1. Ask about the assessment. One of the most essential interventions toward wellness is education, or "psychoeducation". Ongoing knowledge about one's health helps guide the process of recovery. It promotes a sense of action-oriented care, working toward goal fulfillment, and allows for better choices toward well-being. Taking an active role in your health care will [...]
The first visit to a Psychiatrist is often an initial evaluation, referred to as an intake. It is an opportunity for you and your Psychiatrist to explore the nature of your complaints and how they are effecting your quality of life. The range and severity of symptoms will be discussed as well as any precipitating [...]
Mental health well-being is influenced by a multitude of factors. Most of us face stressors everyday. Hopefully, with adequate coping skills, we are able to manage life's challenges. Nevertheless, if things become overwhelming, a deviation from normal behavior and thinking often leads to distress. The presence of some form of abnormal behavior may not be [...]
A Psychiatrist is a medical doctor. We are trained as specialists to recognize, diagnose, and treat mental health issues. As with all health matters, mental health issues can be transient or chronic, and vary from mild to severe intensity. Sometimes mental health symptoms are precipitated by a life situation or an event, or may be [...]
Nelson Mandela has passed at the age of 95. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) honors President Mandela, his contributions, and legacy. Mr Mandela spent much of his life fighting against racial discrimination in a divided South Africa. He was imprisoned for over 27 years for his outspoken views against racial segregation by the ruling White [...]
The holiday season is upon us. While it can be a time of joy, undoubtedly stress levels run high for many. If you already have high stress in your life, you are especially vulnerable. Planning for holiday activities, large crowds, shopping, and traveling are common challenges. Usually a time for remembrance, reflection, and contemplation, at [...]
It is estimated that Adult ADHD affects about 4-5% of the Untied States population. Historically, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a diagnosis first discovered in the childhood years. Though for 60% of these children symptoms will continue into their adult years, it appears that few adults are identified and treated. The condition is characterized [...]
Insomnia is defined as dissatisfaction with sleep quality, or quantity that leads to impaired level of functioning and causes significant distress in ones life. Symptoms include difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, or early morning awakenings. While many individuals report sleep-impaired nights from time to time, insomnia is a recurrent syndrome, occurring on most nights [...]
As winter approaches, it is time to be mindful of seasonal changes that can lead to feelings of sadness. Daylight savings, winter darkness, and colder temperatures can lead to winter blues which occurs in about 15-30% of Americans. Symptoms commonly begin in late Autumn and can continue throughout the winter season. Typical symptoms include sleep [...]
This is truly a historic time in the United States. Mental Health Parity continues to remain a primary agenda for the growth and development of an evolving health care system. In this month’s Psychiatric News, we look back fifty years ago, when President John F. Kennedy signed into legislation the Community Mental Health Act of [...]