| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Neurotic | 11/19/2009 |
Q: maybe you could answer?? Is there a difference between neuroticism and neuroses? Is "being" ...
A: Is there a difference between neuroticism and neuroses? No Is "being" neurotic a disability, a ...
|
| something's up | 11/19/2009 |
Q: Okay, here it goes. It all started two months ago. A junior in a very competitive high school, I was ...
A: Yes, it sounds like anxiety. Sounds like you pushed yourself a little beyond what you should -- you ...
|
| So how do I forget about "Screw this" and just say "Yes I will take everything" | 11/18/2009 |
Q: The anxiety that I am trying to control is feeling that if and when I do get my own place that I ...
A: I am confused: what is the problem? If you are otherwise functioning fine, you are allowed to have ...
|
| my girlfriend | 11/18/2009 |
Q: I've never done this before but I don't know what else to do. I have a girlfriend that I am deeply ...
A: Sorry, but there is nothing you can do individually. She needs professional help. Perhaps if a ...
|
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. | 11/17/2009 |
Q: I developed this syndrome as a side-effect from metoclopramide, when it was administered to me while ...
A: No one knows why some people get NMS and most people do not. It is very rare. Because it effects ...
|
| Change | 11/15/2009 |
Q: My boyfriend can't cry. Instead he laughs. He's been to 18 family funerals, so it has been a rough ...
A: He needs to be in some therapy to help this problem -- he complains that no one understands, but ...
|
| Laughing Problem?/Disorder? | 11/14/2009 |
Q: I have a laughing problem that has been on my mind since a few weeks ago. I've had this laughing ...
A: It is not a laughing problem. If you have stray thoughts you cannot control, AND it interferes with ...
|
| Future Psychiatrist | 11/12/2009 |
Q: First of All Thank You for your Time Being a Psychiatrist is where my heart is and my dreams are ...
A: 1. Where do I begin? I know it takes tons of schooling, but that does not matter to me. You need ...
|
| Unhealthy Pet Obsession | 11/10/2009 |
Q: M.D My mother and father divorced about 15 years ago and since then they have both developed an ...
A: It is not clear there is any psychiatric problem here. You parents are obviously mean if they know ...
|
| Career change advice | 11/9/2009 |
Q: To me this is very complicated. I come from a very small town out in the middle of no where. My ...
A: "I have been considering leaving for the winter and going to the city for 5 months and try working a ...
|
| anxiety and elavil | 11/6/2009 |
Q: . i lost my job this past june and since then have been suffering from extreme anxiety/panic... ...
A: Ativan if fine for this, Elavil is fine for this, SSRI's are fine for this. My suggestion is you ...
|
| Severe personality disorder. Asperger's?? | 11/6/2009 |
Q: I am writing this because the problems with my sister "Liz" are tearing the family apart. "Liz" is ...
A: It sounds like Aspergers, but could be a personality disorder. She should be in treatment with a ...
|
| Is this emotional or physical? | 11/6/2009 |
Q: I'm a 21 year old female. I've been diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome and Bipolar I Disorder. ...
A: It is POSSIBLE for you to have Parkinson's disease, although it is unlikely at your age (and it is ...
|
| Dealing With Stress? | 11/5/2009 |
Q: and thank you for reading this. Lately there's been a lot of stress going on around me, and I'm ...
A: Yes, the physical problems could increase the stress, or vice versa, as stress increases physical ...
|
| Concerta vs other ADD meds | 11/3/2009 |
Q: I am a 27 year old female with bipolar I and was recently diagnosed with ADD. Well, 10 months ago. ...
A: Multiple times per day IF (and a very big IF) the dosages are taken ON TIME (no, "I was in a meeting ...
|
| what to look for in a psychiatrist | 11/2/2009 |
Q: My daughter had been seeing a psychiatrist for ADD and anxiety disorder for many years. She was ...
A: The best thing to look for is that that psychiatrist is "board certified." In addition, good ...
|
| Child Psychology | 10/22/2009 |
Q: My son studying upper kinder garden started vomiting 15 days back when he was at school. He vomited ...
A: You have to continue to force him to go to school. Yes, force him to go to school. As you already ...
|
| Family Issue | 10/22/2009 |
Q: I am 16 years old, and my parents and I have not been getting a long for a while now. we got in a ...
A: Two things: the counselor is right that you have to hang in there -- this is pretty typical of ...
|
| I have a hard time being affectionate w/my Mom | 10/21/2009 |
Q: My mother and I haven't always gotten along (I left home at 17, she suffered from depression thru my ...
A: What is wrong with you is that you are putting too much emphasis on the relationship with your ...
|
| healthy development | 10/21/2009 |
Q: I have a 4yo who is highly verbal (in both speech and comprehension) and she was, as an only ...
A: As you already know, she is testing her limits. You have to decide on the limits. When she goes ...
|
| brother molested me | 10/20/2009 |
Q: I am 27 and a female who comes from a disfunction family. My parents divorced when I was 1 or 2 ...
A: "I always stop when it gets to upsetting to face the therapist again with them knowing more about my ...
|
| Possible ADD? | 10/18/2009 |
Q: My son was 6years in April 20th 2009, but before then it has never being easy raising him. Although ...
A: He seems to have some hyperactivity. This could be handled with some counseling, for you and him ...
|
| No Friends | 10/15/2009 |
Q: I am a 13 year old boy. I make very good grades and I am good in basketball and golf. I don't have ...
A: I wouldn't worry too much about the girls situation at this time. That will happen as you get ...
|
| brother molested me | 10/15/2009 |
Q: I am 27 and a female who comes from a disfunction family. My parents divorced when I was 1 or 2 ...
