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Dr. Claudewell S. Thomas, M.D.

Psychiatrist

Claudewell S. Thomas, MD, MPH, DLFAPA, is an established psychiatrist who is currently retired ,, He received his medical degree in 1956 at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine and specializes in social psychiatry, public health psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry. Dr. Thomas was board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Learn More About Me
68 years Experience
Dr. Claudewell S. Thomas, M.D.
Specializes in:
  • Psychiatric Disorders
  • Public Health
  • Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
  • SUNY Downstate Medical Center
  • Not accepting new patients

Patient privacy when it's a child being seen

It would depend on the therapist, the child's age, the nature of the treatment contract, etc.

Looking for help with my teenage daughter

Prophylactic psychiatric intervention is a questionable notion. Considering the nature of adolescence, particularly questionable.

How important is having friends?

Friends are important, but are found quite varyingly. Since there are no signs of distress, encouraging and setting an example seem appropriate enough.

My son watches the same movie over and over

What is your standard for "normal"? Does watching block expected activity in kindergarten or play? It may just disappear; try to keep note without undue pressure or transmitting READ MORE
What is your standard for "normal"? Does watching block expected activity in kindergarten or play? It may just disappear; try to keep note without undue pressure or transmitting anxiety.

At night, thinking prevents me from sleeping. Can I do anything about it?

Discussion with your LMD is the first step, with a request for referral to a mental health specialist as part of the dialogue. Anxiety and depression sometimes present this way. READ MORE
Discussion with your LMD is the first step, with a request for referral to a mental health specialist as part of the dialogue. Anxiety and depression sometimes present this way.

Sudden mental fatigue--what can it be?

A consultation with your LMD to check on systemic health is indicated. A request for referral to a mental health specialist should be made by you, if systemic illness is not part READ MORE
A consultation with your LMD to check on systemic health is indicated. A request for referral to a mental health specialist should be made by you, if systemic illness is not part of the picture. Anxiety and depression can present this way.

I think I may be depressed. What do I do?

A discussion with your LMD is the place to begin. If you don't have one, you can get the names of mental health professionals from your local mental health assn. or local branches READ MORE
A discussion with your LMD is the place to begin. If you don't have one, you can get the names of mental health professionals from your local mental health assn. or local branches of the AMA, the APA, (psychiatry or psychology) Social Work association, VNA etc. Your previous job may also be able to supply information as may your local hospital. Most importantly, do not ignore your symptoms.

Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Zoloft?

It is generally considered unwise and dangerous to do so. Zoloft or Sertraline is a potent drug with a potential for serious side effects affecting consciousness, balance, nausea READ MORE
It is generally considered unwise and dangerous to do so. Zoloft or Sertraline is a potent drug with a potential for serious side effects affecting consciousness, balance, nausea etc., all of which are made worse by alcohol.

I'm having some severe chest pain with anxiety. Is this dangerous? What could it be?

Have the symptom complex examined by your LMD or cardiologist. Anxiety alone is unlikely to precipitate sharp chest pain, although it can accompany, precede or follow cardiopulmonary READ MORE
Have the symptom complex examined by your LMD or cardiologist. Anxiety alone is unlikely to precipitate sharp chest pain, although it can accompany, precede or follow cardiopulmonary disease.