expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Carmen Mayugba Sugai, MD

Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Carmen Mayugba Sugai MD is a top Psychiatrist in Baton Rouge, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Carmen Mayugba Sugai MD is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Carmen Mayugba Sugai MD is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Carmen Mayugba Sugai MD is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Baton Rouge, LA, Dr. Carmen Mayugba Sugai MD is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
47 years Experience
Dr. Carmen Mayugba Sugai, MD
Specializes in:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar Disorder
  • WASILLA, AK
  • University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
  • Not accepting new patients

My wife is a shopaholic. Is it a behavior or a medical problem?

Shopping for some women can be used as a stress reliever. However if the shopping is excessive to the point of causing debts and relationship problems, then at this point it may READ MORE
Shopping for some women can be used as a stress reliever. However if the shopping is excessive to the point of causing debts and relationship problems, then at this point it may be considered a problem that would need to be assessed by a psychiatrist or therapist. Depending on the result of an evaluation appropriate interventions can be offered- therapy alone or therapy with medications.

Is schizophrenia hereditary?

There are several factors involved in the causation of schizophrenia. These include genetic predisposition, stress, environmental factors, and trauma. It is difficult to predict READ MORE
There are several factors involved in the causation of schizophrenia. These include genetic predisposition, stress, environmental factors, and trauma. It is difficult to predict if your husband will develop schizophrenia. Remember there are also residency factors (factors that can prevent onset of mental illness) such as developing healthy coping skills, good stress management techniques, healthy diet, good sleep patterns, exercise, developing warm and loving relationships.

How can my teenage daughter be cured of anorexia?

Managing anorexic patients is a challenge. Treatment by a team has been found to be most helpful. The team consists of: 1, a medical internist who will monitor medical issues READ MORE
Managing anorexic patients is a challenge. Treatment by a team has been found to be most helpful. The team consists of:
1, a medical internist who will monitor medical issues - maintaining desirable weight, making sure there are no other physical complications from the anorexia
2. A psychiatrist who will manage use of medications
3, a nutritionist who will work with the patient on establishing appropriate and healthy food choices
4. Therapist who can work with the adolescent and the family on psychological and family issues that may be contributing to the anorexia.
5. A behaviorist who will work on setting behavioral strategies concerning eating patterns, weight monitoring and exercise regulation


Is excessive sleeping a side effect of anti depressants?

There are some antidepressants that can cause sleepiness and should be taken preferably at bedtime rather than during the daytime. Excessive sleepiness can also be a symptom of READ MORE
There are some antidepressants that can cause sleepiness and should be taken preferably at bedtime rather than during the daytime. Excessive sleepiness can also be a symptom of depression. This needs to be discussed with the doctor at the next medical appointment.

Antidepressants and fibromyalgia

The combination of ADHD, thyroid problems with fibromyalgia is a complex clinical situation. The use of Wellbutrin helps with energy level, associated depression, and also helps READ MORE
The combination of ADHD, thyroid problems with fibromyalgia is a complex clinical situation. The use of Wellbutrin helps with energy level, associated depression, and also helps with attention. The chronic pain of fibromyalgia is thought to be associated with overactive nerves, and Pregabalin (Lyrica) has been used in some patients to relieve the pain. You can ask your doctor to try this - it is not addictive, so you do not need to worry about addiction. In addition to medications, make sure you are getting enough sleep at night and maintain physical activity within your tolerance level. 

Is obsessing over the risk of infection a psychological problem?

Worry about infection can be still a normal concern. However, if the worrying is excessive to the point of carrying out extraordinary means of caution (beyond typical hand washing READ MORE
Worry about infection can be still a normal concern. However, if the worrying is excessive to the point of carrying out extraordinary means of caution (beyond typical hand washing routines and typical hygiene practice), then this has to be evaluated by a clinician - a psychologist/therapist or psychiatrist. The underlying fears of your wife can be uncovered through a good counseling session with a qualified clinician.

