Dr. James Hooper M.D.

Psychiatrist | Psychiatry

1001 MIMOSA PARK ROAD TUSCALOOSA AL, 35405 Show map

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About

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

Education and Training

University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Univ of Ms Sch of Med, Jackson Ms 1973

Univ Of Ms Sch Of Med 1973

Board Certification

Forensic Psychiatry

Psychiatry

Psychiatry and NeurologyAmerican Board of Psychiatry and NeurologyABPN

Provider Details

MaleEnglish 47 years of experience

Dr. James Hooper M.D.

Dr. James Hooper M.D.'s Expert Contributions

My Answers

Is it safe for me to conceive if I am on antidepressants?
There are always possibilities with conception. Even with no meds, some babies have defects. However, for you specifically, the risk of injury to you/your child from non-treated depression is vastly greater than the risk due to side effects. No one can do a true study, because what mother would agree to take something she knew was harmful (ignoring those that drink, smoke, or use drugs)? A good guess is, there is one chance in a million your child will have something wrong as a birth defect. Taking your meds probably means there’s 2 chances in a million of a true defect. Not taking your meds puts you at about 2 in a hundred. That’s because depressed women can’t take care of themselves as well; they don’t sleep as well, and there is a serious risk of worsening, leading to self-harm. And more chance of post-partum depression, also damaging to the baby. Remember, too, you probably have genetic “defects” that everyone ignores. Heart disease, baldness, obesity. But no one avoids pregnancy because of those. Every baby has risks. No doubt in my mind. Stay on your meds. But talk to your doctors, not just me. Good luck! READ MORE
My brother is 39 and single, and I think it's making him depressed. What can we do to help?
One of the most common errors in mental health is projecting a cause without enough data. Many ppl with depression are socially withdrawn and apathetic, which can limit dating. If he just got divorced, he may be grieving rather than being depressed. If he has never lived on his own at age 39, he may have Asperger’s syndrome or be paranoid, or a closet alcoholic as a result of those or other problems. Does he have a job? Chronic medical problems? Without seeing and/or hearing him, I can’t know if he has physical defects that make him shy. You are concerned, which is the first step. Talk to him, let him know of your concerns and get him to a psychiatrist who can evaluate all the possible factors. Depression is very treatable, the problem is usually a failure to seek help. So, act on your concerns. That’s how you can help. I hope he gets better. READ MORE
My wife has no urge for sex. What should we do?
This is a complex question. First of all, does she see it as a problem? If so, she needs a complete medical exam with lab work. Many medical problems could be presenting this way. If she does not, then some counseling with both of you to look at overall patterns, changes, and communication could likely help. I can’t give you a one paragraph answer, but don’t ignore it. Good luck! READ MORE
My mother is depressed with too much pain in her body. What should I do?
This is a situation that depends greatly on why she has the pain. Treating the underlying illness is a primary concern, though depression always makes whatever pain worse. She may very well need treatment for depression as well. Without knowing more I can’t give you much more of an answer. She needs to be evaluated by a physician, and then move forward based on that opinion. READ MORE
What should I watch for when Adderall Xr 10 mg medication has stopped
I assume this was correctly prescribed since she has continued to take it. It’s used to control ADD, so stopping it will probably mean a return of symptoms. That’s hard to measure in a 14-year-old girl because life is fairly chaotic for them anyway. If her grades start falling or she starts getting in trouble, then she needs medicine. I hear you, none available. Next best is support, extra understanding. She shouldn’t have much in the way of w/d sxs, that drug is gone quickly. The clonidine may no longer be needed, as it’s usually there to counter insomnia. But if there’s a doctor who will prescribe that, ask their opinion. I feel for you, I had to leave practice on short notice once and my patients paid the price. We need more psychiatrists. Good luck. READ MORE
I worry too much about death. Is this normal?
This is an issue that requires more information. I can’t tell from your letter how much too much is. It seems you worry enough that you are concerned about it, but being around sick people and wondering if they are going to die is not, in itself, a problem. If the amount of worry you have is keeping you from work or social activities, then it may be a problem. You probably need to talk to someone, a counselor, priest, or such to get more of a feel about whether or not you worry “too much.“ Good luck. READ MORE
Is obsessing over the risk of infection a psychological problem?
It could be. The fact that you are worried is enough to question her behavior. I don’t know enough about your situation. Most first time mothers overdo fears about their child. If your child has had some major health problems, it may be justified. I would talk it over with the baby’s doctor and get their input. Good luck. READ MORE
I have a fear of heights. What can I do about it?
Since this has been a long-term problem for you and is causing you difficulties, I would recommend that you see a professional. I can’t really tell you who would be best, but I would guess it will take some time. I would see it as highly treatable, however. Good luck. READ MORE
Is being obsessed with one's looks some sort of a disease?
There are two answers: There is a disorder called body dismorphic disorder in which people have distorted views of themselves. If you see yourself as ugly and are trying to correct your defects, and your family says you don’t have them, then you might have BDD. Many people have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). In that, almost any behavior can become excessive. By definition, if it’s enough to cause concern by others or interfere with work/activities, it’s an official psychiatric problem. I think you should see a psychiatrist; specifically, a psychiatrist, since they are MDs and can prescribe meds if needed. Check your insurance, because many companies screw psych patients by dreaming up ways to keep you away from treatment. You may have to go through a GP first. Treatment for OCD is very effective, though it may take some trial and error Rx. BDD is very similar. Good luck. READ MORE
Is excess sex drive a mental health problem?
