Dr. Jack L. Underwood, MD, Psychiatrist
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Dr. Jack L. Underwood, MD

Psychiatrist | Psychiatry

1565 Union St Schenectady NY, 12309
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About

Dr. Jack Underwood is a psychiatrist practicing in Schenectady, NY. Dr. Underwood is a medical doctor specializing in the care of mental health patients. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Underwood diagnoses and treats mental illnesses. Dr. Underwood 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. Underwood treats conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, insomnia, ADD and other mental illnesses.

Education and Training

Howard Univ Coll of Med, Washington Dc 1958

Provider Details

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Dr. Jack L. Underwood, MD
Dr. Jack L. Underwood, MD's Expert Contributions
  • Why am I scared to ween off my bipolar medication?

    You are afraid, for good reason, of relapse. To discontinue would be a mistake, but small decreases over time would be okay. Jack L. Underwood, M.D. READ MORE

  • Do antidepressants change your brain permanently?

    No. Dr. Underwood READ MORE

  • How do forensic pathologists handle seeing death so often?

    I have no idea since I am a psychiatrist, not a pathologist. However, I would guess they get used to it because they aren't emotionally involved.. Jack L.Undrwood, M.D. READ MORE

  • Is GAD a lifelong disorder?

    Yes & No. GAD is life-long for for some patients and not for others. Jack L. Underwood, M.D. READ MORE

  • What are the symptoms of a manic depression?

    Manic Depressive was changed to Bipolar many years ago. DSM-5 does not list a manic depressive personality disorder. In this area you have Bipolar I and II as well as Cyclothymic Disorder. The symptoms of highs and lows is minor in the latter, but extreme in I, but in the middle with II. Depression is more frequent than highs, but antidepressants can trigger a high so a blocker is needed. Jack L. Underwood, M.D. READ MORE

  • What therapy is most recommended for seniors?

    I treat seniors no different than anyone else. I do not approve of benzo's for anxiety for anyone because they are addicting and there are substitutes such as Lexapro etc. Jack L. Underwood, M.D. READ MORE

  • What is the best therapy for anxiety?

    The person asked what was the best therapy for anxiety. In my opinion, I would mention two things. First is the three A's, i.e., "Activity absorbs anxiety." Activity of any kind, even exercise, would benefit. Second is a medication that would reduce anxiety. My favorites are generic Lexapro and Zoloft. Buspar is an interesting alternative. Sometimes it doesn't have any effect for some patients, but for others it is the best. Avoid benzo's which are addictive. Lastly, have some psychotherapy. Jack L. Underwood, M.D. READ MORE

  • Can alcohol make you feel depressed?

    Yes. However, this is an individual response and may or may not occur. Also, the amount consumed is also a factor.. JLU READ MORE

  • Does drinking water help anxiety?

    Not to my knowledge, unless you are dehydrated. Jack L. Underwood, M.D. READ MORE

  • How can I calm my anxiety without medication?

    "Activity Absorbs Anxiety." Exercise is a form of activity. Walking for at least a half hour in the morning sunlight is also sometimes helpful. Why avoid medication? I would avoid benzos. Consider buspirone if AAA not effective. Jack L. Underwood, M.D. READ MORE

  • How can I calm my anxiety fast?

    Presentation anxiety? The mediication I have used for this is propranolol. It was successful with a lawyer presenting a case, a musician with a solo, and a presentation. It should be taken two hours before the presentation. The question is the dose. It is a low dose of 10 or 20 mg. The only possible adverse effect is being dizzy from low blood pressure, but this has not occurred with the low dose so far. In advance, take each dose and see your response. If no problem with 20, take 20; if adverse effect at 20, use 10. A 20 mg. tablet can be broken in half. Jack L. Underwood, M.D. READ MORE

  • Do antidepressants make you worse before better?

    No, antidepressants do not usually make you worse before better. About 30% of patients do not respond positively to antidepressants, and another 35% only partly. About 1% of individuals under age 25 will have suicidal ideation. This caused an FDA black-box warning which had the effect of reducing the treatment of this population and an increase of about three thousand suicides. With this info the FDA continued their warning and the suicides continued because of the lack of treatment. This was all because 1% had suicidal ideation, but not suicide. READ MORE

  • What are the symptoms of a manic depressive personality?

    There is no such diagnosis as manic depressive personality. There is Bipolar I & II plus Cyclothymic and Unspecified. The latter two might be what is being considered. JLU READ MORE

  • What are the treatment options for seasonal affective disorder?

    Seasonal affective disorder is frequent in upstate NY and northern USA. The cause is lack of light and that is one of the treatments. The light between 8 & 10 in the morning is best for reasons unknown so a half hour walk at that time is one treatment. Next is Vitamin D. It is low because of the lack of sunlight. Lastly is the taking of an anti-depressant. Sitting in front of a light takes too much time so I don't suggest it even though it is helpful. I started using the above treatments thirty years ago and have had good results ever since. Jack L. Underwood, M.D. READ MORE

  • Why does my mood change all the time?

    The medication could be a cause, but so could cyclothymic disorder be possible. READ MORE

  • What causes manic depression?

    Bipolar is genetic. Jack L. Underwood, M.D. READ MORE

  • Can you take anti-anxiety medicine while overweight?

    There is no conflict with regard to weight and anti-anxiety med except that some can have adverse effect of increasing appetite. If you are still having anxiety when you go out you should consider trying another. JLU READ MORE

  • What does manic depression mean?

    The new name for Manic Depression is Bi-Polar. A person with this illness has three moods, i.e., depression, mania, and normal. Mania means their mood is elevated or expansive. Most are responsive to medications, but the main problem is stopping the medication when they are feeling normal. This leads to a relapse. Jack L. Underwood, M.D. READ MORE

  • How can one approach a depressed friend?

    Be aware of the fact they are depressed and there may or may not be a reason for this. There may be a reason, such as a loss, but it may be constitutional. It may be genetic. With that awareness, just be your normal self in relating to them. Encourage them to seek therapy if they are not already involved. Don't say, "snap out of it" or anything along that line. Support their taking anti-depressant medications and to try more than one if one is not effective. JLU READ MORE

  • What are good anti-depressants?

    You have to see an M.D. in order to get an Rx. All anti-depressants are effective for some people, but it is 33% remission, 33% improvement, and 33% useless. However, there are other meds which if added to the antidepressant may make it work better. One of these is Latuda. Some non-psychiatrists may be able to treat this illness, but your odds are better with a psychiatrist. Jack L.Underwood, M.D. READ MORE

Dr. Jack L. Underwood, MD's Practice location

Jack L. Underwood, MD

1565 Union St -
Schenectady, NY 12309
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New patients: 518-374-5640
Fax: 413-375-5640

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