What causes panic attacks in a person?

There is a difference between panic attacks vs panic disorder. A panic attack is a psycho-emotional reaction to a stressor (physical, environmental, emotional, etc.) and is is READ MORE
There is a difference between panic attacks vs panic disorder. A panic attack is a psycho-emotional reaction to a stressor (physical, environmental, emotional, etc.) and is is manifested as intense feelings of fear, increased heart rate, increased breathing or shortness of breath, sweating, feelings of nausea, a need to get away from the situation.
Panic disorder, on the other hand, is an anxiety disorder manifested by frequent episodes of panic attacks that are usually triggered by a specific situation or stressor. This triggering situation or stressor has a specific meaning to the person (feelings of losing control, fear of abandonment, reminder of a previous traumatic event, etc.).
Medications for panic disorder can be prescribed by doctors. The underlying reason for the panic episodes can be understood in psychotherapy so that these episodes can be overcame.

I am taking medication for my OCD, but I don’t feel very good. What should I do?

Your symptoms of feeling jittery and nervous could be side effects of medications. You need to discuss this with your doctor so that your dose may be adjusted or you may try another READ MORE
Your symptoms of feeling jittery and nervous could be side effects of medications. You need to discuss this with your doctor so that your dose may be adjusted or you may try another medication. Typically, OCD treatment requires time and higher doses of medications (the increased dosing is done gradually so patients can tolerate the medicine). In addition to medications, psychotherapy and behavioral strategies to deal with the obsessions and compulsions have to be part of the treatment process.

Is stress a medical condition or an emotional term?

Stress is a part of life. Stress is neither a medical nor an emotional condition. How one deals with stress will determine whether one becomes medically ill (examples - peptic READ MORE
Stress is a part of life. Stress is neither a medical nor an emotional condition. How one deals with stress will determine whether one becomes medically ill (examples - peptic ulcers, skin problems, exacerbation of asthma, incrrased heart rate, diarrhea, etc.) or emotionally disturbed (examples - anxiety and depression). Stress management/learning some de-stressing techniques can prevent the onset of physical and emotional disorders.

Is yoga helpful in treating sleep disorder?

Getting adequate sleep every night is important for your well being. What are the factors contributing to your lack of sleep? Is your insomnia related to lack of regularity in READ MORE
Getting adequate sleep every night is important for your well being. What are the factors contributing to your lack of sleep? Is your insomnia related to lack of regularity in your bedtime hours, or is it from too much worrying, is it related to other physical conditions such as breathing problems? It is helpful to look at these factors first because correction of these factors can help alleviate your sleep problem.
Yoga in the evening can help you relax and hopefully help you get a good night's rest.

My son is affected by his older brother's behavior. How should I talk to him?

All children want attention from their parents. Your younger child may be interpreting his older brother's need for attention in a negative way. He may be thinking that he has READ MORE
All children want attention from their parents. Your younger child may be interpreting his older brother's need for attention in a negative way. He may be thinking that he has to present a "problem" just like his older brother so that mom will give him some attention, too. Having tantrums is his way of protesting. So, to help resolve the situation, the younger son also needs to have regular "floor time" with you - for example, have a set time with him once a day for 15 minutes during which time he can spend that time with you - even if it is just to talk about his day, or maybe play his favorite board game with him, or go for a walk. It can even be a once-a-week activity that you do with him only.

I was sexually abused as a child and now as my marriage is approaching, I am beginning to freak out. What should I do?

The memory of previous sexual trauma which has not been resolved/healed is being triggered in anticipation of your forthcoming marriage plans. This is an indication for you to READ MORE
The memory of previous sexual trauma which has not been resolved/healed is being triggered in anticipation of your forthcoming marriage plans. This is an indication for you to get psychological healing of the traumatic memory through psychotherapy. Through therapy, one can learn to deal with the flashbacks (remembering the trauma triggered by external events or situations that remind you of the original traumatic event).
Through therapy, you will be able to achieve inner peace and a healing perspective on the traumatic event and on your own strength and abilities to cope so that you can move on with your life and not feel "haunted" by the memory of the trauma.

