Jenna J. Torres

Hi, Thank you for your question. Yes, a psychiatrist can treat depression. Psychiatrists typically prescribe medication for depression, such as an antidepressant, usually from the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs can relieve feelings of depression and reduce depression symptoms. There are also many different therapies that are effective for depression, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Depression reduction techniques include deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding exercises, mindfulness meditation, practicing positive mantras or positive self-talk, guided imagery and visualization, and journaling or stream of consciousness writing. I would recommend you seek services from a mental health professional to help with depression. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health

Hi, Thank you for your question. The best therapies for ADHD include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), ADHD Coaching, Brain Training or Neurofeedback, and Equine Therapy. Medication is also effective for ADHD. The following are suggestions that may help: - Create a routine. Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. - Get organized. Put your stuff in the same place every day so that you will be less likely to lose them. - Manage distractions. Turn off the TV, limit noise, and provide a clean workspace. - Help plan. Break down complicated tasks into simpler, shorter steps. For long tasks, starting early and taking breaks may help limit stress. - Provide a healthy lifestyle. Nutritious foods, lots of physical activity, and sufficient sleep are important; they can help keep ADHD symptoms from getting worse. I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health

Hi, Thank you for your question. There are many different therapies that are effective for panic attacks, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Panic reduction techniques include deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding exercises, mindfulness meditation, practicing positive mantras or positive self-talk, guided imagery and visualization, and journaling or stream of consciousness writing. I would recommend you seek services from a mental health professional to help with panic attacks. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health

Hi, Thank you for your question. No, this shouldn't affect your employment in any way as your health information is private, protected, and confidential! This means that the hospital is not allowed to use, disclose, or release your records without your permission and consent! I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health

Hi, Thank you for your question. A psychologist will provide psychotherapy services and a psychiatrist will prescribe medication. The most effective treatment for anxiety has been shown to be a combination of both. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health

Hi, Thank you for your question. CBT is a relatively short-term therapy that can take several weeks to months to be effective. It can help you learn to identify and change unhelpful behavior patterns and practice more helpful coping techniques. This approach doesnt focus much on past experiences, but it can help improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health

Hello,Thank you for your question. Yes, anxiety can be fixed with medications!Treating anxiety with medication is often recommended when symptoms persist despite efforts to control it through therapy and self-help strategies. Medication may also be suggested when anxiety has become so extreme that it affects daily functioning. Medical professionals typically prescribe an antidepressant for anxiety, usually from the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs can relieve feelings of anxiety and reduce depression symptoms, which often coexist. Benzodiazepine tranquilizers are another class of drugs that can ease anxiety. There is some potential for abuse with these medications. They may also lead to physical dependence if they are taken over a long enough period of time. It can take a varied amount of time for anxiety to go away, however a treatment period lasting at least 6 to 9 months is usually recommended. Some people taking medicine for anxiety are able to stop treatment after only a short time. What works for one person may not be effective at all for another. But even though there is not a magic bullet to wipe out every case, through treatment, patience, and persistence, you can find the methods that help you cope with anxiety. I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health

Hi, Thank you for your question. There are many different therapies that are effective for depression, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Depression reduction techniques include deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding exercises, mindfulness meditation, practicing positive mantras or positive self-talk, guided imagery and visualization, and journaling or stream of consciousness writing. I would recommend you seek services from a mental health professional to help with depression. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health

Hi, Thank you for your question. The best therapies for ADHD include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), ADHD Coaching, Brain Training or Neurofeedback, Play, Art, or Music Therapy (for kids/teens), and Equine Therapy. Medication is also effective for ADHD. Depending on the type of therapy you choose, it will take a different amount of time. The following are suggestions that may help: - Create a routine. Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. - Get organized. Put your stuff in the same place every day so that you will be less likely to lose them. - Manage distractions. Turn off the TV, limit noise, and provide a clean workspace. - Limit choices. To help not feel overwhelmed or overstimulated, offer choices with only a few options. For example, have them choose between this outfit or that one, this meal or that one, or this toy or that one. - Help plan. Break down complicated tasks into simpler, shorter steps. For long tasks, starting early and taking breaks may help limit stress. - Use goals and praise or other rewards. Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviors, then let them know they have done well by telling them or by rewarding their efforts in other ways. Be sure the goals are realisticsmall steps are important! - Provide a healthy lifestyle. Nutritious foods, lots of physical activity, and sufficient sleep are important; they can help keep ADHD symptoms from getting worse. I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health

