Diagnoses & Conditions Archives - Page 3 of 3 - Psychiatrist and Psychologist in San Diego | Ketamine Treatment in San Diego

What is Biofeedback?

All Posts, Diagnoses & Conditions, Psychotherapy, Side Effects

Biofeedback is a therapeutic technique that uses technology/computers to help you become more aware of the subtle changes that occur in your body. Once you are more aware of them, you can control them better. How does Biofeedback…

A Terrified Man

All Posts, Diagnoses & Conditions, Psychotherapy

Winston came to see us when he was 58, with the diagnosis of health anxiety, which in the old days would have been called hypochondriasis. He became terrified when, after he complained to his primary care physician about some clumsiness in…

Through the Stomach to the … Brain!

All Posts, Diagnoses & Conditions, Science

Discovery of the Gut-Brain Axis: What Mouse Research Revealed It has become increasingly clear that there is a two-way connection between the bugs living in our gut and the activities occurring in our brain. This interconnected system…

Taking Control of Your Cravings

All Posts, Diagnoses & Conditions, Medications

What Triggers Drug and Alcohol Cravings? Environmental Cues and Mood States Cravings for drugs or alcohol are controlled by a variety of brain chemicals, including norepinephrine, dopamine, and glutamate. Many people describe their…

I Feel Better, Now What?

All Posts, Diagnoses & Conditions, Side Effects

Jack (a fictionalized name; real patient) was a married man in his mid fifties. He came to see me due to chronic depression, feeling down and lacking motivation, unable to enjoy pleasurable things, for some 20 years. His last therapist had…

When Ketamine Is No Longer Indicated, or a Disappointed Patient

All Posts, Diagnoses & Conditions, Ketamine, Medications

A Case Study in Depression, Hypomania, and Bipolar Diagnosis Joe (a fictionalized name; real patient, case shared with permission) was in his mid-fifties, an accomplished attorney who had suffered from recurrent depression since his early…

New Ways of Thinking about Suicide

All Posts, Diagnoses & Conditions, Medications, Science

Suicidal Disorder, Antisuicidal Medications, and the Limits of Prediction Suicide is the tenth most common cause of death in the US. It is a terrible loss for the survivors and a great burden to society in general. Providers…

I Quit Using. So Why Don’t I Feel Happy?

All Posts, Diagnoses & Conditions, Psychotherapy, Science

The Role of Dopamine in Pleasure and the Brain’s Reward System People who quit using drugs often report that they are bored, uninspired, and have a hard time enjoying everyday living. Why does this happen? It has to do with the…

What’s in a Name, or the Curious Drug called Topiramate

All Posts, Diagnoses & Conditions, Medications

Topiramate (Topamax): More Than What It's Called! Patients frequently ask their psychiatrist: “Why are you prescribing me an antidepressant for anxiety when I’m not depressed?” or “Why are you prescribing me an antipsychotic for…

Hyperventilation – When Breathing is Too Much of a Good Thing