How can I control anger?

You are right, chronic anger can affect our physical health. It is important to understand the source of your anger first. You can do this with the help of a counselor/therapist. READ MORE
You are right, chronic anger can affect our physical health. It is important to understand the source of your anger first. You can do this with the help of a counselor/therapist. Anger is negative energy. Learning techniques to dissipate this negative energy/tension is also important so that the energy is channeled to positive or constructive ways rather than being expressed in angry outbursts.
Medications also have a role in controlling anger. However, I would not recommend this as the first step. I think that it is more important to understand the root of the anger first. The only time medications may be the first line of treatment is when the angry outbursts are destructive to yourself and others (aggressive behavior) and appear to be beyond one's control.

When is it the right time to see a doctor for depression?

Your sister can first approach her primary doctor who can assess her level of depression and may even start her on an anti-depressant. She can also be referred to a therapist at READ MORE
Your sister can first approach her primary doctor who can assess her level of depression and may even start her on an anti-depressant. She can also be referred to a therapist at the same time. The medications will take effect in 2-3 weeks, so it may be important for her to start working with a psychotherapist in the meantime. Better outcome of treatment results from a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

How does psychotherapy work in treating OCD?

Psychotherapy can help a patient with OCD learn to manage his/her anxiety symptoms better. Therapy can help a patient learn techniques to overcome obsessions (repetitive unwanted READ MORE
Psychotherapy can help a patient with OCD learn to manage his/her anxiety symptoms better. Therapy can help a patient learn techniques to overcome obsessions (repetitive unwanted thoughts) and compulsions (rituals and repetitive behaviors).

Does a schizophrenia patient also suffer from memory loss?

Some medications for Schizophrenia can have side effects affecting thinking process and memory. Schizophrenia also causes cognitive (thinking process and memory) problems. The READ MORE
Some medications for Schizophrenia can have side effects affecting thinking process and memory. Schizophrenia also causes cognitive (thinking process and memory) problems. The patient should discuss his concerns with his psychiatrist so that these symptoms could be further evaluated and appropriate interventions can be done, such as medication dose adjustment, change of medications, or even neoropsychological assessments can be done.

I am a new mother and I don’t feel too much love for my child. What is wrong with me?

Pregnancy and giving birth to a child as a new mother can be a stressful time for a woman. There are many factors that can add to the stress such as difficult circumstances surrounding READ MORE
Pregnancy and giving birth to a child as a new mother can be a stressful time for a woman. There are many factors that can add to the stress such as difficult circumstances surrounding the pregnancy, other family issues, and financial problems, which can affect how a woman may feel towards the child. It is okay to talk things over with a therapist. Some self-knowledge and understanding of your emotional needs can help you gain a better perspective about your condition and your relationship with your child.

I have a fear of heights. What can I do about it?

You may need to see a therapist who can help you overcome this fear through behavioral/desensitization therapy.

I am feeling better with just my anti-anxiety medications. Do I still require counseling?

Counseling can help you learn some coping techniques to deal with the stressors in your life. Medications are good, but best results are achieved through a combination of medications READ MORE
Counseling can help you learn some coping techniques to deal with the stressors in your life. Medications are good, but best results are achieved through a combination of medications and therapy. What you learn in therapy may go a long way towards your recovery and maybe even getting off medications eventually as you learn to cope better and feel more confident in yourself.

Good luck!

My husband has not been able to perform for 6 years, his balls are very blue. What can be done?

Diabetes is a common cause of sexual dysfunction. I suggest he seek a medical consultation to make sure his diabetes is under control. For the sexual dysfunction issue, you may READ MORE
Diabetes is a common cause of sexual dysfunction. I suggest he seek a medical consultation to make sure his diabetes is under control. For the sexual dysfunction issue, you may both need to seek the help of a therapist who deals with these sexual dysfunction problems.