EXPERT
Ashok Bharucha
Psychiatrist | Psychiatry
Dr. Ashok Bharucha is a psychiatrist practicing in South Abington Township, PA. Dr. Bharucha is a medical doctor specializing in the care of mental health patients. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Bharucha diagnoses and treats mental illnesses. Dr. Bharucha 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. Bharucha treats conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, insomnia, ADD and other mental illnesses.
32 years
Experience
Ashok Bharucha
- South Abington Township, PA
- Penn State College of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
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Can a psychologist treat panic attacks?
Yes, psychologists are trained in many forms of psychotherapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is most often used for panic attacks, but there are other approaches too.
Can psychotherapy treat bipolar?
Psychotherapy is a critical ingredient in the management of virtually all psychiatric conditions. Depending on the severity of the disorder, medications would be recommended too. READ MORE
Psychotherapy is a critical ingredient in the management of virtually all psychiatric conditions. Depending on the severity of the disorder, medications would be recommended too. Interpersonal Social Rhythms Therapy is one format that is developed for bipolar disorder.
Should I take medications if I have depression?
Various forms of psychotherapies can be highly effective for mild to moderate forms of depression, however, moderate to severe depression may require medications.
Is bipolar disorder serious?
Bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose; many who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder may have other conditions. If the diagnosis is accurate, yes, it is a disorder that requires READ MORE
Bipolar disorder is difficult to diagnose; many who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder may have other conditions. If the diagnosis is accurate, yes, it is a disorder that requires treatment and close follow-up. With proper treatment, however, one can lead a full life.
Do panic attacks go away?
Panic attacks tend to be periodic. One may have a cluster of attacks then none for long periods of time or one may have an attack every so often. Stress may play a role. Evaluation READ MORE
Panic attacks tend to be periodic. One may have a cluster of attacks then none for long periods of time or one may have an attack every so often. Stress may play a role. Evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist would help.
Are anti-anxiety medications safe?
Anxiety disorders are treated with psychotherapy when mild to moderate, and typically antidepressants when moderate to severe. Antidepressants do not have tolerance and dependence READ MORE
Anxiety disorders are treated with psychotherapy when mild to moderate, and typically antidepressants when moderate to severe. Antidepressants do not have tolerance and dependence potential if that is what you mean by "safe." The pure anxiety medications, benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, Valium, etc.), do have the potential for tolerance and dependence and hence should be used cautiously.
What medicine helps with ADHD?
There are several different types of medications that can help, however, medications must never be viewed as the sole management strategy. Psychostimulants such as Ritalin and READ MORE
There are several different types of medications that can help, however, medications must never be viewed as the sole management strategy. Psychostimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall are most common, but they do have the potential for tolerance and dependence. Newer medications for ADHD such as Strattera do not have abuse potential. Medications such as Clonidine and Guanfacine are likely to help the hyperactivity symptoms.
What are some stress reduction techniques?
Sound sleep is one of the most important aspects of mental health. Monitoring diet to eliminate simple sugars (carbohydrates) such as soda, pastries, etc is also important. Developing READ MORE
Sound sleep is one of the most important aspects of mental health. Monitoring diet to eliminate simple sugars (carbohydrates) such as soda, pastries, etc is also important. Developing a daily mindfulness meditation practice with many free resources that are available at websites such as mindful.org is critical to dealing with day-to-day stress. Finally, the role of exercise, at least 30 minutes a day, has innumerable mental and physical health benefits. Avoiding toxic relationships where possible can also give you peace of mind.
Are antidepressants effective for panic attacks?
Yes, several are FDA-approved for panic disorder. They serve to reduce the frequency and intensity of the attacks.
Can I take antidepressants for anxiety?
Most antidepressants are FDA-approved, first-line agents for the treatment of moderate to severe anxiety disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is also highly effective READ MORE
Most antidepressants are FDA-approved, first-line agents for the treatment of moderate to severe anxiety disorders. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is also highly effective for mild to moderate anxiety.
What is the safest drug for depression?
Most modern antidepressants are generally quite safe, however, consideration always has to be given to the person's underlying medical issues, potential for drug-drug interactions READ MORE
Most modern antidepressants are generally quite safe, however, consideration always has to be given to the person's underlying medical issues, potential for drug-drug interactions with the other medications the person might be taking, and drug-disease interactions. Prior history of adverse reactions would also need to be taken into consideration. Thus, there is no "safest" antidepressant. It really comes down to how the medication interacts with your genes, biology, medical conditions, and other medications.
Can a person recover from alcohol addiction?
Absolutely. Over time, quite a significant proportion of individuals with alcohol use disorder completely quit, after many prior failed attempts at becoming sober.
How long does it take to treat depression with medications?
Most individuals begin to notice improvement even within 7 to 10 days, however, optimal response is observed once the individual has been on an adequate dose for an adequate period READ MORE
Most individuals begin to notice improvement even within 7 to 10 days, however, optimal response is observed once the individual has been on an adequate dose for an adequate period of time. Typically, 6 to 8 weeks is a good timeframe to expect significant response if the dose is appropriate.
What is the difference between cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy?
The focus of treatment is different in the two forms of treatment. CBT focuses on identifying and correcting faulty, automatic thoughts that lead to emotional problems whereas, READ MORE
The focus of treatment is different in the two forms of treatment. CBT focuses on identifying and correcting faulty, automatic thoughts that lead to emotional problems whereas, in interpersonal therapy, the focus is on relationship issues, role transitions, loss and grief, improving interpersonal skills, etc. Both are time-limited therapies and both are generally highly effective for mild to moderate symptoms. Both involve "homework" in-between sessions to bolster the utility of sessions with the therapist.