A: "How much of an affect does this sort of situation cause on a woman years down the line? " It ...
|
| Mother's moods are not normal. | 10/12/2009 |
Q: My mother has always been unstable. She would snap at my slamming her car door a little too hard, or ...
A: She needs good psychiatric help. The only thing you can really do is get together all family ...
|
| WHAT CAN PSYCHIATRIST TREAT? | 9/24/2009 |
Q: 1.) I am wondering what all other medical issues and or illnesses other than psychiatric oriented ...
A: 1.) I am wondering what all other medical issues and or illnesses other than psychiatric oriented ...
|
| Reading addiction | 9/22/2009 |
Q: My wife has been reading books non stop for the past 8 months. It is so bad that she hardly pay ...
A: That is clearly abnormal: "she hardly pay attention to me, our kids and home." I would be concerned ...
|
| Three Year old Behavior | 9/22/2009 |
Q: - I have a question regarding my 3 year old son. My X and I share custody and my son stays with ...
A: It sounds like you are overreacting some. First, 3yo cannot tell reality from fact a whole lot of ...
|
| my husband has bi-polar | 9/16/2009 |
Q: My husband and I have been married since 2003. Around 2007 he started having panic attacks at work ...
A: " My question is, are these conditions something he might be able to get disability for? " Yes, ...
|
| whats wrong with me ???? | 9/12/2009 |
Q: ...and heres my problem .....all my life i have been chunky or over weight ....thought it hasnt ...
A: One thing for your weight, and your socialization, is to find an Overeaters Anonymous group to go to ...
|
| SID and Asperger's | 9/9/2009 |
Q: My son is 11 years old and has Asperger’s and Sensory Integration Disorder. He is on the high end ...
A: It is believed these disorders will respond to treatment. There is a lot of research going on in ...
|
| weird thoughts/behavior | 9/7/2009 |
Q: First, I just want to thank you for taking time to read this. I hope I make sense as sometimes I can ...
A: These type of anger control symptoms are frequently a sign of a mood disorder, depression, and ...
|
| dealing with a difficult person | 9/6/2009 |
Q: i am a 51 year old woman. my husband of 30 years is difficult to deal with. Example: today he at the ...
A: Yes, that's it, go about your own life. The danger here is that you will grow further apart, of ...
|
| Extreme shyness | 9/4/2009 |
Q: Maya is 15 - she has been extremely shy since she was 2 or so. Maya is amazingly bright, ...
A: Well, I wouldn't start with medications, but I would start with therapy, and would recommend group ...
|
| Relationship | 9/4/2009 |
Q: My fiance and I have been together for 3 years now. We live with his parents as our daughter was ...
A: You might want to consider some counseling for yourself, to determine how to handle this situation, ...
|
| painc | 9/3/2009 |
Q: I have a lot of anxiety. Sometimes it is so bad i can't sleep. Can you help
A: Best thing would be for you to find a good therapist who can teach you some relaxation exercises, or ...
|
| My Mom is so negative | 8/31/2009 |
Q: My mom was taken out of work for her depression about 2 years ago. She has been seeing a counselor ...
A: "I have even thought about calling her doctors and letting them know, but I don't know if I would be ...
|
| Heart Obsession Please Help. | 8/28/2009 |
Q: I am a 54 year old man in good health. I just went for a physical and the doctor said that ...
A: "I have been taking antianxiety medicine for years and we live in such a small place there is no ...
|
| Anxiety question | 8/24/2009 |
Q: My mam had a mental breakdown and was diagnosed with schizophrenia last year which affected me a ...
A: "My question is, do the symptoms of what I have described sound like problems caused by what has ...
|
| xanax withdrawal | 8/24/2009 |
Q: sorry not speak fluent English but i need help. 12 years ago after having been operated for lung ...
A: Why do you want to reduce it? If it is controlling your anxiety, the anxiety is just going to get ...
|
| Two SSRI's and question about BPD | 8/23/2009 |
Q: First a question about SSRI's. I am on 40 mg Prozac, 40 mg Celexa and 0.75 mg Risperdal. What are ...
A: What are some reasons for using two SSRI's at once? Not that I know of. Are they very different ...
|
| add & bipolar? | 8/20/2009 |
Q: Harrop. I have two related questions. First, can bipolar II and adult ADD be comorbid, or does the ...
A: First, can bipolar II and adult ADD be comorbid, or does the presence of one tend to rule out the ...
|
| psychology degrees after MD | 8/17/2009 |
Q: I am currently studying medicine in India and will be appearing for the USMLE. I would like to ...
A: OK, but I have no idea why you want to change fields. You do understand that your training in ...
|
| Grown Child In Therapy | 8/17/2009 |
Q: My daughter has recently entered therapy. Her Dad and I were divorced when she was eight. She is ...
A: You need to stand up for yourself. If she gets abusive, you announce, "I am not going to listen to ...
|
| Possible to have a healthy love obsession? | 8/17/2009 |
Q: I am a 27 year old female living with her parents and diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder and ...
A: "So I just wanted a second opinion and perhaps confirmation that my love for this doctor is ...
|
| dilated pupils, ADHD? | 8/15/2009 |
Q: my name's Claire and I'm 22. I live with my parents because I haven't been able to keep a job. ...
A: Anxiety can, and I'm not sure why you don't think you have that. "constant talking, constant ...
|
| Needing advice and possible solution! | 8/15/2009 |
Q: This is a psychiatric question and will be asked on as many sites as possible until I get a good ...
A: "I need somebody to give me some straight advice as to what I can do because I know something can be ...
|
| 16 month old in distress | 8/14/2009 |
Q: I have a 16 month old niece who has been involved in a custody battle for the last 6 months. In the ...
A: Of course you should be concerned, and hopefully the court and any social worker involved should be ...
|
| Addiction Therapy | 8/13/2009 |
Q: When I grow up I want to be an addiction psychiatrist specializing in drugs. What do I need to major ...
