A new study finds that lifestyle changes can improve cognition This article published in The Wall Street Journal is a very important and welcome sign that the discussion around Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as well as many other neurodegenerative disorders is shifting. Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are not inevitable, and we do not have […]
TBI: An Overlooked Cause of Mental and Physical Problems in Adults
Traumatic brain injury’s (TBI) after-effects can show up months and years after a long-forgotten head injury from a car accident, a fall, sport-related head injury, etc. Often overlooked in psychiatric evaluations of adults, traumatic brain injury can manifest in a host of mental and physical ways. It’s important to rule out TBI as a cause […]
Little Known 12-Step Resource Helps Patients
In my years of practice I know one thing for certain: patients who have outside support heal faster, improve their interpersonal relationships, and are more productive in their lives. Sometimes that support comes from family, a spouse, or loved one. Sometimes from a psychotherapist or a coach. I want to give a shout out to a […]
Why do antidepressants?
One reason they fail has to do with about the role of some specific ingredients necessary for neuronal function. The first ingredient is L-tryptophan. A person who is taking an antidepressant medication has to have a healthy balanced diet. Key issue: He or she has to get enough protein in their diet. Most depressed people […]
Is This Really Bipolar Disorder?
Is This Really Bipolar Disorder? 18-year-old female freshman in 2012 who presents with rapid cycling bipolar type 1, suicidal at times, insomnia, exhaustion, insomnia, memory issues, tremor, PMS. Atypical presentation: visual and auditory hallucinations/illusions, depersonalization, synthesia; responds well to benzos. Medication failure: Lithium, Lamictal, Seroquel, Xanax, BCP. Chronic sinusitis, ETOH seizures-TLE-like, cataplexy/REM Latency. Diet: High […]
Precision Medicine applied to Psychiatry
Samantha, a 14-year old girl, was brought to my office by her mother. When I first saw her, she was withdrawn, barely made eye contact, and had her headphones in even as she was answering my questions. She was depressed, had been diagnosed with ADD, and an anxiety disorder, but her mother did not want […]
Toxic Dormitories & Mold
While a college education is a necessary educational step for most people, colleges and universities are under increasing scrutiny due to their high cost and poor performance on a variety of measures. One area not discussed, but of fundamental importance is the dormitory itself. As a psychiatrist and functional medicine physician, I have seen many […]
Dr. Robert Hedaya Explains How to Use Genetic Testing Medically
At The Whole Psychiatry & Brain Recovery Center, genetic testing is used as part of an entire whole person workup. Genetic test results are assessed vis a vis personal history, physical exam and other lab data. This provides the most personalized form of Personalized Medicine. Patients come from across the country to avail themselves of […]