Mental health
A Real Life Patient Experience
I got this message via my website from my patient this morning. The reason I’m posting it here is because this is a typical patient experience when it comes to opiate abuse/dependency issues. Typical. People NEED to know treatment is easy and EFFECTIVE. STOP suffering and get help. Most of the time this CAN be done through … Read more
MIND your Health
This summer MIND your health. Besides exercising and eating right, think about how your brain is doing. Are you sleeping 8 hours most nights? Are you restless and feel nervous all the time? When was the last time you really enjoyed anything? Are you bored? Do you feel stuck? How is your energy, motivation and concentration? Are you irritable and moody all … Read more
The Good, Bad and Ugly
When I see patients, I begin by using a biopsychosocial model.This kind of orientation allows me to organize treatment plans that are comprehensive and keeps the big picture in mind. It also prevents me from missing the details that are important to your healthcare. The Good is in reference to biology. Is your health good? … Read more
Photo shows ER doctor’s grief after losing 19-year-old patient
Photo shows ER doctor’s grief after losing 19-year-old patient: Photo shows ER doctor’s grief after losing 19-year-old patient. When I saw this photo I started crying again. It reminded me of the time several months back when I treated a patient who at 28 years of age was suffering from end-stage renal disease. This patient … Read more
For Elites Only: Half Of Psychiatrists Won’t Take Health Insurance
For Elites Only: Half Of Psychiatrists Won’t Take Health Insurance As a solo practitioner I can make comments here. The issue really is time. Mental status exams are the only tool I have to make a diagnosis and start a treatment plan. There are no tests that I can do that tell me it’s depression … Read more
5 Facts About E-Cigarettes – ABC News
5 Facts About E-Cigarettes – ABC News My patients who are trying to quit smoking frequently ask me about E-Cigarettes. Some quick facts that I think answers some questions.
Get over it!
This last month President Obama stated that we Americans need to get over the stigma of mental illness. Since then, there has been a shooting here in Santa Monica, right down the street from my office at Santa Monica College. As a psychiatrist, I’m with the Pres on this. Life is hard but it shouldn’t … Read more
What is Psychosomatic Medicine?
Update: Starting in 2018 Psychosomatic Medicine subspecialty is now called Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry.Recently a doctor friend of mine asked me, “What is psychosomatic medicine?” When my answer was more vague than concrete, I realized clarification was in order. Psychosomatic Medicine is a subspecialty of psychiatry. The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology gives the following definition: Subspecialization … Read more
It’s time…
Mental disorders are characterized by abnormal thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Last year 36,000 people died from drug overdoses associated with obsessive thoughts and impulsive behaviors. Last year 36,000 people died from suicide associated with depression and other emotional disorders. Last year about 20,000 people died from gunshot wounds associated with emotional disorders and impulsive behaviors. … Read more