A: To be a psychiatrist, you need four years of college in a pre-medical curriculum, four years of ...
|
| dilated pupils, ADHD? | 8/12/2009 |
Q: my name's Claire and I'm 22. I live with my parents because I haven't been able to keep a job. ...
A: "I know you can't diagnose somebody online but does this sounds like ADHD to you?" Yes, there is ...
|
| Sexual Fetishes | 8/12/2009 |
Q: I find this terribly embarrassing and I'm not even sure I'm in the right place. I looked in the ...
A: Several thoughts: There is nothing particularly wrong with fetishes, as long as no one is being ...
|
| panic disorder | 8/10/2009 |
Q: i am 41 years old and i have suffered with panic disorder for 18 years, 7 years mis-diagnosed as ...
A: Sure, there is plenty of help. Have you tried more than medication, such as behavioral ...
|
| BLOCKING OUT THOUGHTS | 8/10/2009 |
Q: I have this wierd problem which started five or so years ago. I was on holiday with my family and ...
A: You really need some relaxation or behavioral modification therapy for this. In the meantime, just ...
|
| Uncharacteristc Lying | 8/7/2009 |
Q: When I went away to college this past, I met a girl who had been very shielded. She had terrible ...
A: She is very ill psychiatrically to make up something like this. She needs to be in psychotherapy, ...
|
| advice on son's behaviour | 8/5/2009 |
Q: my son is under the child and adolsecent health mental service,but they cannot say what he has ...
A: All you can really do is stick with the doctors currently treating him and follow their advice. ...
|
| Daughter's delusional stories | 8/3/2009 |
Q: My grown, married, twenty five year old daughter is increasingly reintegrating events and stories to ...
A: Yes, she is delusional. You do not have to argue with someone with delusions, but you also do not ...
|
| ADHD AND ON STEROIDS | 8/3/2009 |
Q: Harrop: Hello! Fellow Expert. I volunteer to answer questions on Lupus, So i do know how difficult ...
A: 1st of all does steroids exacerbate ADHD? No, but steroids can exacerbate mood problems. Secondly ...
|
| Compulsive lying and Mental Retardation | 8/1/2009 |
Q: As a case manager,I am working with a young woman who is moderately delayed and tells lies upon ...
A: I would make it clear to the psychiatrist that she lies, even if you have to put it in a polite ...
|
| Can not contact my therapist | 7/28/2009 |
Q: I have been unable to contact my psychologist for four months. I have been seeing him for over ...
A: It sound as if you have been abandoned by your psychologist. The state psychology licensing board ...
|
| Facing & accepting your fear | 7/26/2009 |
Q: I see a CBT. Last week, we were discussing worry. The Dr often has me use dysfunctional thought ...
A: Actually, anxiety comes more from the unknown than the known. Patient's in a hospital often say the ...
|
| Starting group therapy for PTSD | 7/26/2009 |
Q: I have had depression and anxiety problems since I was 5 years old and at the age of 25 I have ...
A: "My question is what happens if group therapy fails? what if I don't get anything out of it or get ...
|
| back to school nightmares | 7/23/2009 |
Q: I am 16 years old and will be entering the 11th grade in late august. Every summer since about 4th ...
A: It's not serious, but clearly uncomfortable for you. If it is going to interfere with you actually ...
|
| clinical psychologist salary | 7/20/2009 |
Q: im interested in the actual salary of a clinical psychologist. i've done research and it seems like ...
A: I am not a psychologist; I am a psychiatrist. It is my understanding that the $125K refers to a ...
|
| I don't know, isn't an answer | 7/18/2009 |
Q: My girlfriend of just over four years has recently started not coming home for days at a time. This ...
A: She may not know. It appears she has at least an alcohol problem, and maybe a substance abuse ...
|
| brother's behaviorial disorders | 7/18/2009 |
Q: My brother is about 50 & a bank manager. He loved & married to an illiterate & poor girl. They have ...
A: There is no solution to HIS problem To HERS, she needs to find an agency that helps battered/abused ...
|
| My Best Friend Is Stressing Me Out | 7/16/2009 |
Q: My best friend and I work together inspecting carpets after our company cleans them. We work ...
A: Sorry. I think you should let it go. If you force her to choose between you and her boyfriend, she ...
|
| Am I stuck this way? | 7/11/2009 |
Q: When I was six or seven my older cousin showed me my first porno. I liked it and requested another ...
A: "My therapist tells me that I have a good chance at making a recovery, but has never mentioned how ...
|
| 4yr old grandson | 7/9/2009 |
Q: My beautiful grandson who will be four in September is almost abusive to his mother. He hits her, ...
A: Yes, tell him to stop it, and discipline him when he does it -- my suspicion is that she does not ...
|
| Seroquel | 7/9/2009 |
Q: I was put on 100 mg of Seroquel for bipolar 2 , however my Doctor is not really sure if I am ...
A: Could you explain in short how does an anti depressant such as Prozac affect the serotonin? It ...
|
| Seroquel | 7/7/2009 |
Q: I was put on 100 mg of Seroquel for bipolar 2 , however my Doctor is not really sure if I am ...
A: Does Seroquel helping my moods suggest I am bipolar? No Does getting in silly happy moods always ...
|
| options... | 6/29/2009 |
Q: i'm kind of nervous to reach out like this, but i need to talk to someone. i'm 18, female, and i ...
A: "...i'm really depressed..." This is what you tell me, and it sound it from your description. You ...
|
| obsession | 6/26/2009 |
Q: i hope you can help. i work for an organisation who is funded and its aim is to help ...
A: Your family is right, forget about the other person, she is not your responsibility and you have no ...
|
| Fear. | 6/26/2009 |
Q: Harrop, First of all, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to read my question. A sour ...
