Specialized Reproductive Psychiatry
Reproductive Psychiatry & Treatment in Irvine, CA
Dr. Mehr Karamat is a reproductive psychiatrist and is perinatal mental health certified through Postpartum Support International. She is also a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Dr. Karamat specializes in the evaluation and treatment of psychiatric disorders during pregnancy. She addresses the areas of:
- Pre-pregnancy consultation for women with mood and anxiety disorders
- Mood and anxiety disorders in pregnancy
- Postpartum depression and anxiety
- 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
Pre-Pregnancy Consultation for Women with Mood & Anxiety Disorders
Women with mood and anxiety disorders who are planning to become pregnant often have concerns about the safety of their medications during pregnancy. Reproductive psychiatrists can provide guidance about the risks and benefits of various treatment options. Women with a history of psychiatric illness who become pregnant are also at increased risk for developing postpartum psychiatric disorders. Reproductive psychiatrists can provide education and support to help women manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Our psychiatrist can fully assess your risk and help you make the decision that is best for you and your baby. Dr. Mehr Karamat has years of experience treating women with mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period in the East Bay Area.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Karamat, please call 310-254-9397 or visit our office between 9 AM – 5 PM.
Mood & Anxiety Disorders in Pregnancy
It is important to treat mood and anxiety disorders during pregnancy, as they can have a negative impact on both the mother and the developing fetus. Untreated psychiatric disorders can lead to poor pregnancy outcomes, including preterm labor, low birth weight, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Mood and anxiety disorders can also interfere with bonding and attachment between the mother and child. Reproductive psychiatrists are specially trained to treat psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The goal of treatment is to minimize the risk of harm to the mother and child while maximizing the chances of a healthy pregnancy outcome. However women with depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic, and OCD should not stop their medications abruptly as this can also lead to adverse consequences. Symptomatic relapse during pregnancy is also associated with an increased risk of postpartum psychiatric disorders. Therefore, it is important to work with a Reproductive psychiatrist who can help you manage your symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
If you are pregnant and struggling with mood or anxiety symptoms, please call our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Karamat. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is safe for both you and your baby.
Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Postpartum psychiatric disorders are common, affecting up to 20% of women after the birth of a child. The most common disorders are postpartum depression and anxiety. Symptoms can begin anytime during pregnancy or in the first year after delivery. Women at risk for postpartum psychiatric disorders include those with a history of mood or anxiety disorders, previous postpartum psychiatric disorders, and those who experienced a difficult pregnancy or delivery. Symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety can interfere with bonding and attachment between the mother and child. A carefully thought-out treatment plan is essential to minimize the risk of harm to the mother and child. Reproductive psychiatrists are specially trained to treat psychiatric disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Our Reproductive psychiatrist, Dr. Karamat, can provide you with the support and resources you need to manage your symptoms and improve your wellbeing.
Psychiatric Treatment of infertility for Women & Couples undergoing Assisted Reproduction
Upto 15% of couples undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) will experience significant psychiatric distress. The most common disorders are depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder. Women with a history of psychiatric illness are at increased risk for developing psychiatric symptoms during the IVF process. Couples undergoing IVF may also experience relationship difficulties due to the increased stress of the process. Reproductive psychiatrists are specially trained to evaluate and treat psychiatric disorders in women and couples undergoing assisted reproduction. Treatment can help to minimize the risk of psychiatric distress and improve the chances of a successful IVF cycle. The treatment options include counseling, medication management, and support groups.
Our Reproductive psychiatrist, Dr. Karamat, can provide you with the support and resources you need to manage your symptoms and improve your health, please call our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Karamat. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Psychiatric Treatment for Women & Couples experiencing Pregnancy Loss
Miscarriage and other pregnancy losses can be devastating. One in four pregnancies ends in miscarriage, and up to 10% of known pregnancies end in stillbirth. Women who have experienced pregnancy loss are at increased risk for developing psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Couples who have experienced pregnancy loss may also experience relationship difficulties. The psychiatrist’s role is to provide support and resources to help the woman or couple cope with the loss. Reproductive psychiatrists are specially trained to evaluate and treat psychiatric disorders in women and couples experiencing pregnancy loss. Treatment can help to minimize the risk of psychiatric distress and improve the chances of a successful future pregnancy.
Our Reproductive psychiatrist, Dr. Karamat, provides Professional treatment in the East Bay Area. Call our office at 310-254-9397 during regular business hours to schedule an appointment.
Psychiatric Treatment for Women & Couples grieving the Loss or illness of a Child
The loss of a child is one of the most devastating experiences a parent can go through. Parents who have experienced the loss of a child are at increased risk for developing psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Couples who have lost a child may also experience relationship difficulties. Thus a psychiatrist is able to provide support and resources to help the parents cope with the loss. Reproductive psychiatrists are specially trained to evaluate and treat psychiatric disorders in women and couples grieving the loss of a child. Treatment can help to minimize the risk of psychiatric distress and improve the chances of a successful future pregnancy.
Our Reproductive psychiatrist, Dr. Karamat, provides Professional treatment. To discuss your treatment process, please call our office at 310-254-9397 during regular business hours to schedule an appointment.
Specialized Reproductive Psychiatry FAQs
Why should I see a reproductive and/or perinatal psychiatrist?
What are Pregnancy mood and anxiety disorders?
All pregnancy related mood and anxiety disorders 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 reproductive psychiatry?
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