EXPERT
Dr. Phyllis Heffner, M.D.
Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr. Phyllis Heffner practices child & adolescent psychiatry in Halethorpe, MD. Dr. Heffner evaluates patients throughout childhood and adolescence using many different procedures, in order to determine what treatments must be carried out in order to properly assess their symptoms. Child & adolescent psychiatrists are trained and certified to administer psychotherapy, medication, and many other means of treatment. Dr. Heffner seeks to improve each patients quality of life.
38 years
Experience
Dr. Phyllis Heffner, M.D.
- Columbia, MD
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center
- Accepting new patients
No results found
Is it normal to cry during a panic attack?
It is common with panic attacks. She needs help to address the reasons for the panic attacks and hopefully reduce or eliminate them.
How do I manage my daughter's anxiety?
There are many options - working with you or a therapist about learning coping/calming skills (such as deep breathing, visualizations about positive things, exercise, Tapping/Emotional READ MORE
There are many options - working with you or a therapist about learning coping/calming skills (such as deep breathing, visualizations about positive things, exercise, Tapping/Emotional Freedom Technique, Meditation) can be very helpful. Working on developing positive self talk to counteract the anxious thoughts. Some supplements can also help, such as GABA, 5-HTP, L-Theanine are examples. If she is severely affected, a professional should be consulted.
My daughter threw around the term "demisexual" the other day. What does this mean?
A demisexual is a person who does not experience sexual attraction unless they form a strong emotional connection with someone.
Why is my son so angry?
Without knowing more, I cannot give a specific answer, but there are definitely possibilities which can include hormonal changes as he enters puberty, being bullied or having had READ MORE
Without knowing more, I cannot give a specific answer, but there are definitely possibilities which can include hormonal changes as he enters puberty, being bullied or having had another trauma, peer drama or relationship problems, family stresses. It may be helpful to talk with him about this or consult with a professional
Why does my daughter only write about death?
This is potentially a real concern and could mean she is either depressed or even having suicidal thoughts. Talk with her about how she is feeling and do not hesitate to seek READ MORE
This is potentially a real concern and could mean she is either depressed or even having suicidal thoughts. Talk with her about how she is feeling and do not hesitate to seek professional help.
My daughter is addicted to her phone. What can I do?
This is such a common issue with not only teens but even adults and younger children; screens are addictive! Setting up guidelines about how much she can use the phone and having READ MORE
This is such a common issue with not only teens but even adults and younger children; screens are addictive! Setting up guidelines about how much she can use the phone and having her earn time by doing other more interactive/social or appropriate activities may be helpful. Discussing with her the dangers of excessive phone use may or may not work. Work on your relationship with her. It is not unreasonable to make phone use at or after certain times (such as bedtime, homework and mealtimes) forbidden.
Why is my daughter so nervous most of the time?
There are so many reasons a child can become very nervous. Some are very serious - an undisclosed trauma or a medical condition and need to be evaluated by a physician who looks READ MORE
There are so many reasons a child can become very nervous. Some are very serious - an undisclosed trauma or a medical condition and need to be evaluated by a physician who looks at her as a whole person. Others can be temperamental (inborn) or due to a form of anxiety disorder. Working with a therapist or child psychiatrist is recommended
Why is my daughter not talking?
Has she had a trauma or something else in her life changed? This could be a sign of adolescence or something more serious..She should be evaluated by a mental health professional READ MORE
Has she had a trauma or something else in her life changed? This could be a sign of adolescence or something more serious..She should be evaluated by a mental health professional who uses a holistic approach to rule out both physical and emotional factors for this change in behavior
My daughter still continues to be hyperactive. What should I do?
Yes, it is worth having her evaluated by a professional to see if there is either a medical condition, depression, anxiety or something such as ADHD
Why doesn't my son want to make friends?
It can be a sign of low self-esteem, depression, being bullied or just being an introvert. Talk with him about your concerns and if not comfortable with his responses consult READ MORE
It can be a sign of low self-esteem, depression, being bullied or just being an introvert. Talk with him about your concerns and if not comfortable with his responses consult a professional
My daughter is prone to hormonal depression. What can I do?
She could have a copper-zinc imbalance or even a more serious condition called PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). A very healthy diet, regular exercise, sleep are all helpful, READ MORE
She could have a copper-zinc imbalance or even a more serious condition called PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). A very healthy diet, regular exercise, sleep are all helpful, as is possibly looking at her hormones to see if she has an imbalance that could be addressed either through nutritional supplements or medications may be indicated
Can I do anything to stop my child from wetting the bed?
New onset bedwetting can be from numerous causes - a urinary tract infection, a trauma, a medical illness, toxins, medications. He should be evaluated at a minimum by his Pediatrician READ MORE
New onset bedwetting can be from numerous causes - a urinary tract infection, a trauma, a medical illness, toxins, medications. He should be evaluated at a minimum by his Pediatrician to rule out obvious medical causes
Can you self diagnose bipolar disorder in teenagers?
No - this takes a full evaluation by a trained Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist; there are many underlying causes of symptoms that can mimic Bipolar Disorder
My daughter is depressed about her speech problems
EIther a good adolescent therapist or child/adolescent psychiatrist can work with her about her self esteem and depression.
How to help daughter who was bullied for being overweight?
Working on developing her self esteem and looking at her strengths; not focusing on physical appearance but character and abilities. Positive self talk, use of affirmations. READ MORE
Working on developing her self esteem and looking at her strengths; not focusing on physical appearance but character and abilities. Positive self talk, use of affirmations. Develop (with her) a move to a healthy lifestyle (don't focus on losing weight or calories) which includes healthy real foods (not processed and avoiding high carbohydrates), at least 8 hours of sleep nightly, regular daily movement (in a form she enjoys) and stress management. If she does not respond, she should see a therapist.
What is the most common anxiety disorder in children?
There are numerous forms of anxiety disorders - separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, Panic Disorders, Phobia and a combination of the above.
My son has become reliant on taking Tylenol?
Tylenol is very dangerous as it can cause liver damage. It should not be used long term nor in high doses. This needs to be stopped; if he is unwilling you need to get a professional READ MORE
Tylenol is very dangerous as it can cause liver damage. It should not be used long term nor in high doses. This needs to be stopped; if he is unwilling you need to get a professional involved.
Can a psychologist treat mental disorders?
Yes, depending on what the mental disorder is
What is the first step after an autism diagnosis?
I strongly recommend finding and working with a doctor who uses a Biomedical Approach, ideally trained through MAPS (Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs) as well as contacting READ MORE
I strongly recommend finding and working with a doctor who uses a Biomedical Approach, ideally trained through MAPS (Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs) as well as contacting TACA (Talk about Curing Autism)
Why is my 16 year old always sleeping?
Does he have depression or another medical condition or is he sleep deprived or have a sleep disorder? This should be evaluated by a qualified professional.
