Psychiatric Disorders
Many of Richard A Waldman MD's patients seek out treatment during difficult times. Therapy is a source of support and insight and can often lead to positive life change and personal growth. Often, a client's source of emotional difficulty is associted with alterations in one's biochemistry. There are many misconceptions surrounding psychiatric disorders, and these can further exacerbate symptoms. When a person has mental illness, they often cannot simply "snap out of it". They may be battling an illness the same as any other, and need professional help to recover from it. Some of the disorders Richard A Waldman MD treats are:
Mood Disorders
It is common for people to experience periods of sadness, low mood and irritability. However, this differs in severity, duration, and presentation from clinical disorders of mood. Mood Disorders can result in significant impairment in daily functioning, interpersonal issues, inability to sustain employment, mood swings, and decreased quality of life. Some common mood Disorders include Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and Pervasive Depressive Disorder. The presentation of these disorders is variable and it is important to seek medical advice to clarify diagnoses and plan appropriate treatment.
Read MoreAnxiety Disorders
Anxiety Disorders can present as social phobias, obsessive and compulsive behaviors and thoughts, specific phobias, attacks of panic, and a general and pervasive feeling of uneasiness, fear, and impending doom. Although almost everyone will experience anxiety throughout their lives, An Anxiety Disorder can result in an inability to function in the world, impaired relationships, work and school issues, avoidance behaviors, physiological symptoms including rapid heart rate and breathing issues, and medical conditions such as stomachaches and headaches. Behavioral and Cognitive Behavioral therapy and medication management can provide relief of symptoms for individuals with anxiety and can greatly improve their quality of life.
Substance Abuse Disorders
Those who suffer from chemical dependence may begin taking drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism against stress. They may also attempt to self-medicate the symptoms of an undiagnosed mental illness. Perhaps the catalyst for experimentation is simple curiosity. However, for individuals with addiction, the use of substances can rapidly result in a life altering impairment. Often, chronic substance abuse can result in a decline in school or work performance, damaged family and community relationships, legal troubles, and an increasing sense of emptiness and despair. This decline may be rapid and dramatic, or it may occur insidiously over a period of years. Richard A Waldman MD offers individual counseling for those suffering from or otherwise affected by substance abuse and addiction. Dr. Waldman has extensive experience with Substance Abuse treatment and works closely with addiction treatment facilities on a case by case basis. He is also experienced with the medication management of psychiatric conditions in individuals with such issues. Furthermore, he often utilizes pharmacologic modalities to assist with a comprehensive recovery program. These may include Suboxone, Naltrexone, Antabuse, and/or other medications.
Read MorePersonality Disorders
Each individual has their own unique personality which is influenced by both nature and nurture. Our personality impacts how we perceive the world and how we relate to others. Generally, our perceptions allow us relate to the world in a healthy and productive manner. At times, however, our perceptions can be inaccurate to such a degree that we do not interact appropriately with the world around us. This can result in great difficulty with interpersonal relationships and a general sense of discontent. The self-defeating behavioral and thinking patterns that can be addressed through psychotherapy and medication management. Personality Disorders are treated with sensitivity and respect at Richard A Waldman MD.
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