Depression

Anxiety and depression are among the most common mental health disorders globally, affecting millions of individuals in their daily lives. These conditions can vary greatly in severity and impact, from mild, transient episodes to severe, chronic forms that can significantly hinder personal and professional functioning. Anxiety and depression are generally treated with a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. However, some individuals may find themselves struggling with symptoms despite trying various treatments, leading to the question: Is there such a thing as untreatable anxiety or depression? Depression and Anxiety Can Be “Treatment Resistant” There is a term for anxiety…

As psychiatrists, we are always looking for new, safe, effective ways to treat conditions that are otherwise difficult to treat. That is why many of us are so excited about TMS therapy, and why we have added it to our practice here at Aware Behavioral Health. TMS Therapy, or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, is a non-invasive, non medicinal, therapeutic intervention used to treat various neurological and psychiatric disorders, notably major depressive disorder. This therapy utilizes magnetic fields to modulate neuronal activity in specific parts of the brain. A device is placed on your head, and the electromagnetic waves target the specific…

Science is frequently involving, and our goal as psychiatrists is to utilize the best available medicine and technology to help our patients thrive. At Aware Behavioral Health, we are thrilled to now be able to offer TMS therapy for patients in the region that need a unique, effective way to treat otherwise difficult-to-treat depression and other mental health issues. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy represents a groundbreaking approach in the treatment of various mental health disorders, offering a non-invasive, medication-free option for individuals seeking alternative or adjunctive treatments. When other treatment options have not been as effective, or Dr. Sehdev…

Exploring Emotional Landscapes with Insights from Psychiatry Sadness is a universal human emotion, one that is an important part of the human experience. We know it as our desire to cry, feel down, and be upset. As a psychiatrist, we also understand that sadness is not only a feeling and emotion – it is also a neuropsychological reaction that your brain engages in for specific, behavioral reasons. The Neuropsychological Basis of Sadness Sadness, like all emotions, originates in the brain, engaging complex neural networks and neurotransmitter systems. Key brain regions involved in the experience and regulation of sadness include: The…

Expert Psychiatric Care for Seasonal Affective Disorder at Aware Behavioral Health At Aware Behavioral Health, we specialize in the psychiatric management of depression, including seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that commonly occurs during specific seasons, particularly in fall and winter. Led by a local psychiatrist that truly cares about your health and wellness, Aware Behavioral Health offers comprehensive and personalized care to individuals grappling with this condition. If you’re encountering the challenges of seasonal depression, our expert psychiatric team is ready to assist with professional and compassionate care. Contact us today to get started.…

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) has emerged as a promising treatment for various neuropsychiatric conditions, most notably treatment-resistant depression. As with any medical intervention, understanding the long-term implications is crucial for making informed decisions. The following are some of the long term benefits and risks associated with TMS therapy in Dallas. Understanding the Core Mechanism of TMS Therapy Before diving into the long-term components of TMS therapy, it’s essential to grasp how TMS therapy works. TMS utilizes electromagnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain, specifically targeting regions involved in mood control and depression. This technology is designed to modulate…

Dallas is hot. Most of next week is expected to be 95 degrees and humid, all with essentially no wind to help cool us down. Many people are familiar with a condition known as “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” It’s a type of depression that occurs primarily in winter, when a person has less access to sunlight. We know that colder, darker days are capable of causing depression. But we don’t often talk about depression that occurs in the summer as a result of summer-related issues. Sun itself is not linked to depression. If anything, sun helps to treat it. But heat…

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aware Behavioral Health became a 100% telepsychiatry service. Once the pandemic restrictions eased and some of the dangers went away, we began seeing patients again in Dallas, but most of our patients still utilize our Telehealth services. On occasion, especially during those early days, we would be asked by prospective patients whether or not Telehealth really worked and why we were not planning on scheduling in-person consultations. But what we’ve found – and what has been confirmed by the research – is that not only does telepsychiatry work, it is often easier for the patients as…

Herbs, extracts, and vitamins – there is a 70 billion dollar market for natural health supplements, designed to act as alternatives to pharmaceutical research. The idea is that, instead of taking a drug that has been extensively researched for its ability to treat a specific medical issue, there are potentially natural plant based alternatives that can provide the same benefits without the side effects or risks. Let’s be clear from the beginning: 95% of these herbal supplements do not work. Their claims and beliefs are frequently disproven, and – even when some do have a pharmacological effect – the effect…