Hello,Thank you for your question! Yes, antidepressants can help with panic attacks!Treating panic disorder with medication is often recommended when symptoms persist despite efforts to control them through therapy and self-help strategies. Medication may also be suggested when panic disorder has become so extreme that it affects daily functioning. Medical professionals typically prescribe an antidepressant for panic disorder, usually from the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs can relieve feelings of anxiety and reduce depression symptoms, which often coexist with panic disorder. Benzodiazepine tranquilizers are another class of drugs that can ease anxiety and alleviate panic. There is some potential for abuse with these medications. They may also lead to physical dependence if they are taken over a long enough period of time. It can take a varied amount of time for panic disorder to go away, however a treatment period lasting at least 6 to 9 months is usually recommended. Some people taking medicine for panic disorder are able to stop treatment after only a short time. What works for one person may not be effective at all for another. But even though there is not a magic bullet to wipe out every case, through treatment, patience, and persistence, you can find the methods that help you cope with panic disorder. I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health

Hello,Thank you for your question! Yes, you can get rid of panic attacks! There are many different therapies that are effective for panic attacks, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Panic reduction techniques include deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, grounding exercises, mindfulness meditation, practicing positive mantras or positive self-talk, guided imagery and visualization, and journaling or stream of consciousness writing. I would recommend you seek services from a mental health professional to help with panic attacks. Treating panic disorder with medication is often recommended when symptoms persist despite efforts to control them through therapy and self-help strategies. Medication may also be suggested when panic disorder has become so extreme that it affects daily functioning. Medical professionals typically prescribe an antidepressant for panic disorder, usually from the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs can relieve feelings of anxiety and reduce depression symptoms, which often coexist with panic disorder. Benzodiazepine tranquilizers are another class of drugs that can ease anxiety and alleviate panic. There is some potential for abuse with these medications. They may also lead to physical dependence if they are taken over a long enough period of time. It can take a varied amount of time for panic disorder to go away, however a treatment period lasting at least 6 to 9 months is usually recommended. Some people taking medicine for panic disorder are able to stop treatment after only a short time. What works for one person may not be effective at all for another. But even though there is not a magic bullet to wipe out every case, through treatment, patience, and persistence, you can find the methods that help you cope with panic disorder. I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health

Hello,Thank you for your question! Yes, antidepressants can help with panic attacks!Treating panic disorder with medication is often recommended when symptoms persist despite efforts to control them through therapy and self-help strategies. Medication may also be suggested when panic disorder has become so extreme that it affects daily functioning. Medical professionals typically prescribe an antidepressant for panic disorder, usually from the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs can relieve feelings of anxiety and reduce depression symptoms, which often coexist with panic disorder. Benzodiazepine tranquilizers are another class of drugs that can ease anxiety and alleviate panic. There is some potential for abuse with these medications. They may also lead to physical dependence if they are taken over a long enough period of time. I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health 626-239-9320

Hi, Thank you for your question. The best therapies for ADHD include Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), ADHD Coaching, Brain Training or Neurofeedback, and Equine Therapy. Medication is also effective for ADHD. The following are suggestions that may help: - Create a routine. Try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. - Get organized. Put your stuff in the same place every day so that you will be less likely to lose them. - Manage distractions. Turn off the TV, limit noise, and provide a clean workspace. - Help plan. Break down complicated tasks into simpler, shorter steps. For long tasks, starting early and taking breaks may help limit stress. - Provide a healthy lifestyle. Nutritious foods, lots of physical activity, and sufficient sleep are important; they can help keep ADHD symptoms from getting worse. I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health (626) 239-9320

Hi, Thanks for your question. There are different definitions of an alcoholic, but generally alcoholism is considered a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12- month period: 1. Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended. 2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use. 3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects. 4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol. 5. Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home. 6. Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol. 7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use. 8. Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous. 9. Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol. 10. Tolerance, as defined by either of the following: a. A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect. b. A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol. 11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following: a. The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (refer to Criteria A and B of the criteria set for alcohol withdrawal). b. Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms. Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health

Hi, Thank you for your question. CBT is a relatively short-term therapy that can take several weeks to months to be effective. It can help you learn to identify and change unhelpful behavior patterns and practice more helpful coping techniques. This approach doesnt focus much on past experiences, but it can help improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, and ADHD. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health

