EXPERT
Dr. Jonathan Joel Shepherd
Psychiatrist
Dr. Jonathan Shepherd is a psychiatrist practicing in Woodlawn, Maryland. Dr. Shepherd is a medical doctor specializing in the care of mental health patients. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Shepherd diagnoses and treats mental illnesses. Dr. Shepherd may treat patients through a variety of methods including medications, psychotherapy or talk therapy, psychosocial interventions and more, depending on each individual case. Different medications that a psychiatrist might prescribe include antidepressants, antipsychotic mediations, mood stabilizers, stimulants, sedatives and hypnotics. Dr. Shepherd treats conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, insomnia, ADD and other mental illnesses.
Dr. Jonathan Joel Shepherd
- Woodlawn, Maryland
- University of Illinois
- Accepting new patients
Meet Dr. Jonathan Shepherd
Jonathan Shepherd, MD is a board-certified child, adolescent, and adult Psychiatrist, practicing in Woodlawn, Maryland. Dr. Shepherd approaches mental wellness holistically, taking...
Anxiety Attacks Explained - By Jonathan J. Shepherd, MD
What are anxiety attacks? Anxiety attacks are mental disorders characterized by episodes of a sudden onset of fear and dread. It is also defined as as an overwhelming feeling...
Which antidepressants help with pain?
Cymbalta is one of the antidepressants that providers will use to treat pain and depression.
When should one begin taking anti-anxiety medication?
Medication is warranted when an illness causes disorder—the inability to function properly. If your anxiety is not allowing you to function properly on a daily, consistent basis, READ MORE
Medication is warranted when an illness causes disorder—the inability to function properly. If your anxiety is not allowing you to function properly on a daily, consistent basis, then medication needs to be strongly considered.
What are good anti-depressants?
Let me answer the 2nd question first. You should see a doctor if you have been depressed for 4 months. Find a mental health agency / clinic that you can go to and discuss your READ MORE
Let me answer the 2nd question first. You should see a doctor if you have been depressed for 4 months. Find a mental health agency / clinic that you can go to and discuss your depressive symptoms with a licensed clinician and / or psychiatrist.
Regarding "good" antidepressants. The term "good" is vague. There is use for all antidepressants and a skilled physician / psychiatrist will recommend one for you if you meet the criteria after being evaluated.
Regarding "good" antidepressants. The term "good" is vague. There is use for all antidepressants and a skilled physician / psychiatrist will recommend one for you if you meet the criteria after being evaluated.
Are there side effects of attention deficit medications?
Yes, there are side effects to any medication. Some of the common side effects to ADHD medications: decreased appetite leading to weight loss, insomnia, hallucinations, increased READ MORE
Yes, there are side effects to any medication. Some of the common side effects to ADHD medications: decreased appetite leading to weight loss, insomnia, hallucinations, increased energy/activation. These side effects are not common, but they may occur. Please tell your prescriber/psychiatrist when any of these side effects may be experienced.
How likely is it to develop tolerance to Effexor?
As a person remains adherent to a medication such as Effexor, there may be times when an increase in dosage is necessary. Certain circumstances (such as sudden loss, unexpected READ MORE
As a person remains adherent to a medication such as Effexor, there may be times when an increase in dosage is necessary. Certain circumstances (such as sudden loss, unexpected trauma) may cause the person to experience more depressive symptoms, requiring an increase in the medication dosage.
People are typically not known to develop a tolerance to Effexor. One of the most common issues with Effexor is withdrawal symptoms if a person is not consistently taking the medication everyday.
This is a good time to discuss with the psychiatrist or prescriber about the clinical indications for the current dose of medication that is addressing the depressive symptoms.
People are typically not known to develop a tolerance to Effexor. One of the most common issues with Effexor is withdrawal symptoms if a person is not consistently taking the medication everyday.
This is a good time to discuss with the psychiatrist or prescriber about the clinical indications for the current dose of medication that is addressing the depressive symptoms.
Does bipolar medication change your personality?
As a whole, medications do not change a person's personality. Medications allows for a person's symptoms to be reduced so he or she can function properly. In truth, there are READ MORE
As a whole, medications do not change a person's personality. Medications allows for a person's symptoms to be reduced so he or she can function properly.
In truth, there are some medications that make people more "emotional" (sad, irritable) but overall, these are emotional responses and not personality changes.
