expert type icon EXPERT

Olga Tchikindas

Dr. Olga Tchikindas is an Addiction Psychiatrist practicing in PRINCETON, NJ. Dr. Tchikindas evaluates, diagnoses, and treats people who suffer from impulse control conditions related to addiction. As an Addiction Psychiatrist, Dr. Tchikindas is a substance abuse expert, and is trained to fully understand the biological science behind addiction, in order to properly treat each patient.
39 years Experience
Olga Tchikindas
  • PRINCETON, NJ
  • Saratov State Medical University
  • Accepting new patients

How long does it take for cognitive behavioral therapy to work?

Hello. Just start CBT as soon as possible. It is like to learn to drive the car - you have to acquire skills in a short period of time and then become better and better driver READ MORE
Hello. Just start CBT as soon as possible. It is like to learn to drive the car - you have to acquire skills in a short period of time and then become better and better driver over time - comes with the practice. It's not just enough to know the skills - it's not a rocket science and everyone can get it. The secret in doing it every day - like a driving ( not enough to know theoretically how to drive, need to drive every day to become a good driver). Good luck! You can do it.

Why does my mood change all the time?

Mood disorder is very common and need to be treated with the meds to maintain the regular level of functioning and to not damage your professional and personal relationship. Very READ MORE
Mood disorder is very common and need to be treated with the meds to maintain the regular level of functioning and to not damage your professional and personal relationship. Very often people turn to drugs and alcohol to minimize mood swings. It is a wrong way of dealing with this problem. See psychiatrist and put your life back in order.

Is feeling lonely a sign of depression?

Feeling lonely could be a symptom of depression as well as personality or other problems. Depression has other symptoms that has to be present for the person to be diagnosed with READ MORE
Feeling lonely could be a symptom of depression as well as personality or other problems. Depression has other symptoms that has to be present for the person to be diagnosed with depression. See psychiatrist or therapist to sort it out.

Addiction to anti-anxiety pills?

Anti-anxiety meds, especially Benzodiazepines, are very addictive and associated with Alzheimer's. See psychiatrist and seek a proper treatment for your anxiety.


How do you help someone with OCD?

OCD is not easy treatable illness. The best results are reached with the combination of psychiatric medications and therapy - CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy in particular). ​ READ MORE
OCD is not easy treatable illness. The best results are reached with the combination of psychiatric medications and therapy - CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy in particular).

Is insomnia treatable?

There are medications to help you sleep. I recommend to see a psychiatrist or neurologist to look for the cause and to treat the cause, not consequences.
Good luck!

Who is the best professional to see for anxiety treatment?

I recommend to see a psychiatrist. Anxiety is a common problem and is hard to live with. The evaluation should be done to uncover the cause of the problem and maybe to treat it READ MORE
I recommend to see a psychiatrist. Anxiety is a common problem and is hard to live with. The evaluation should be done to uncover the cause of the problem and maybe to treat it with medications. Seek treatment, you don't have to suffer!

Adopted child suffering from depression?

Adoption of a child is a noble thing to do. See therapist, preferably specializing in adoption, to get professional consultation and help. Therapist will suggest if child needs READ MORE
Adoption of a child is a noble thing to do. See therapist, preferably specializing in adoption, to get professional consultation and help. Therapist will suggest if child needs consultation of psychiatrist. Also a good advice you can get from pediatrician. Good luck!

What could be the cause of panic attacks?

Many causes might be involved in anxiety and panic attacks. See psychiatrist to sort it out and possible treatment.

Why is my anxiety so high?

See psychiatrist for evaluation and possible treatment. Anxiety is common problem and is treatable, you don't have to suffer!

How to get treatment for an eating disorder?

You have to see psychiatrist, preferably specializing in eating disorder, and to get meds. Depending on the severity you might need to go to inpatient hospitalization and /or hospital READ MORE
You have to see psychiatrist, preferably specializing in eating disorder, and to get meds. Depending on the severity you might need to go to inpatient hospitalization and /or hospital based program for eating disorder.

How can one approach a depressed friend?

It is always difficult, but very important this to do. You may say to your friend that he/she does not have to feel this way for meds. are available. Also, say that illness is READ MORE
It is always difficult, but very important this to do. You may say to your friend that he/she does not have to feel this way for meds. are available. Also, say that illness is not a punishment and that people do not get depression for something they might do in the past. If proper evaluated and diagnosed, your friend with the help of a psychiatrist (it is always better to be treated by specialist) and medication will be able to feel normal self again pretty soon.
Good luck!

Compulsive Sexual Behavior

Condition is treatable, see psychiatrist. It might get a little better after the menopause if the cause is hormonal. Most likely it is mood instability, but needs proper evaluation. ​ READ MORE
Condition is treatable, see psychiatrist. It might get a little better after the menopause if the cause is hormonal. Most likely it is mood instability, but needs proper evaluation.

What kind of therapy is used to treat schizophrenia?

Medications. Therapy is beneficial after illness is medications stabilized.

What can I do to stop the noises in my head?

I recommend to see psychiatrist first to exclude other causes, then get treatment. Do not delay. Good luck!

What is causing my disturbing thoughts?

See psychiatrist for treatment. Most likely it's OCD, rather common thoughts. Also see therapist that specializing on OCD treatment. Good luck!

Need Help overcoming Medical Anxiety-Fear of MND

I recommend for you to see psychiatrist and to be evaluated for diagnosis and possible treatment.

Does mental illness cause hallucinations?

Mental illness do cause hallucinations sometimes. Don't get scared. Do see psychiatrist for evaluation and get medications if needed. The sooner the better for better outcome. ​ READ MORE
Mental illness do cause hallucinations sometimes. Don't get scared. Do see psychiatrist for evaluation and get medications if needed. The sooner the better for better outcome.

Bipolar Medicaton

There is no best medication for Bipolar, it is the best medication for you. Your doctor will consider other meds. that you might be taking for different illnesses and discuss the READ MORE
There is no best medication for Bipolar, it is the best medication for you. Your doctor will consider other meds. that you might be taking for different illnesses and discuss the drugs interactions. Also your doctor will tailor the med. to your symptoms ( like agitation, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, depression, anger, use of drugs, etc.)

My wife has no urge for sex. What should we do?

See primary care physician first and exclude all possible causes (e.g. medication she is taking, thyroid issue, blood pressure, diabetes, urinary track infection, possible peri-menopausal READ MORE
See primary care physician first and exclude all possible causes (e.g. medication she is taking, thyroid issue, blood pressure, diabetes, urinary track infection, possible peri-menopausal period, etc.). Then PCP will guide you on what should be done next.