A: Does this sound like an anxiety issue? Yes What are the remedies? Psychotherapy certainly, possibly ...
|
| Bipolar 2 and............... | 6/25/2009 |
Q: I was recently Dx`s with Bipolar 2 and Borderline personality Disorder. I do not understand how a ...
A: Seroquel is approved as a mood stabilizer and so the choice of this medication is correct. ...
|
| Schizopherinia | 6/24/2009 |
Q: Respected Sir, I afraid that, my son aged 22 is suffering from schizophrenia. He repeats certain ...
A: You said, "The major problem which I observed that he spent 2-3 hours in the bath/wash room." ...
|
| Compulsive Reading Problem | 6/23/2009 |
Q: I'm not sure if this topic falls under this category, but I hope I can find help here. I've realized ...
A: This sounds like a low level of obsessive compulsive disorder, sort of like the hand washing some ...
|
| My Sister is going insane? | 6/22/2009 |
Q: My sister has start talking to her self and crying saying that Maurine tell her she looks like a ...
A: The medication is the correct medication, but the dosages may need to be adjusted. The doctor ...
|
| Help me. | 6/22/2009 |
Q: I've gone to therapy ever since I was six years old. I was told then that I may have paranoid ...
A: Sorry, but usually this problem requires medications. There are about a dozen antipsychotics that ...
|
| Confusion, racing thoughts, fantasy | 6/20/2009 |
Q: I am a 46 year old male that for the past 8 or so years have been having a great deal of difficulty ...
A: Sorry, but it could be any of a dozen things from your description, like a Bipolar disorder which ...
|
| Requesting a Correction from a Pyschiatrist | 6/18/2009 |
Q: I was seen by a psychiatrist in 2002. I recently reviewed the records he wrote about that treatment. ...
A: You write a letter, documenting the errors, and inform the psychiatrist that should he ever forward ...
|
| clinical or counseling? | 6/16/2009 |
Q: i'm now currently going to be a high school senior and i've been thinking about my major for ...
A: "Counseling" psychology is more clearly descriptive -- you talk to people to counsel them. ...
|
| Mom is psycho. Really. | 6/16/2009 |
Q: When I was a child, my dad and my mom did a lot of fighting. It was equal on both sides--not just ...
A: But is all of this enough evidence to commit her to a ward? This is actually a legal question -- ...
|
| concerned about my cousin | 6/13/2009 |
Q: ] I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask... I'm quite concerned about my younger cousin. ...
A: She could have an eating disorder, or she could have something very serious. You know, being ...
|
| children with OCD | 6/13/2009 |
Q: My 11 year old son struggles with OCD. I am aware that cognitive therapy and medication mix is the ...
A: Well, it sounds reasonable from your description, but why don't you tell the psychiatrist (a ...
|
| Day Dreaming and Forgetful behaviour | 6/12/2009 |
Q: Harrop, I'm a 19 year old male who loves to daydream and also am a very forgetful person. I've ...
A: If the daydreaming is beginning to interfere with your functioning, and you say it is, then I would ...
|
| depression | 6/12/2009 |
Q: I am currently six months pregnant, and my baby's father and current boyfriend, one i don't live ...
A: You need to get some counseling. Check with the obstetrician and see if there is a low cost ...
|
| Dreams and Nightmares | 6/11/2009 |
Q: My mother has been having these episodes at night which my family finds very unusual and sometimes ...
A: If she has had these for a long time, then this is just a normal variant of sleep -- some people ...
|
| was I sexually abused? | 6/3/2009 |
Q: Dr. Harrop, I am 31 years old. For a long time I have questioned whether I was sexually abused as a ...
A: You have been definitely sexually abused twice: the date rape and the secret taping (that is clearly ...
|
| Alcohol and violent insanity (110 years ago) | 6/1/2009 |
Q: Conducting research on a Midwestern pioneer who died in a state mental hospital at 38. Can alcohol ...
A: Sure, that's possible too. But, other than wet packs and straight jackets and waiting for the ...
|
| rocking | 5/29/2009 |
Q: ok.this is probably the first time u heard this and its an embarrassing question.im not even sure if ...
A: Rocking is a way to self-soothe. If it is not interfering with your functioning otherwise, then no ...
|
| Alcohol and violent insanity (110 years ago) | 5/27/2009 |
Q: Conducting research on a Midwestern pioneer who died in a state mental hospital at 38. Can alcohol ...
A: Can alcohol or drug abuse make a person incurably violently insane? Yes, even today. Or might a ...
|
| Trust, or Lack Thereof | 5/27/2009 |
Q: I'm a 26 year old full time student. My boyfriend, who I've known since I was two and he was three ...
A: "I know part of it stems from my parents' divorce..." You need to be in treatment over this. ...
|
| immature 18 year old boy | 5/22/2009 |
Q: I need help with my 18 year old son. He dropped out of highschool 3 months before graduation; he was ...
A: You don't say if your husband is willing to help with this. You really do need his help, and the ...
|
| medication and weight gain | 5/18/2009 |
Q: I am diagnosed with Bipolar I, PTSD, Generalized Seizure Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa remission x7mo, ...
A: How often have you come across a Bipolar patient who what seems to be monthly is unable to remain ...
|
| brother | 5/17/2009 |
Q: My brother is 45 hasn't had a job in over 10 years, his clothes are dirty, he doesn't wash his hair ...
A: "Is this a form of mental illness and if so where do I go to get him help?" Absolutely. I would ...
|
| Pediatric--Asperger's/ODD/Medications | 5/14/2009 |
Q: Dr. Harrop, I'll try to be brief but thorough: I have a 7 y/o for whom we have a tenative ...