Sex drive is like many things...very high depends on others. I’ve seen patients who were young and healthy and only had any kind of sex, including masturbation, once or twice a year. I’ve also known couples who had intercourse 4-5 times per night. The issue is usually related to a difference in expectations/demands. If one partner wants sex and the other does not, and that issue happens frequently, then it can be a major source of trouble, as sex is one of the major reasons for being in a couple (or even a triad). Sometimes, masturbation can balance the scales, but if the desires include closeness, gaining attention, etc, then that won’t help. It is almost impossible to give you better answers without lots more detail, so I would sum it up by saying there is no "normal." If both people are happy most of the time, you're normal. If it is a recurring problem for you in multiple relationships, then I would suggest you see a professional. Anything from hormonal problems to anxiety could be a significant factor. Don’t think of yourself as weird anymore than you would if you were 6’ tall. For some spouses, that would be too tall, or too short, or even just right. Good luck. READ MORE
Why do I feel gloomy and sad during winters?
There is a disorder called Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. People with SAD feel depressed during times of decreased sunlight, but it can be treated with the right kind of artificial light. Depression is a very common disease, however, and about 1/4 of the population suffers from depression at some time. It also responds well to treatment. The first step is to see a primary care physician for a basic evaluation. Problems like anemia or low thyroid can also produce those symptoms. That doctor can then make appropriate referrals if needed. Good luck! READ MORE
My colleague is undergoing severe stress at work. Can a therapist help him?
He would certainly benefit. Everybody needs to talk to an objective outsider sometimes, and the assurance which that person is trained in will maintain confidentiality makes it a clear win. Do it!! READ MORE
Why do I overreact when I'm angry?
This is a question with so many variables that I can’t do it justice in an email. I think you need to hook up with a professional to talk for several hours to work this out. Good luck. READ MORE
I discovered anti-depressant pills in my daughter's cupboard yesterday. How should I confront her on this?
I’m afraid this needs more info. As an adult over 18, you have no legal right to demand any info about her healthcare unless she appears dangerous to you or herself, or unless you think she has a contagious disease. The best way to think of it, and most people don’t, is to treat her like she is a renter, even up to signing a lease. That way, you both spell out up front what you expect and what you allow. If she has a job and you need money, charge her fair rent. If she can’t pay, you can say $1 and agree to services, but write those down. Btw, I’m not so smart. I let a niece move in, my adult son said this to me... I’m the psychiatrist, I know what I’m doing!!! No I didn’t and boy I wish I had listened. Anyway, truth is always nice. If you think she seems depressed, sad, unmotivated, etc., maybe she’s depressed and getting appropriate care and doesn’t want to share. Or she’s depressed, but can’t afford care and so she’s using something a friend gave her. Probably not so good. I would start with “I found these...” if they’re a Rx in her name, probably good. If not, you need to know. It’s even possible she’s hiding some street drug in a bottle to try to hide it. If you own the house, you can throw her out. Get a lease. If you rent and she’s doing something shady, you could all wind up on the street. Or in jail. Her doctor can’t tell you stuff, but you could say you found them and you're concerned and maybe they can get her to catch you up. But mostly, you can ask and pray and make her leave, none are good options. READ MORE
Is there a difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A PhD psychologist has a college degree and usually 4 years of post-grad training. They study mental health, illness, and various treatments. They also study a fair amount of statistics, as many of them work in research areas. Most ppl with a clinical degree do a one-year internship working under supervision. A few places allow psychologists to prescribe some medications. Some psychologists are ABPP certified in a specialty area. A Psychiatrist has a college degree, four years of Medical school, and four years of post-graduate training. They then do four years of residency training in General Psychiatry, and a year or more in specialty areas. Since they are MD's, they have the same training as a general practitioner and can prescribe medications for medical problems as well as psychiatric. READ MORE
What causes mental fatigue?
Obviously, I can’t cover everything and I don’t have even basic lab work, but the number one cause would be depression. People can’t enjoy anything, their sleep gets screwed up, and they start feeling hopeless and helpless. If it gets bad enough, they start thinking about suicide. First step is to see a dr, and let him/her make further decisions. Good luck. READ MORE
Is it okay to drink when taking antidepressants?
Officially, don’t drink at all. That’s the safest course. A few ozs of alcohol won’t cause any life threatening allergic reaction, but alcohol does impair the meds and worsens depression, so why get treatment and then do something that counteracts it? But no, you won’t drop dead if you have 1 or 2 drinks. Not 1 or 2 cases of beer or bottles of wine. READ MORE
Is bipolar disorder hereditary?
No one knows absolutely. Most research has shown that people who have family histories are more likely to have the disease, but less than 5% of people develop this illness. So, your chances might be 6 or 7 out of a hundred instead of 3-4. Still most likely to not have it, but if you have significant depression or start not sleeping, you should get evaluated. Good luck! READ MORE
Are there any exercises for the brain?
Not really exercises as such. Hobbies serve that function, anything you can get distracted in - even collecting pokemon cards. But don't spend money to buy anything that promises to increase your IQ, or such. They don't work. READ MORE
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Zoloft?
Since I am not your physician, this is not a professional opinion. There is no doctor patient relationship. It is safest for everyone to avoid alcohol, as the benefits rarely outweigh the dangers. All that said, small amounts of alcohol - one or two mixed drinks or beers in an evening - should not cause any immediate problems with Zoloft. Further clarity should come from the person who prescribed the drug. READ MORE