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Depression is a condition that goes beyond the normal ups and downs of life. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. Other symptoms can include changes in sleep or appetite, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and thoughts of suicide.

Post-partum depression presents as symptoms of depression that persists for weeks or months after giving birth. It is important to understand the complexities of postpartum depression, and the importance of providing compassionate, evidence-based care to support women during this vulnerable time.

There are various causes to developing anxiety such as our upbringing, a specific traumatic event, or even an imbalance of hormones such as thyroid hormones.

Generalized anxiety exhibits as excessive worrying about daily events which can result in muscle tension, irritability, sleep problems, and feeling on edge. Especially in children, anxiety can present with many other symptoms such as behavioral problems, irritability, difficulty focusing, and physical complaints like headaches and stomachaches.

Panic disorders result in unexpected panic attacks which are sudden episodes of intense fear or discomfort, chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

A thorough history and evaluation are necessary for determining the most effective treatment. There are also many medication and non-medication ways to improve symptoms.

As physician Gabor Mate stated, “Trauma is the invisible force that shapes our lives. It shapes the way we live, the way we love, and the way we make sense of the world. It is the root of our deepest wounds.”

We often associate trauma with the development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, however the research shows that trauma can consciously and unconsciously infiltrate our lives in a myriad of ways. If a thorough evaluation is not completed, patients may be misdiagnosed and therefore receive the wrong treatment.

What is trauma? Trauma may involve physical harm, sexual abuse, psychologically distressing events, emotional abuse, or developmental trauma. Developmental trauma are distressing experiences that occurred during critical periods of development, such as childhood, which impacts a person’s emotional and psychological growth. Childhood trauma may include, but is not limited to, verbal or non-verbal actions that harm a child’s self-worth, physical or emotional neglect, loss or separation such as through death, divorce, or abandonment of a parent or caregiver, and community violence.

It is important to remember that each person’s response to trauma is unique. Unhealed trauma can cause anger, numbness, shame, difficulty focusing, dissociation, poor sleep, and even physical pain. Victims of trauma may try to cope in unhealthy ways through alcohol and other substances, self-harm, excessive working, or unhealthy eating.

We often underestimate the ways untreated ADHD affects both children and adults. ADHD not only presents as difficulty organizing, sustaining attention in difficult tasks, forgetfulness, and hyperactivity. It can also present as emotional impulsivity such as anger and oppositional problems, and physical impulsivity such as altercations and frequent speeding tickets. Untreated ADHD may present as mood swings, feeling easily overwhelmed, procrastinating, difficulty keeping a job, and maintaining relationships. The emotional toll of constant feelings of underachievement and frustration can have far-reaching implications, and even cause other problems like depression and anxiety.

I have had years of experience in evaluating and treating both children and adults who have ADHD. It takes an experienced clinician to perform a thorough history, rule out other concerns, provide holistic treatments and behavioral modifications, and work collaboratively with families, schools, therapists, and other providers to provide a well rounded, patient-centered approach to treatment.

When a child exhibits behavioral problems such as constant anger, argumentativeness, vindictiveness, is easily irritable, and defiance of authority figures, it is easy to assume the more punitive we are, the more likely they will obey. On the contrary, when we approach these children from a place of curiosity of why these problems persist, we realize that all children mean to do well and aim to have a close relationship to their caregivers, but they lack the skills to do so.

Other disorders such as anxiety, ADHD, major changes in family dynamics such as a new sibling or parental divorce, moving to a new place, and stressors at school and with friends may present as oppositional behaviors. In order to treat the underlying issue, it is imperative that the evaluation include the child’s medical and developmental history, an evaluation of their social environment, academic performance, significant life events, family dynamics, and an assessment of sleep and nutrition habits.

I enjoy working with children to understand their feelings and develop healthy ways of coping. I also work individually with parents to reevaluate their own upbringing, identify stressors, and develop effective, individualized parenting strategies to improve the parent-child relationship.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects how a person interacts with others, communicates, and experiences the world around them. There is a wide range of symptoms, skills, and levels of impairment, which is why it's referred to as a "spectrum" disorder.

Some characteristics may include social challenges, repetitive behaviors, sensitivities, and communication difficulties.

Diagnosing ASD typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and developmental specialists. It is important to note that symptoms of autism in a child may present differently than autism in an adult.

Understanding these differences is necessary to making a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Early intervention is key to supporting individuals with ASD and their families. Treatment may include behavioral therapies, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and educational support tailored to the individual's needs.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). Individuals with OCD often feel compelled to perform these rituals in an effort to reduce distress or prevent perceived harm, even though they may recognize that the obsessions and compulsions are excessive or irrational.

Those with OCD may also experience shame, guilt, or embarrassment about their symptoms, leading to avoidance of certain situations or withdrawal from social interactions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, and specifically Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy can be beneficial. Medications can also help to alleviate the severity of symptoms and improve overall functioning.

Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by abnormal eating habits, attitudes, and behaviors that significantly impact an person’s physical and emotional well-being. These disorders often involve a preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape, and can have serious consequences for both physical health and overall quality of life.

There are different types of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

If these disorders are left untreated, they can cause serious consequences such as nutrient deficiencies, cardiovascular complications, and digestive issues, to name a few. They can also cause depression and anxiety, social isolation, and impairment in relationships, and school or work performance.

Treating eating disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach with medical evaluations, nutritional counseling, therapist, and sometimes medications.

Psychotic disorders are a group of severe mental health conditions characterized by disruptions to a person's thoughts, emotions, and perceptions, often leading to impairment in functioning and reality distortion. These disorders can profoundly impact an individual's ability to perceive and interpret reality, affecting their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Examples of psychotic disorders include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, brief psychotic disorder, and delusional disorder. Symptoms can be hallucinations, disorganized thoughts and behaviors, and negative symptoms like blunted affect, social withdrawal, and difficulties in daily functioning.

The right medication can help reduce symptoms, while psychotherapy and support services are integral in improving overall functionng.