A: It's doubtful the Depakote or Risperidol are causing the problems,but then the answer to that is ...
|
| teenagers | 5/14/2009 |
Q: I have a 13 yr old who is really being rebellious.She tells me she hates us,she doesn't want to live ...
A: Stand firm and do what is right. If she does not do her homework,she is punished. If she ...
|
| anger about such little things | 5/13/2009 |
Q: I am trying to analyze myself to find out why such little things bother me in regards to my husband ...
A: Sounds like you resent his kids. The matters you describe are so insignificant that it has to be ...
|
| dont know where to go | 5/12/2009 |
Q: hey, i just needed some advice really. Ive been struggling emotionally lately and am beginning to ...
A: "ive recently started a new job, am trying to move house, organise a wedding and have my driving ...
|
| Emotions | 5/9/2009 |
Q: Dr Harrop,Going to try and make my long story short. I am 50 and my boyfriend is 48. We have been ...
A: You have two choices: 1. Dump him and get a diffferent social life. 2. Accept the fact you will ...
|
| self help | 5/6/2009 |
Q: I am 32yr old male.I have had anxiety disorder since childhood.I developed social anxiety at 15.I ...
A: can people be their own psychotherapist? No, by its very nature psychotherapy is an interaction ...
|
| MMPI Score | 5/4/2009 |
Q: please tell me what the K score means. On the completed MMPI I am looking at, there is a Raw Score, ...
A: while low scores are thought to be indicative of an unusually frank and self-critical approach. I ...
|
| My Friend's Leaky Gut | 4/30/2009 |
Q: very old friend of mine told me she had this problem and there was no cure and that she could eat ...
A: " I need to know if her concerns are of a medical or psychological nature." They are both. The ...
|
| My Friend's Leaky Gut | 4/29/2009 |
Q: very old friend of mine told me she had this problem and there was no cure and that she could eat ...
A: It is a syndrome, not a disease, meaning it could be one of any of a dozen diseases all of which ...
|
| My Friend's Leaky Gut | 4/28/2009 |
Q: very old friend of mine told me she had this problem and there was no cure and that she could eat ...
A: Yes, there actually is something like this. However, that doesn't really explain why she puts you ...
|
| Biomedical model of the brain | 4/27/2009 |
Q: My name is Van and I am considering becoming a psychiatrist. I am 38 years old and I am studying ...
A: "My question to you is: is the biomedical model of the brain truly valid?" As an example, ...
|
| lying - compulsive or patholigical and what to do | 4/22/2009 |
Q: My direct supervisor is a liar. He lies about so many things, it's hard to tell when he's telling ...
A: You have four choices: 1. Ignore it 2. Confront him on it. Tell him you have caught him in ...
|
| lying - compulsive or patholigical and what to do | 4/20/2009 |
Q: My direct supervisor is a liar. He lies about so many things, it's hard to tell when he's telling ...
A: If this is just an annoyance, then ignore it. So he tells stories about Vietnam? It really isn't ...
|
| adult child | 4/15/2009 |
Q: My beautiful daughter is 24 years old. She says she might like a relationship, but she basically ...
A: "I wonder if you can shed ANY light on what COULD be going on.." She could be depressed. She could ...
|
| Abusive Behaviour | 4/15/2009 |
Q: I got married in the month of May 2008 to a highly qualified, well employed person who seemed ...
A: "...and moved out when his abuse didn't stop." Good for you! You did exactly the right thing. ...
|
| Unproductivity caused by mental issue | 4/11/2009 |
Q: Ever since I was 15 years old I've had a mental issue where in school I would refuse to study for my ...
A: It appears to be a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It would be called "pure obsessional ...
|
| memory and NPD | 4/10/2009 |
Q: I believe my husband has NPD (have been told by mutual friend who is a MD and has known him for 30 ...
A: "Can someone really be so wrapped in themselves they can't see past their own noses?" Yes. Try ...
|
| bipolar | 4/7/2009 |
Q: Aside from risk factors such as ADD, possible depression, substance abuse history, (already on an ...
A: Some mood stabilizers have other uses: Elavil helps diabetic pain, Tegretol is an antiseizure ...
|
| recovering lost memories | 4/7/2009 |
Q: I have a history of PTSD from childhood sexual abuse (I was drugged and raped by my babysitter). ...
A: "So my question is if you think there is any way for me to recover the memories from when I was ...
|
| meds | 3/25/2009 |
Q: I have a problem: I am currently on 20 mg. Citalopram (Celexa) p/day for depression, but am ...
A: The jaw problem is a pretty uncommon side effect, although known. Any of the other medications could ...
|
| Psychiatry, Psychology. | 3/24/2009 |
Q: I am in college at the moment (17 years old), (UK for now) studying: A-Levels; English Language, ...
A: To be a psychiatrist you need to go to medical school, which means you have to have heavy dose of ...
|
| BECOMING A PSHCOLOGIST | 3/22/2009 |
Q: I WAS WONDERING WHAT JOB OPPORTUNITY CAN I GET WITH A BA IN PSYCHOLOGY? I WANT TO BECOME A ...
A: First, I am not a psychologist, I am a psychiatrist, so I may not be the best person to ask. A B.A. ...
|
| Mental Health - Paranoid Schizophrenia | 3/20/2009 |
Q: First I will give a brief history of my mother in a time line based on my life. I can't account for ...
A: Your mother is lost. The disease has taken her mind, and you cannot save her. You keep trying, you ...
|
| arrested development | 3/18/2009 |
Q: My son is 31 yrs. old. He has been recovering from a cocaine addiction of about 10 yrs. His mother, ...
A: "What can I do for him?" Anything short of giving him money: inviting him for dinners, sending ...
|
| Pathological liar? | 3/18/2009 |
Q: I have a friend whom her lies is becoming somewhat bothersome to me. So bothersome that I don't want ...
