Health and Psychology

I really ought to have a category that says cats and psychology.  I like explaining things to people using animal models.  It's clearer.  It blames no one.  It makes talking about behavior issues so much simpler.

So historically my cat, Tatum-a three year old tortoise shell colored female tabby cat, has had weird medical issues.  I was told that by the rescue organization when I got her.  She'd had five foster homes and was on a turkey pate only...

I have three offices but the primary place where I do psychological and neuropsychological testing, (unless I'm working on contract for another company at their location), is in my Glendale office.  I have access to well over 300 psychological tests, rating scales and measurements.  Some of these are online.  Some of these are portable.  Some of these require a lot of equipment and special testing condiions.

In my Santa Clarita office I use a single room ...

Most people have never heard of a medical or health psychologist.  Conceptualized back in the 1960's and 1970's, medical psychologists were initially thought to be physician extenders, very similar to Physician Assistants now.  We were taught basic biology and human systems work as well as extensive interviewing skills and history taking.  In the 1970's the field of medical psychology split into health psychology and medical psychology.
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There was an article this morning on Houzz about how difficult it is for people to get used to a new piece of furniture. Change is difficult for people. The brain wants sameness. It wants order and routine. Change requires the brain to expend energy. Even when changes are positive-a new job, a new car, a promotion, a new house-it disrupts the pattern and creates stress. The stress is both psychological and physiological. People often get sick with the disruption in routine, the cold s...

I used to walk three miles to the ice cream store with a friend when I was 8. I used to build things and played stick ball with the boys on my block in the middle of the street starting when I was in preschool. I still remember my childhood and the idea that I could create anything that I wanted. The kids that are sheltered, homeschooled, and given nothing but prearranged play activities are hampered in all aspects of their adult life.

I have an animal model for this.
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Cognitive Behavior Therapy is an evidence based treatment that is effective in significantly improving symptoms of depression, anxiety and other psychological problems.  There are a couple of problems with the method.

1.  First-Cognitive Behavior Therapy is NOT effective in treating depression and anxiety as a symptom of a medical illness that is NOT a psychological illness.  So one of the things I look for in evaluating a medical condition is that an evidence...

I will frequently ask new patients to get copies of their laboratory results and a copy of the note from their complete physical. I’m often met with the response that “The doctor said everything was fine.” Or “The doctor said everything was normal.”

In the last several cases in the past year where I have requested laboratory studies and a complete physical note, and have been told “everything was normal” what’s been present ...

Child Maltreatment: Consequences

Child maltreatment affects children’s health now and later, and costs our country as much as other high profile public health problems. Neglect, physical abuse, custodial interference and sexual abuse are types of child maltreatment that can lead to poor physical and mental health well into adulthood. The physical, psychological, behavioral and economic consequences of child maltreatment are explained below.

Prevalence: About 14% of Ch...

There are about five different types of evidence based treatment currently available for depression.  The treatment involves learning some skills to manage how the individual thinks, acts, and feels when events occur. There are several different types of skill sets that help people manage.  The skills set depends on the specific type of treatment.  

When I suspect someone has a medical condition that contributes to feelings of depression, I usually treat the depression fi...

All of the people in my clinical practice have some underlying medical or neurological disorder. Finding out about those issues starts with the first phone call. Most people with anxiety and depression will significantly improve by using an evidence-based treatment. So if someone has had an evidence-based treatment (CBT, Mindfulness, ACT etc.) and has not responded to treatment then some underlying condition may be involved. Here are all the things I screen for in looking for a medical c...