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Perinatal & Reproductive Psychiatry

What are Pregnancy mood and anxiety disorders?

All pregnancy related mood and anxiety disorder are referred to as PMADs which stands for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The perinatal period starts from conception and extends until a year after giving birth. Mood and anxiety disorders that women often present with during this time frame include but are not limited to:
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • PTSD
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Generalized anxiety disorder

What is Postpartum depression and anxiety?

Both postpartum depression and anxiety come under the realm of PMADs which stands for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. The perinatal period by definition starts from the point of conception until a year after giving birth.

Why should I see a reproductive and/or perinatal psychiatrist?

It is always a good idea to have an established relationship with a psychiatrist who is comfortable treating pregnant and post partum women for mental health symptoms when you considering becoming pregnant and have a history of mental health symptoms. Scheduling a pre pregnancy consultation would be a good preventive and proactive step on your part. Pregnancy is unpredictable and a life changing event and often very stressful for many women. Ideally a psychiatrist who has an interest and specialized training in reproductive psychiatry would be the best choice to treat you. You don’t have to take medication, just having ongoing support and guidance from an expert in the event that you do need something more for your symptoms is a good idea

What is reproductive psychiatry?

Reproductive psychiatry is the field within women’s mental health that deals with the treatment of mental health symptoms in women of child bearing age that may be trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or are either post partum or having had recently struggled with a pregnancy loss.

What is included in reproductive psychiatry?

Any mental health condition and/or symptoms experienced by women that fit the description in the question above would be included in reproductive psychiatry.

When should I talk to a doctor about my mental health?

Whenever you feel that your mental health symptoms are affecting your day to day functioning in a personal and/or professional/occupational capacity you should plan to talk to a doctor, and specially if possible a psychiatrist about your mental health.