A: The cause of this could be any of a dozen reasons. She should be in therapy to find out why. What ...
|
| anxiety | 3/18/2009 |
Q: i am 33 years old. i used to be a very energetic, happy bubbly sort of a person, liked well by ...
A: It sounds like a depressive or anxiety disorder. You might have "burnt out" from the job. Have you ...
|
| Mr Right or Miss Sympathy? | 3/18/2009 |
Q: I have a female friend who is 38 years old. I worked with her a number of years ago and stayed in ...
A: Suggestion? Stop what you are doing, at least around these relationships. You have done all you ...
|
| OCD | 3/16/2009 |
Q: My 23 year old son has OCD and is currently on 40mg Prozac daily. He never wanted to go on ...
A: I would continue to try medications. He could increase the Prozac, or add a different class of ...
|
| Physical symptoms of trauma? | 3/16/2009 |
Q: Harrop. My question concerns my boyfriend, so the amount of information I have is limited to what I ...
A: Breaking into crying at work is beyone what is expected. YOU cannot get him to talk about this, and ...
|
| panic | 3/4/2009 |
Q: I woke up my heart was beating extremely rapidly I thought I was in ventricular tachycardia and ...
A: The rapid heart rate that occurs in panic disorder is NOT dangerous, just very uncomfortable. There ...
|
| No pre-med undergrad, but still want to go to Med school | 3/3/2009 |
Q: I entered college with the initial idea of premed as a major, but one thing or another deterred me ...
A: You have to get into medical school (and graduate) to train as a psychiatrist, so that means you do ...
|
| WORRYING& ANXIETY | 3/3/2009 |
Q: My name is Meng, a 24 years old male, currently a College student. Chinese immigrant. I have some ...
A: You are suffering from an anxiety disorder and need to be in some therapy for this; it appears you ...
|
| FAMILY IN CRISIS | 2/25/2009 |
Q: I have 4 daughters. One is almost 18 and has left home because of issues she had with our ...
A: Unfortunately, most psychiatric disorders are inherited: Bipolar (manic/depressive; schizophrenia; ...
|
| Mental Health and Drug Addiction | 2/24/2009 |
Q: Am writing about my 26 year old nephew, Trevor. Some background: He has had emotional issues most of ...
A: "he seems sincere in saying that his mental illness is what is causing him to use drugs." He is in ...
|
| Molestation. | 2/23/2009 |
Q: I learned about sex at a very eary age.When I was six,I had a crush on my gym teacher and I thought ...
A: Probably not. Most people have memories of things like that, even if it is foggy. "Recovered" ...
|
| Need Help to Identify Problem | 2/22/2009 |
Q: My wife and I have been married 2-years. We had a very brief courtship and did not live together ...
A: You should start therapy yourself, and tell your wife the reason: you believe she is ill, she ...
|
| med | 2/20/2009 |
Q: I need help. I was diagnosed several years ago with bipolar . I have gone for several years without ...
A: Klonopin is NOT a treatment for Bipolar disorder. A psychiatrist should have not problems ...
|
| Antisocial's as Parents | 2/17/2009 |
Q: I married a woman that I did not know very well a little over 2-years ago. About 3-months into our ...
A: Do you think that my daughter would be in danger of having these strange behaviors impressed upon ...
|
| asking you a ? | 2/17/2009 |
Q: cr but i am worred about having a with draw what do u recomend me to do . thank u for taking ...
A: Usually you need to take these medications with food in your stomach to avoid the nausea. If you ...
|
| Question | 2/16/2009 |
Q: how are you going? My name is Christina and I live in Australia. My Mum has got schizophrenia and ...
A: You can watch that stuff only so much. A five minute update daily on a news show is fine, but other ...
|
| Bulimia? | 2/15/2009 |
Q: Well I know that this might sound disguting but I think that I might be bulimic,I've been throwing ...
A: Yes, that's clearly bulemia, and, by the way, it can kill you: when you throw up, you throw up ...
|
| Concerned about Daughter | 2/15/2009 |
Q: My 18yr old daughter told me a few nights ago that she has no feelings. She was extremely ...
A: Could be depression, could be a personality issue -- she is right in that some people are just not ...
|
| fear of my illness | 2/11/2009 |
Q: Hi,i've been suffering from sever social anxiety disorder since seven years ago .at first i used ...
A: I don't hear anything about therapy, which is really the primary way to treat this. Medications are ...
|
| adjustment disorder/major depression | 2/11/2009 |
Q: I have been seeing a LPC for six months. He said I have adjustment disorder that turned into major ...
A: You need a new therapist, and more medication, but the way. The correct treatment for your problems ...
|
| Self Esteem. | 2/10/2009 |
Q: my name is Corrina,I don't know if you can help me though,if you can't then just say so.But I have ...
A: First, join groups. You need to build your self-esteem. Doesn't really matter what sort of group ...
|
| developmental arrest | 2/8/2009 |
Q: My husband and I married 5 years ago. He was 54 and had never been married. I am 3 years younger and ...
A: "My question is about the term "developmental arrest." Is it possible that he never grew emotionally ...
|
| links between existing, or onset of, mental illness and role playing games specifically D&D | 2/6/2009 |
Q: My name is Robert and I am a member of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Regina, Saskatchewan ...
A: "First is there any correlation between a person who is steady on their medication becoming ill ...
|
| family drunk | 2/3/2009 |
Q: My sister has lived with a heavy drinker for 20 years. He has been in jail for several DUI's.This ...
A: From reading your story, you say you won't see him again, not her. She is perfectly free to contact ...
|
| Very confused.. | 2/3/2009 |
Q: Daniel. First, I want to thank you for reading my "life story" here. Sorry it's so long winded, ...
