Frequently Asked Questions

How common is depression?

A. This is one of the most common psychiatric disorders.  Anywhere from 2-4% of the general population will suffer from clinical depression each year (approximately 17.5 million Americans).  Symptoms include: persistent sadness or unhappiness, lethargy, loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, irritability, sudden change in appetite, disruption of normal sleep pattern, physical discomfort, difficulty thinking or lack of pleasure in activities that used to bring you happiness.

What are the signs of alcoholism?

A. One sign that people often miss is the increased tolerance for alcohol.  Obvious alcoholism symptoms include the continuing use of alcohol despite physical and mental difficulties or expressing a desire to quit and yet unable to do so are indicators of alcohol dependency. Alcohol is often abused to self medicate anxiety, depression, irritability and sleep disorders but these conditions are worsened by drinking.  The alcoholic will often begin to isolate him or herself both physically and emotionally in order to avoid criticism about drinking. Family and friends will notice that major social engagements will be ruined or missed entirely.[National Treatment Referral]

How do I differentiate between a very active child and one with ADHD?

A. There are three patterns of behavior that indicate ADHD. People with ADHD may show several signs of being consistently inattentive. They may have a pattern of being hyperactive and impulsive. Or they may show all three types of behavior. [National Institute of Mental Health]

According to the DSM, signs of inattention include:

Some signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity are:

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD)?

A. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterized by 6 months or more of chronic, exaggerated worry and tension that is unfounded or much more severe than the normal anxiety most people experience. About 2.8% of the adult U.S. population ages 18 to 54 - approximately 4 million Americans - has GAD during the course of a given year. GAD most often strikes people in childhood or adolescence, but can begin in adulthood, too. It affects women more often than men.[National Institute of Mental Health]

Why do medications work?

A. In recent years, scientists and doctors have discovered that many disorders such as depression, anxiety, ADHD and schizophrenia are “biologically based.”  This means that the person suffering from these disorders has a chemical imbalance that is an underlying cause, which may also be exacerbated by social or personality factors.  Medications help to restore the proper chemical balance of neuro-transmitters in brain functioning.  Since all people are biologically different, it takes a specialist in this area, such as a psychiatrist, to work with the individual to find the ideal medication and dosage to restore the person to normal functioning.