Some people believe that a person's personality "changed" after starting a medication because they are more familiar with the person whose symptoms were causing he / she to act out of order. I remind patients and families that a person's true personality will shine through when he / she is operating healthy.
In truth, there are some medications that make people more "emotional" (sad, irritable) but overall, these are emotional responses and not personality changes.
Some people believe that a person's personality "changed" after starting a medication because they are more familiar with the person whose symptoms were causing he / she to act out of order. I remind patients and families that a person's true personality will shine through when he / she is operating healthy.
Why does depression cause anxiety?
Here's a fact: 70% of the people who are diagnosed with Depression experience an Anxiety Disorder and vice versa (70% of those diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder experience a depressive READ MORE
Here's a fact: 70% of the people who are diagnosed with Depression experience an Anxiety Disorder and vice versa (70% of those diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder experience a depressive episode).
Depression does not necessarily cause anxiety but anxiety is a contributing factor to fueling a person's depressive symptoms.
Depression does not necessarily cause anxiety but anxiety is a contributing factor to fueling a person's depressive symptoms.
Can stress induce vomiting?
Yes, anxiety due to upcoming stressful events can cause physical reactions such as vomiting. The parent should assist the child in reducing the anxiety by implementing stress-relieving READ MORE
Yes, anxiety due to upcoming stressful events can cause physical reactions such as vomiting. The parent should assist the child in reducing the anxiety by implementing stress-relieving exercises such as deep breathing and picturing of peaceful situations.
Does someone's mental health affect their physical health?
Yes, a person's mental health affects his / her physical health. Studies have shown that people diagnosed with terminal illnesses have longer life outcomes when they engage in READ MORE
Yes, a person's mental health affects his / her physical health. Studies have shown that people diagnosed with terminal illnesses have longer life outcomes when they engage in positive uplifting mental health exercises and treatment.
On the other hand, one of the major side effects of mental health disorders is physical symptoms such as increased headaches, body aches / pain, and fatigue.
Also, when a person is suffering from a chronic physical health challenge, he or she is more at risk to experience a mental health disorder.
On the other hand, one of the major side effects of mental health disorders is physical symptoms such as increased headaches, body aches / pain, and fatigue.
Also, when a person is suffering from a chronic physical health challenge, he or she is more at risk to experience a mental health disorder.
What is causing my teenager's despondency?
At the age of 13, young boys are going through puberty with possible hormonal imbalances, which do affect a young boy's emotions. There may be nothing "wrong" with him, but continue READ MORE
At the age of 13, young boys are going through puberty with possible hormonal imbalances, which do affect a young boy's emotions. There may be nothing "wrong" with him, but continue to ask and make yourself available to share with him when and if he chooses to talk.
Review with the child about the developmental stages of a young boy and/or girl; use your own experiences as a parent. If you make it comfortable for him to talk, eventually, he will say something if there is a true issue.
Review with the child about the developmental stages of a young boy and/or girl; use your own experiences as a parent. If you make it comfortable for him to talk, eventually, he will say something if there is a true issue.
I think I may be depressed. What do I do?
Greetings! There are a couple ways you can approach your situation. You can contact the national hotline for depression and mood disorders or NAMI. If you contact NAMI, the READ MORE
Greetings! There are a couple ways you can approach your situation. You can contact the national hotline for depression and mood disorders or NAMI. If you contact NAMI, the representative can let you know the closest chapter in your city. You can also contact your local hospital or university to see if they have mental health professionals and services available.
I'm having some severe chest pain with anxiety. Is this dangerous? What could it be?
Greetings! Chest pain can occur with panic or anxiety attacks. I cannot say it is "normal" to have chest pain because each individual is different. Please seek consultation READ MORE
Greetings! Chest pain can occur with panic or anxiety attacks. I cannot say it is "normal" to have chest pain because each individual is different. Please seek consultation with your primary care doctor to rule out cardiac disease as the source of the chest pain.
Also, if you are not in treatment for the anxiety disorder, then seek psychiatric treatment.
Also, if you are not in treatment for the anxiety disorder, then seek psychiatric treatment.
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Zoloft?
Greetings! I typically advise patients to not drink alcohol when taking antidepressants. Alcohol is a depressant and may counteract the effects of the medication / antidepressant READ MORE
Greetings! I typically advise patients to not drink alcohol when taking antidepressants. Alcohol is a depressant and may counteract the effects of the medication / antidepressant (Zoloft).