A: It really sounds like you are having a mood disorder problem, in that the moods appear to come and ...
|
| Which medical school to attend | 1/26/2009 |
Q: how are you doing? I have to make an important decision and would like to get the input of as many ...
A: I haven't HEARD that much of either. UAB if ranked higher because of its broader curriculum and ...
|
| Which medical school to attend | 1/25/2009 |
Q: how are you doing? I have to make an important decision and would like to get the input of as many ...
A: And the other question you have to ask yourself is where do you want to practice once you get out. ...
|
| Depression / Job | 1/23/2009 |
Q: I am 22 and very hopeless now. I do not know what to do. I have depression (low self-confidence, ...
A: You need to see a psychiatrist and get in some regular treatment. How to present yourself in a job ...
|
| Panic/anxiety | 1/19/2009 |
Q: I wake up almost every morning, usually waking from a dream, and have some weird sensations. My ...
A: Yes, it sounds like a panic attack. I would first eliminate all alcohol and sources of caffeine and ...
|
| Medications for Anxiety | 1/19/2009 |
Q: My husband developed a throat sensation that has driven him nearly nuts after using an inhaled ...
A: If someone has no history of drug or alcohol addiction, then the chance of getting addicted to Xanax ...
|
| 5150 | 1/18/2009 |
Q: I have a question about the 5150 hold. I recently broke up with a boyfriend, who's not the most ...
A: Actually, this is a legal question, not a medical question. In my state, we have an emergency ...
|
| Medications for Anxiety | 1/18/2009 |
Q: My husband developed a throat sensation that has driven him nearly nuts after using an inhaled ...
A: Yes, there are other medications. Unfortunately, note that all the antianxiety medications are ...
|
| unrealistic worrying.....need help! | 1/12/2009 |
Q: I was diagnosed with anxiety and panic disorder 2 years ago and im currently taking citalopram 20mg ...
A: It sounds as if the depression is breaking through the medications, and either another medication ...
|
| Marital Concerns | 1/8/2009 |
Q: My wife and I have been married for the past 20 years, and approaching 21 in April. I am 49, and she ...
A: Any of that is possible, and all of it is speculation. You and your wife should be in counseling ...
|
| psychology | 1/7/2009 |
Q: i am wondering what it takes to get a degree in psychology (how long- how much) to be able to be in ...
A: I am a psychiatrist, not a psychologist, but it is my understanding that you need at least a ...
|
| Dependent personality disorder? | 1/5/2009 |
Q: Dr. Harrop, I have a twenty five year old daughter who has never held a regular job. Although she ...
A: If she does not want to change, there is really very little you can do for her. Perhaps you should ...
|
| biopolar or addict | 1/4/2009 |
Q: My name is Laurel. I am married to an alcoholic and addict. Over the last 3 years I have seen my ...
A: OK this "there are cameras around watching us" is psychotic, should be treated as a medical ...
|
| sertraline | 1/2/2009 |
Q: you know I am suffering from anxiety a lot in this job, and 3 years ago I begun to take sertraline ...
A: Studies show after a year you can try to come off it. You have about a 70% chance of succeeding in ...
|
| Horrible Dreams | 1/2/2009 |
Q: For about the past three or four years, I've been experiencing bad dreams. Every night without fail, ...
A: It's probably still a symptom of your depression or anxiety. If you get a full night of refreshing ...
|
| Diagnosis of psychological problem | 1/1/2009 |
Q: I am a 30 year old man with unknown psychological problems from Iran, I had some plastic surgeries ...
A: "At that time I thought she is satan and she comes to the earth and wants to put me in the hell.." ...
|
| Diagnosis of psychological problem | 1/1/2009 |
Q: I am a 30 year old man with unknown psychological problems from Iran, I had some plastic surgeries ...
A: Depression and ADHD have nothing to do with attacking others with a knife. Having a deformed had or ...
|
| Career Questions | 12/31/2008 |
Q: Harrop, I am currently a Gr.10 student and as a part of a research project, I would like to ...
A: 1. I am interested in abnormal psychology [mental illnesses]and forensic psychiatry; is there ...
|
| negative thinking | 12/31/2008 |
Q: I am a 30 year old female. Over the years, I have developed a habit of thinking negatively about ...
A: "How do I begin to think differently?" This is an excellent reason to begin some psychotherapy. ...
|
| Obsessive personailty | 12/19/2008 |
Q: Heya, I'm a 16 yo female living in the UK, and i have an EXTREMELY obsessive nature. a good example ...
A: The issue is how much it interferes with your functioning, with your getting ahead in life. ...
|
| PhD programs. | 12/14/2008 |
Q: I have a question that is related to obtaining my Phd. I have a BS in Environmental Education, a ...
A: For Psychiatry you need an M.D., not a PH.D., which means going to medical school, which means you ...
|
| bipolar | 12/14/2008 |
Q: My husband was diagnosed bipolar and it seems that its geetting worse faster and faste, we dont ...
A: This problem has to be treated by a physician, preferably by a psychiatrist. If you are not getting ...
|
| dealing with troublesome people | 12/9/2008 |
Q: I am the head of a board that has just taken on a person who is a chronic whiner and complainer. ...
A: "Can you help me form a plan on how to deal constructively with such a person so I can help and not ...
|
| sex | 12/9/2008 |
Q: I am a 45 years old man married since 1991. I am now working travelling all around the country and I ...
A: If you were doing this wife your wife on the phone, I would say fine. Not a good thing to be doing ...
|
| what i cant figure out | 12/6/2008 |
Q: hi i am 30 y/o male combat vet since leaving the military i go off at the drop of a hat i want to ...
A: You are suffering from PTSD, like about 30% of combat vets. The good news is that this is ...
|
| anxiety and nausea | 11/29/2008 |
Q: i am not sure whether the panic attack caused the nausea or the chronic nausea just happened to ...
