Obsessive Ruminations Embedded In A Mood Disorder

Sharon writes in . . .

My son has just started Seroquel XR for bipolar depression. However, he is suffering with repetitive thoughts, for example he recently was emptying a bag of trash that contained old light bulbs and in carrying it outside he lifted it over an ottoman in his living room, that was . . . → Read More: Obsessive Ruminations Embedded In A Mood Disorder

So Where Has The Doctor Been??? . . . Some Personal Reflections on Depression, Health and Life In General

I had a few responses to my blarticle on providing TMS to patients in the Philadelphia area. I actually thought there would be more . . . but articles on Vyvanse, Klonopin and Lamictal reign supreme . . . more on that another time. Let’s start with two viewpoints and then I will get personal . . . → Read More: So Where Has The Doctor Been??? . . . Some Personal Reflections on Depression, Health and Life In General

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation–Part II

Sorry for the lack of writing folks, I been biiiiiiizzzzzzzzzyyyyyyy!

I am proud to announce that I am an official TMS provider! My NeurostarTMS machine was delivered the first week of November and I spent the better part of last week being trained on how to use it in real-life situations. From a professional standpoint . . . → Read More: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation–Part II

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation . . . A New Hope For Treatment Resistant Depression

A former patient wrote this to check in with me . . .

As a former patient of your practice, what are your thoughts on treatment resistant depression? Anything new or in the pipe line? At present I am doing well with Pristiq ,lithium, and Depakote. I am also involved in a sleep study with . . . → Read More: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation . . . A New Hope For Treatment Resistant Depression

Balancing The Need For Benzos and Antidepressants To Cover Anxiety

I noticed another fellow talked about being on 3 mg on klonopin for 15 years. For me, it’s been about .5 to .75 mg per day for 14 months but I have still been unsuccessful coming off of it. Do you recommend using acupucture and meditation during a slow taper? I also take 60 mg. . . . → Read More: Balancing The Need For Benzos and Antidepressants To Cover Anxiety

Treatment Resistant Depression–Under Recognized and Under Treated

As a psychiatrist . . . as an empathic person . . . it is very difficult to hear stories like the one listed below:

My heart is broke and i Feel I will never leave this deep black dark hole that I cant escape… Im tearing up heavily as I write this message… Ive . . . → Read More: Treatment Resistant Depression–Under Recognized and Under Treated

A Challenge . . .

I have long searched for new and different ways to settle my mind down and to remain centered and grounded. In my work with people who are decidedly NOT grounded, it is imperative that I maintain my focus. This is important not only for the welfare of my patients but also for my ongoing mental . . . → Read More: A Challenge . . .

Why Don't I Get Better When All I Do Is Medicine?

I am not bipolar but am on 200 mg of Lamictal and 50 mg of Zoloft. I have tried many meds and I never feel good. I have read alot and done alot of research. I have found that there is no proof of chemical imbalances or that these meds work better than a placebo. . . . → Read More: Why Don't I Get Better When All I Do Is Medicine?

Driving Miss Daisy . . . aka watch what your doin' with them meds!

So . . . I got in my car the other day and, much like every other day, put on my blindfold and sped off to work . . .

“WHAT?????” you might be rightfully saying . . . “put on your blindfold and started driving?????” . . . “you CRAZY!!!”

Well, of COURSE . . . → Read More: Driving Miss Daisy . . . aka watch what your doin' with them meds!

Hard on the Liver??? . . . Good for the mood???

My mother has cirrhosis of the liver and also severe depression. She is 70 yrs. old What would be the safest med for her to take??? She seems to be unable to live and manage her issues due to depression.

In general, depression in the elderly can be very difficult to treat. As with . . . → Read More: Hard on the Liver??? . . . Good for the mood???