy, as well as potential risks of psychotropic medications.
They help women balance the risks, discuss preventive care, and collaboratively make a treatment plan with the patient.
When do I need Reproductive Psychiatry?
First and most obvious is the management of psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and lactation. Fifty percent of pregnancies are unplanned in the US today, meaning that all psychiatrists will have female patients who become unexpectedly pregnant while psychiatrically ill and/or taking psychiatric medications.
Studies examining the risks and benefits of psychiatric medication use during pregnancy and lactation have greatly increased over the past 15 years—often yielding conflicting results. Understanding and interpreting that literature as a whole, as well as in the context of a particular patient, is one of the main jobs of a reproductive psychiatrist.
Further, the postpartum time-period carries with it an increased risk of relapse and of initiation of psychiatric illness, which can complicate attachment and have lasting effects on the developing infant.
WCWCW specializes in Reproductive Psychiatry and is a premier provider of Reproductive Psychiatry Services in Maryland, and in the Greater Washington area. We are devoted to providing world class services to women and have a deep sense of duty to helping to build this subspecialty for the sake of all women.
WCWCW specializes in reproductive psychiatry and women’s mental health, addressing the areas of:
-
Mood and anxiety disorders in pregnancy
-
Postpartum depression, anxiety, and psychosis
-
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
-
Pre-pregnancy consultation for women with mood and anxiety disorders
-
Psychiatric treatment of infertility for women and couples undergoing assisted reproduction
-
Psychiatric treatment for women and couples experiencing pregnancy loss
-
Psychiatric treatment for women and couples grieving the loss or illness of a child
For more details about WCWCW’s reproductive psychiatry services, call our office or request an appointment online today. We provide the same high-quality service via telehealth for patients living in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Michigan, and Florida.