Lately it’s come to my attention that I’m one of a disappearing species of full-service psychiatrists, which means that I provide psychotherapy (“talk therapy” or counseling) as well as medication management to my patients. (more…)
Archive for May, 2011
Doctors Who Do Therapy: A Dying Breed?
Sunday, May 22nd, 2011Avoiding Medications During Pregnancy? Not the Risk-free Approach It Seems
Saturday, May 21st, 2011When women grapple with the difficult decision of whether to continue or start psychiatric medications during pregnancy, the majority of emotional bandwidth gets devoted to the risk of birth defects and other feared effects of medication on their developing baby. Part of my job is coaching patients to think more broadly about this emotionally charged and complicated decision, while helping them arrive at the best medical choice for their own unique situation. (more…)
Depression in moms: if not for yourself, get treated for your kids
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011Every day in my work I encounter mothers who are battling depression. Sometimes these women have suffered for years without seeking treatment. Their reasons for not seeking help are familiar ones: too little time, not knowing where to turn, the paralysis brought on by shame, and sometimes, a lack of awareness that what they’re struggling with is a medical illness — and not merely the expectable burdens of motherhood. (more…)
How to Know if You’re Suffering from Postpartum Depression
Thursday, May 12th, 2011Postpartum depression, also known as postpartum mood disorder (or PPMD), affects as many as 1 in every 6 women who give birth. Despite the increasing attention being paid to this previously overlooked illness, many women — and physicians — aren’t sure how to recognize PPMD. (more…)
Do Women Really Need a Women-only Shrink?
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011I get asked this question from time to time. Not, typically, by women, who seem to intuit automatically the value of having a female psychiatrist who focuses exclusively on women’s mental health issues. (more…)