Robert James Spensley
Psychiatrist | Psychiatry
4217 Winding Woods Way Fair Oaks California, 95628About
Dr. Robert Spensley has been selected as a top doctor and is a published member of The Leading Physicians of the World, being recognized for their experience, compassion and medical contributions. Although he is now retired, for years, Dr. Robert Spensley provided California patients with unsurpassed care and comprehensive treatments. With a passion for medicine and innovation, Dr. Robert Spensley upheld the highest standards in patient care while being a vital resource to local residents and the healthcare community.
Education and Training
University of Michigan
Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology-Psychiatry
Provider Details
Robert James Spensley's Expert Contributions
Can chronic pain lead to depression?
That is a real possibility, but it does not automatically mean that medication is to treatment of choice. Situational stress and depression may be better treated with cognitive-behavioral or psychotherapy. READ MORE
Is anxiety a normal part of fibromyalgia?
Since the chronic pain of fibromyalgia is difficult to control, the lack of control frequently leads to tension and anxiety. Exercise can reduce tension and thereby reduce anxiety. READ MORE
Does schizophrenia cause seizures?
Seizures and schizophrenia are separate problems. Neither causes the other. READ MORE
What are the symptoms of Ritalin addiction?
I am not an expert regarding Ritalin, but you began at a rather late age. Were you diagnosed with ADHD? Your symptoms sound like habituation. I recommend you consult with your physician READ MORE
Can eating disorders develop at any age?
Eating disorders can develop at any time. It sounds like a conflicted marriage and divorce was stressful enough to set this off. READ MORE
Is it safe for my daughter to be on anxiety medication?
This is a situation that requires careful evaluation. If her anxiety is too strong, it may interfere with her talk therapy which is most appropriate. I personally would select a longer acting medication such as clonazepam which is less likely to be abused and less habituating. READ MORE
Do antidepressants cause memory loss?
A minority of patients can develop cognitive effects over time. This may be due to a single antidepressant. In my practice, I will usually switch to a different antidepressant when the benefits have been substantial. READ MORE
Is Contrave safe for weight-loss?
I am not familiar with Contrave, but I do not favor medication for weight loss. Generally, lasting weight loss requires a combination of a change in diet [Mediterrranean preferably], portion control, and regular exercise. READ MORE
How do I ween myself off of opioid medications?
Doing it yourself is a long and difficult process. Every 10 to 14 days you decrease your dose by 10%-15%. You will probably have some withdrawal symptoms, but try to tolerate them. READ MORE
Are antidepressants good for elderly patients?
There is no simple answer to your question. Like all medications, antidepressants may have a wide variety of side effects. Their benefits are also quite variable. The benefits your mother may have need to be carefully evaluated on a regular basis. In addition, be alert for any negatively effects and immediately inform her doctor if you observe anything of concern to you. READ MORE
Is Adderall the only form of treatment for ADHD?
There are several different medications for ADHD. There are also behavioral therapies which can be helpful. READ MORE
What is the education and training required to become a psychiatrist?
One must first complete all the premed undergraduate requirements and usually receive a BS degree. Then one must complete medical school [usually a 4 year program] and then complete a 4 year psychiatric residency. Thus you have an MD degree with a specialization in Psychiatry. READ MORE
My son has a birth defect in his hand. How can I make sure it doesn’t affect his confidence level?
Make every effort to be warm, affectionate, and accepting of his appearance and any functional defect he may have. Let him know that some kids can be mean, but to realize that is their problem - do not make it your problem. READ MORE
I am extremely scared of talking in public. Why do I have this fear?
Fears like this are specific to the individual. Being the center of attention is often difficult for many. Discussing your fears and background experiences with a counselor might give you more helpful information. READ MORE
Will counseling help my son get over his stage fright?
Counseling could help if your son is willing to work on overcoming his fears. READ MORE
Can a psychiatrist help someone who is losing their memory?
Only if that person specializes in dementia. Any counselor can help with the anxiety and depression. READ MORE
What could be the reason my mother is just not eating?
This is clearly depression. A psychiatric evaluation is definitely indicated. READ MORE
I worry too much about death. Is this normal?
Counseling would be most likely to help. There are also apps for mindfulness which could be helpful. READ MORE
Why do I feel more happy in the afternoon?
Sometimes a nap is more refreshing than night sleep. READ MORE
Difference in treatment between a psychiatrist and psychologist?
A psychiatrist could determine if your anxiety and depression might have a biologic cause and could respond to medication. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Associate Professor, UC Davis -
Professional Society Memberships
- American Psychiatric Association, California Medical Association
Articles and Publications
36 Publications
What do you attribute your success to?
Psychiatry is natural for him, as he is comfortable listening to people and helping them develop an increased capacity for intimacy.
Teaching and speaking
Psychotherapy supervision, psychiatry residents, UC Davis Sshool of Medicine
Hobbies / Sports
- Tennis, Woodworking, Gardening
Favorite professional publications
- American Journal of Psychiatry
Robert James Spensley's Practice location
Robert James Spensley's reviews
Write ReviewRecommended Articles
- How Can I Treat Anxiety at Home?
Understanding AnxietyAnxiety attacks are difficult to control without the help of a therapist. But by learning and educating oneself about anxiety may help to prevent it. Anxiety is an excessive reaction to a stressful situation, which brings in trembling, a choking feeling, pain in the heart...
- Coping with Geriatric Depression
Geriatric depression is a mental and emotional disorder that affects seniors. Every stage of life has its own set of challenges and aging is no exception. In fact, significant major changes surface and occur later life, such as the death of a loved one, retirement, medical problems, and increased...
- The Science Behind Depression: What Happens in Your Brain
Although the causes of depression are often associated with tragic life events, pregnancy, retirement, or conflicts in a relationship, this complex disorder is scientifically believed to be caused by a chemical imbalance. This chemical imbalance can be a result of a genetic vulnerability,...
- Xanax: Side Effects, Withdrawal Symptoms, & the Safe Way to Get Off the Drug
Xanax is a medication used to treat patients suffering from panic disorders, anxiety, and depression due to anxiety. Xanax is a part of the drug family or class benzodiazepines.Effects of this drug usually start within twenty-five minutes of taking it and provide relief for up to a few hours....
- How to Help Someone Who Has Binge Eating Disorder
A severe eating disorder, binge eating disorder is a condition in which you regularly eat abnormally large quantities of food and have no control over the urge and event.Everyone can attest to the fact that it is normal to overeat at times such as on holiday parties and special occasions. However,...
- What Is a Transorbital Lobotomy?
Transorbital LobotomyTransorbital lobotomy was once considered as a form of neurosurgery that was labeled as "insane". A pioneer in this field was a Portuguese doctor named António Egas Moniz. He introduced frontal lobotomy in 1935 for certain cases of psychosis and won a Nobel Prize because of...
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