Hi, Thank you for your question. I would recommend going to a detox facility, residential inpatient rehab, possibly outpatient groups, and 12 step recovery in addition to having a therapist and psychiatrist to support you through getting sober and maintaining sobriety. I hope this has been helpful! Best, *Jenna Torres, PsyD* LifeStance Health

Hi, Thanks for your question. Yes, counseling can help with anger issues! The best therapy for anger is done by a Certified Anger Management Specialist. This therapy helps a person learn to manage anger by first identifying the feeling and the factors that contribute to feeling that way (underlying causes of the anger), and then learning healthy coping skills to use. Coping skills can include reading, listening to music, writing/journaling, calling a friend or talking to someone about the situation, playing with a pet, deep diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness and meditation, drawing or other forms of artistic expression, exercise or going for a walk, etc. Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health

Hi,Thank you for your question. There are many different types of therapies to treat schizophrenia. *Cognitive Behavior Therapy* (CBT) can help change thinking and behavior. A therapist will show you ways to deal with voices and hallucinations. With a combination of CBT sessions and medication, the client can eventually tell what triggers their psychotic episodes (times when hallucinations or delusions flare up) and how to reduce or stop them. CBT can help you feel less distressed about your psychotic experiences, feel less depressed and anxious, reduce alcohol and drug use, deal with suicidal thoughts, and overcome feelings of hopelessness. *Cognitive Enhancement Therapy *(CET) is also called cognitive remediation. It teaches people how to better recognize social cues, or triggers, and improve their attention, memory, and ability to organize their thoughts. It combines computer-based brain training and group sessions. *Psychoeducation* helps people with schizophrenia (and their partner or family) understand the illness. Psychoeducation programs explain about symptoms, treatment options, recovery, and services that can help. You can have psychoeducation individually or in groups. It can include written information, videos, websites, meetings, or discussions with your case manager or psychiatrist. Your family can help you understand your diagnosis and support you in your treatment. Family psychoeducation programs help the person with schizophrenia and their family communicate better and solve problems. Family psychoeducation is also good for family members. It can be very upsetting to see someone you love become unwell with schizophrenia. *Medications* include newer antipsychotic drugs which are also called second-generation or atypical antipsychotics. Theyre newer than the first-generation drugs. They generally cause fewer side effects, such as repetitive or involuntary movements like eye blinking, than older antipsychotics. Second-generation antipsychotics work about equally as well as older drugs. The one exception is clozapine, which is effective against schizophrenia that doesnt respond to other treatments. *Electroconvulsive Therapy* (ECT) which attaches electrodes to the person's scalp. While theyre under general anesthesia, doctors send a small electric shock to the brain. A course of ECT therapy usually involves 2-3 treatments per week for several weeks. Each shock treatment causes a controlled seizure. A series of treatments over time leads to improvement in mood and thinking. Scientists dont fully understand exactly how ECT and the controlled seizures it causes help, although some researchers think that ECT-induced seizures may affect the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. It can help when medications no longer work or if severe depression or catatonia makes treating the illness difficult. Living With Schizophrenia Most people with this condition do get better with treatment and support. Exercise, eat healthy foods, manage your stress, and stay connected with your loved ones. Staying mentally and physically strong can help you feel more in charge of your illness and your life. People with schizophrenia do best if they have: - medication and psychological treatment together not just one or the other - medications to manage depression or anxiety, if needed - education about their illness (individual psychoeducation) - a supportive partner, family member or friends involved in their care - access to 24-hour crisis support - a mental health professional who takes care of planning and coordinating their individual care (case management) - support to find and keep a job or continue education - somewhere safe and affordable to live - support to maintain a healthy lifestyle. - I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health

Hi,Thank you for your question. There are many different causes of alcohol addiction and contributing factors, including stress, family history of addiction, mental illness, trauma, low self-esteem, drinking from an early age, genetics, having close friends or family members who drink, financial instability, cultural or religious influences, lack of other coping skills, peer pressure, etc. I hope this information has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD LifeStance Health

Hi, Thank you for your question. You should consider going to the doctor for anxiety when it starts to interfere with functioning, such as at work, school, in relationships, or with activities of daily living. I hope this has been helpful! Best, Jenna Torres, PsyD Clinical Psychologist LifeStance Health 626-239-9320