Dr. Dana R. Anderson, PsyD

Anxiolytics, also known as anxiety medications, can be prescribed on an as-needed basis (PRN). Psychologists play a crucial role in uncovering the root causes of these symptoms. For instance, they ascertain whether the anxiety is a result of avoidance of confrontation or stems from past traumas. Psychological assessments are conducted by psychologists to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Following the completion of these assessments, I provide the results to the patient, which can be shared with their psychiatrist for potential medication discussions, if deemed necessary.

Deciding whether to see a psychiatrist when you have depression depends on several factors:

Symptom Severity: If your depression symptoms are severe and significantly impacting your daily life, it may be a good idea to consult a psychiatrist, as they can prescribe medication to help alleviate the symptoms more quickly.

Psychological Testing: It can be beneficial to have a psychologist administer psychological testing to assess whether there might be an underlying disorder contributing to your depression. This can help guide your treatment.

Root Cause Determination: A thorough evaluation by a psychologist can help determine the root cause of your depression. Identifying the underlying issues can be essential for effective treatment.

Treatment Plan: A therapist or psychologist can work with you to create a treatment plan to address your depression. This plan may include therapy, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies to reduce or eliminate your symptoms.

Medication Consideration: If, after a comprehensive evaluation, it is determined that medication may be beneficial, a psychiatrist can prescribe appropriate medications. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with expertise in mental health medications.

Ultimately, the decision to see a psychiatrist should be made in consultation with your psychologist or therapist. They can help you assess your individual needs and, if necessary, refer you to a psychiatrist to ensure you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for your depression.

It's advisable to start by scheduling an evaluation with a psychologist or mental health professional who specializes in depression. During this evaluation, they will work with you to assess the frequency and severity of your symptoms. This assessment is essential in understanding the nature of your depression and its impact on your daily life. By accurately diagnosing your condition, they can recommend appropriate treatment options.

A psychological evaluation can provide valuable information that you can share with a medical prescriber, such as a psychiatrist or a primary care physician. They will use this information to evaluate your suitability for medications or supplements that are tailored specifically to address your symptoms. Medications for depression, such as antidepressants, can be effective in many cases, but their appropriateness and choice may vary from person to person.

In addition to medication considerations, a medical evaluation is also important to assess your overall health. Sometimes, physical health issues, like thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies, can contribute to or exacerbate depression. Therefore, it's essential to consider the whole picture when evaluating and treating depression.

Remember, it's crucial to involve healthcare professionals in this process, as they can provide you with a personalized treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of these approaches.

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that can affect thinking, perception, and behavior, and it can have a wide range of symptoms and severity levels. Whether someone with schizophrenia can drive safely depends on several factors, including the individual's specific symptoms, the stability of their condition, and their treatment plan.

In many cases, people with schizophrenia can drive safely if they are receiving appropriate treatment, their symptoms are well-managed, and they are adhering to their treatment plan. However, it is important for individuals with schizophrenia to work closely with their mental health care provider, who can assess their specific situation and make recommendations based on their current condition and the relevant local laws and regulations.

It's also essential for individuals with schizophrenia to be aware of their own symptoms and their impact on their ability to drive safely. If they experience symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, severe disorientation, or impaired judgment, it may not be safe for them to drive until these symptoms are effectively managed.

Furthermore, laws and regulations regarding driving with a mental health condition can vary by location, so it's important to be familiar with the specific rules in your area. Some places require individuals with certain mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, to report their condition to the relevant authorities or undergo periodic assessments to determine their fitness to drive.

In summary, whether people with schizophrenia can drive depends on their individual circumstances, their treatment, and their ability to manage their symptoms. It is essential for individuals with schizophrenia to work closely with mental health professionals and follow local laws and regulations to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road.

Schizophrenia is a thinking disorder that can include psychosis in the form of delusions or hearing or seeing things that are not there. These same psychotic symptoms can be the result of another mental disorder, side effects of medications, drug use, or dementia. To determine if an individual has Schizophrenia, other possible diagnoses would need to be ruled out first. You can communicate your observations and concerns to her doctor.

Hello, these symptoms you are experiencing should be assessed by a doctor right away. I treat teens with intrusive thoughts and emerging psychosis by administering a psychological test that helps determine the appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and medication to be given. The test I use for teens is called the MACI-the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory. This helps rule out other possibilities that may be contributing to these symptoms. I would recommend seeking a clinical psychologist and a psychiatrist. I work in tandem with psychiatrists by completing the testing and diagnostic evaluation and then refer clients to a psychiatrist for medication. Typically a psychologist or psychiatrist will monitor your symptoms each week to ensure progress and make sure you are on the right track.

Hello,
If you want to treat "mood" and "anxiety" with the goal to improve those symptoms and increase energy, I recommend finding a clinical psychologist that provides psychopathology testing. A psychopathology assessment will determine if these symptoms meet diagnostic criteria, and to what extent. An interpretive psychopathology report will break down the specific "symptoms" you are experiencing and provide a treatment recommendation and plan. A treatment plan may include both cognitive behavioral therapy and medication. The psychologist will work with the patient to measure the reduction of their impairment with the goal to increase functioning. Often times patients come in, seeking help for a specific set of symptoms, but a more thorough evaluation reveals another underlying issue. If a patient comes to me and tells me that their current medications and treatment aren't working, then we need to take a closer look and consider making a modification. A good treatment plan means you should be seeing improvement and are headed in the right direction. I recommend making an appointment with a clinical psychologist to assist you with your diagnosis and treatment plan, in addition to your prescribing provider. A psychologist works in tandem with the prescribing doctor, P.A. or N.P to provide the best continuity of care. Hope that was helpful and you find some relief for your symptoms!