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
What is the difference between a nervous breakdown and a psychotic break?
A nervous breakdown is a very general term denoting a significant loss of function. This can occur with anxiety, depression and ever situational struggles. A psychotic break denotes the presence of hallucinations, delusions, or a combination where there is a lack of reality testing. READ MORE
What causes bipolar depression?
Bipolar Depression is one of the illnesses that has biologic roots, often genetic. As with most biologic illnesses, medication is usually indicated. READ MORE
Can antidepressants cause insomnia?
It depends on the antidepressant. One simple thing to try, have your son take his antidepressant first thing in the morning. READ MORE
Should I go to the hospital for an anxiety attack?
It would be best for you to have a psychiatrist evaluate you first. Seeking help first from a hospital would be expensive and probably unnecessary. Anxiety, unless totally debilitating is usually treated on an outpatient basis. READ MORE
Does taking antidepressants for years negatively affect your brain?
Not usually. Some people may over time develop some cognitive slowing. READ MORE
Can you work in aerospace medicine if you suffer from social anxiety?
That depends on how you cope with your social anxiety. If you work hard at managing your anxiety , you can probably be successful. Use vigorous exercise to manage your anxiety and consider mindfulness meditation as another way of managing your emotions. READ MORE
Why do bipolar people get so angry?
Good advice. Angry episodes by bipolar people are usually the result a hypo-manic episode. A mood regulator is definitely in order. READ MORE
What is the best treatment for a child's depression?
Have an evaluation by a child psychiatrist to obtain the best specific information, READ MORE
What causes sleep paralysis?
The cause is not well understood..Sleep paralysis is on of a number of parasomnias. More common are nightmares, night terrors and sleep walking. An evaluation by your son's primary care doctor would be in order. READ MORE
How long does it take to recover from PTSD?
It depends on the severity of trauma, the treatment you are receiving, and the amount of effort you are willing to make. Without effective therapy, recovery is doubtful. READ MORE
How do you know you have chronic stress?
You frequently during each day notice physical and or emotional tension. This is made worse by thinking frequently about this tension. READ MORE
How long can anxiety last after an injury?
That is highly variable. It depends on how much you find yourself thinking about the details of your injury. Therapy could be quite helpful in moving on rather than to keep reviewing the incident. READ MORE
Can stress make you bloated?
Yes, it can certainly effect your GI system in a wide variety of ways. READ MORE
What should you do after a panic attack?
I believe the most important question is how do I prevent panic attacks. If they are quite severe and frequent, the first step is medication-usually an SSRI. Then it can be helpful to identify possible frequent triggers that set off the attacks. That can give you the option of developing other ways of managing the situations. After a panic attack, it is helpful to use relaxation techniques to calm yourself. READ MORE
How long can you stay on fluoxetine?
That depends on the severity of your symptoms when you were first started and whether you became totally free of symptoms. Usually, I recommend one year and then a very gradual withdrawal. If symptoms recur, go back to your maintenance dose as quickly as possible. READ MORE
What is the main purpose of psychological testing?
To discover the presents of psychological disorders. READ MORE
What is the best home remedy for stress?
Regular exercise and a daily meditation and systematic relaxation. READ MORE
Does therapy work for children with anxiety?
Yes, there are a variety of therapy approaches for children with anxiety. READ MORE
How does alcohol increase depression?
Alcohol itself is a depressant. One or two drinks would probably not increase your depression, but in particularly sensitive individuals, even a small amount can increase depression. READ MORE
Why do I get depressed after drinking?
Alcohol is a depressant. Also, you may say or do things when you drink that you feel bad about. 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
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