Dr. Brandi M. Buchanan

I would definitely refer to a marriage counselor as sex is an important aspect of the marital relationship.

My understanding of Crocin is that is a OTC mild pain reliever. The normal adult dosage is up to four times a day, from what I understand, so if he is taking it only once a day that appears to be within the guidelines of the regulation.

I found an interesting study on the use of that med and depression that you may also find interesting in regards to your friend.

https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/2015-07/crocin-and-major-depressive-disorder

If you think he may be taking Crocin due to undiagnosed depression, he may need to be evaluated to make sure his true symptoms are understood and treated appropriately.

Anxiety is a common sleep disrupter. In your case, I would find a psychologist who specializes in anxiety to help you discuss your fears and phobias associated with your OCD and sleep. Understanding the underlying fears can help with the associated behaviors.

Good luck!

Brandi Buchanan, PhD

Hello,

I would encourage you to take him to a neuropsychologist, as his fear of exams could be due to a slower processing speed inhibiting him from retrieving learned information quickly. He could have developed secondary anxiety due to his inability to perform as well as he knows he should. It would be important to get him tested because if he does have a cognitive component present, he will need this documentation to allow accommodations to be placed to give him extra time for exams.

I hope this helps!

Brandi Buchanan, PhD

Hello,

It sounds like your stress response system is being activated when you are in the dark; therefore, you could be responding to a trauma that you may not consciously remember. I would definitely suggest contacting a psychologist in your area.

Brandi Buchanan, PhD

Depression can cause a loss of appetite, but so can medical conditions. I would suggest having him seen by his PCP to rule out any medical reason and to determine if his weight loss is significant enough to need treatment.

Brandi Buchanan, PhD

Neuropsychology is a branch of psychology that is concerned with how the brain and the rest of the nervous system influence a person's cognition and behaviors. More importantly, professionals in this branch of psychology often focus on how injuries or illnesses of the brain affect cognitive functions and behaviors. Your visit will comprise of a diagnostic interview to determine previous functioning and current level of functioning since your brain injury. You will then undergo hours of neurocognitive testing to assess brain function regarding attention, memory, language, visual-spatial, and motor skills. It is essential that you be evaluated by a neuropsychologist within the first year of your injury.

I hope this helps. Good luck on your appointment.

Brandi Buchanan, PhD

I would first go to your general physician and possibly have blood work done to determine if you have any vitamin deficiencies or thyroid issues that could be contributing to how you are feeling. Evaluating your diet, sleep, and vitamins is essential to addressing fatigue and poor concentration. If all of these issues are normal, then I would suggest seeing a psychologist or neuropsychologist for a diagnostic interview to determine if a mental health issue is contributing to your experience.

Brandi Buchanan, PhD

Sometimes antidepressants can cause you to feel apathetic (without emotion) because most patients taking antidepressants that experience this are usually happy that they are no longer bursting into tears at a moment's notice. Yet, if you continue to experience these side effects, you should speak to your prescribing doctor and let him/her know about your concerns.

Brandi Buchanan, PhD

Increased anxiety affecting social functioning or cognition is something that should always be looked at. I am not saying you should be alarmed, but I would ask to visit his general practitioner with him to determine if there is any change in his medications or if his sleep has changed at all. Persons with sleep apnea or other breathing related problems can begin to
present with symptoms of anxiety. If none of the above are contributing factors, I would say visiting a neuropsychologist would help determine if there are mental health or cognitive changes contributing to his anxiety presentation.

Brandi Buchanan, PhD

This could be due to different factors. I would say if this is a new development, this could be a sign of anxiety. If it continues and begins to cause problems in functioning with relationships or at work, you should speak to your physician or visit with a psychologist to determine if there are any medical reasons to cause this and/or learn coping skills to manage your anxiety.

Brandi Buchanan, PhD

First, I am very sorry that you experienced such a traumatic loss. I am also sorry these nightmares have returned. I would not say all the work you did in therapy is undone. It is common for persons with PTSD to return to therapy to address symptoms that resurface for whatever reason. This is why I always say that PTSD is never cured. The symptoms can and do go into remission, but they can be brought back to the surface (in the same or lesser severity) with any life experience that triggers the symptoms to reoccur.

I hope this helps and you find a therapist soon.

Brandi Buchanan, PhD

Any time you have sharp chest pain you need to be seen by a physician to make sure there is not a cardiovascular or respiratory element contributing to your presentation or vice versa. If those medical conditions are ruled out, I would say you may need medication therapy to help address these symptoms, if they are severe and chronic. I would also suggest psychotherapy to address the reason why the anxiety is this significant and causing panic attacks. There is usually an underlying issue triggering this level of anxiety presentation.

Brandi Buchanan, PhD

Depending on the severity of the depression, depends on the suggestion. If
you feel suicidal, I would suggest calling 911 and finding emergency
services or calling 1-800-SUICIDE. If you are feeling depressed and not
suicidal, I would suggest seeing a psychologist for a diagnostic interview
to determine if a psychiatric referral needs to be placed (for medication
treatment) and to begin therapy to address the depressive symptoms.
Medications are not always the answer, and studies indicate improved
results if therapy is combined with medication treatment, if medication is
needed.

I would also suggest visiting you PCP to have blood work drawn to rule out
any vitamin deficiencies or medical issues that could be contributing to
your mental health presentation.

I hope this helps and you find appropriate help. Depression is real and not
something to push under the rug.

Dr. B

Brandi Buchanan, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist/Neuropsychologist- 37022
buchanan.brandi@gmail.com
214-620-5580

I don't think your daughter should see a psychiatrist just because...If you
believe she is having some problems, you could have her see a psychologist
for a diagnostic interview to determine if further treatment is necessary.
I hope this helps.

I'm sorry you are having such a hard time addressing your mental health and pain. I realize it is difficult to maintain these prescriptions because regulations have become strict due to overprescribing and overuse. Long term studies show daily, long term use of benzodiazepines can increase memory deficits, especially in those with chronic pain experiences. Unfortunately, I think the medical community overuses medications to quiet symptoms instead of trying to understand the source of the problem. Understanding the importance of sleep, diet, and exercise to establish a stronger foundation for health and looking at alternate treatments for depression, anxiety and autoimmune disorders to address the issue of brain health rather than using high powered pharmaceuticals is what I suggest; however, that process takes time and doctors knowledgeable with these practices. A lot of patients develop a tolerance to the medications you listed and will require increased dosages for the same effect. This does not mean the patient is an addict, but it does suggest the medications are a band-aid and the original problem is not getting better. I understand your question was to find a doctor to prescribe to you the medications you are currently taking, as you believe they work for you. I'm just trying to let you know why it is hard to find someone to do that and some alternative solutions. Yet, if you are simply wanting to know which type of doctor to see, I would suggest a psychiatrist and bring your previous medical records for reference.

I hope this was helpful.
Good luck and God bless

Brandi Buchanan, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dallas Neuropsychology
214.620.5580/214.535.4874

I'm so sorry for your loss and my delayed response. It sounds as though you are experiencing an Acute Stress Disorder and I would contact a licensed psychologist in your area who is experienced in working with those with Acute Stress Disorder or PTSD and grief counseling. Also finding a provider who is familiar with EDMR therapy could be useful.

I hope this information was helpful.
God Bless.
Dr. B

Brandi Buchanan, PhD
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Dallas Neuropsychology
214.620.5580/214.535.4874