A: Yes, and it was an anxiety problem (which fits in with your history of panic attacks). It was ...
|
| Should I tell my Psychiatrist? | 11/27/2008 |
Q: I'm a 28 year old woman. In a psychotherapy session recently I mentioned my sexual preferences to ...
A: You should tell your psychiatrist EVERYTHING. The biggest problem with psychotherapy, from a ...
|
| Borderline Personality Traits | 11/27/2008 |
Q: I am a 35 year old female. I have had a lot of people in my life with borderline personality ...
A: If this has happened three times, as you say, then clearly you are attracted to/attract such people ...
|
| Antidepressants and exercise question | 11/22/2008 |
Q: Harrop: Can antidepressants (SSRI's, tricyclics) block the brain's muscle soreness sensation that ...
A: Some antidepressants, like Effexor, do have some anti-pain activity, but I have never heard of them ...
|
| Reg daughter's behaviour | 11/19/2008 |
Q: My daughter who is 5.5 yrs accused a boy of around 20 years of sexual abuse. She described the ...
A: The child should be brought to a therapist. Children can learn this type of information these days ...
|
| What's Wrong? | 11/19/2008 |
Q: I am a 20 year old female living in Texas, and I just don't know what to do anymore. I had 2 (what I ...
A: You are having panic attacks, these can easily be treated with some relaxation therapy, and ...
|
| Could I be a lesbian? | 11/18/2008 |
Q: I'm 13.I'm a girl.I feel that I'm overeffactuated with breasts.I searched on the internet about ...
A: Sexuality is not fully formed until someone is between the ages of 20 and 25, so most likely you are ...
|
| What's wrong with me? | 11/17/2008 |
Q: and sorry about the length. I’m 19 and have been having mental problems since I can remember. When I ...
A: You see to be developing a type of obsessive disorder, whicn is what these strange thoughts are ...
|
| Am I straight or am I not straight? | 11/5/2008 |
Q: I'm 13.I'm a girl.The thought of girls licking me turns me on.I probably won't try it because I'm ...
A: "I was thinking about girls and it turned me on.Does that mean that I am a lesbian or are those just ...
|
| Mom involved with a criminal | 11/4/2008 |
Q: Dr. Harrop, My mother has become involved with a man with a criminal past. He is a listed sex ...
A: "Are you able to provide any background information on why women become involved with criminals?" ...
|
| high strung | 11/4/2008 |
Q: ! am 48 years of age and am generally in good health. In the last two months I have become unusually ...
A: Well, you could try increasing your exercise -- even adding an hour a day walking might help -- but ...
|
| Self-perception issues | 11/3/2008 |
Q: I'm 27 and have always been a skinny person which for a male isn't good socially. I was never good ...
A: Am I doomed to always feel some sort of depression or anxiety, or can I get passed these issues? ...
|
| post ssri problems | 10/31/2008 |
Q: I wanted to ask you about Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction. I am 22 years old and have taken 20 mg of ...
A: Oh, you're not going to like this answer: The mainstream medical community does not accept that ...
|
| OCD | 10/29/2008 |
Q: How can you tell the difference between what is OCD and what isn't, like if you wash your hands ...
A: "like you have a special ability so you know those kind of things" -- statements like that indicate ...
|
| Just A Joke Or Something More Serious? | 10/28/2008 |
Q: Harrop. I apologize for the length of this message but it's necessary to fully describe the ...
A: Well, he clearly needs help with his social skills: he is driving away friends with this stupid ...
|
| p.d., depression & meds | 10/28/2008 |
Q: 1st - for my diagnosis of social anxiety/phobia with tendency to avoid, depression and shizoid ...
A: Also, assuming after corrective counseling was 100% successful, can one be completely free of all ...
|
| I fear that I might be going insane.. | 10/28/2008 |
Q: I know this may sound weird, but I am really scared that I may be losing my mind. Lately, I have ...
A: If you are starting to have hallucinations, then, yes, you should have a psychiatric evaluation to ...
|
| p.d., depression & meds | 10/27/2008 |
Q: 1st - for my diagnosis of social anxiety/phobia with tendency to avoid, depression and shizoid ...
A: Personality disorder is set unless something happens that makes a person change, like psychotherapy. ...
|
| Boyfriend sending/recieving dirty pics? | 10/27/2008 |
Q: I found in my boyfriend's history that he's been visiting Adult Friend Finder, what I take to be a ...
A: First, you tell him what you discovered, and you have a talk to him about it. If you are going to ...
|
| Geriatric Anxiety Medication | 10/23/2008 |
Q: My mom is 80 and suffers from terrible GAD. She takes a very low dose of valium which is no cutting ...
A: If it is just an anxiety disorder, and she is able to take medications several times daily, I would ...
|
| many issues | 10/19/2008 |
Q: For as long as i can remember i've had anxiety about social situations. Some are worse than others. ...
A: This sounds like a social phobia, a type of anxiety disorder, which can be easily handled with some ...
|
| Hanger on Relatives | 10/17/2008 |
Q: Help! My cousin Nora, 69, invited herself to stay with me two months!!!! I told her that she could ...
A: You tell her "no." You are under no obligation to explain yourself. You are under no obligation to ...
|
| Bipolar Meds-Side Effects | 10/17/2008 |
Q: I have been diagnosed with Bipolar I, and I used to be on Risperidone (5 mg), Lithium (1800 mg), and ...
A: It is never easy to lose weight. Weight loss is simply a matter of exercising off more calories ...
|
| why do I need to be right (husband/wife relationship) | 10/13/2008 |
Q: Dr. Harrop- I would love some insight to a behavior that I persist in doing and that I would like to ...
A: This is something that could respond to a short course of psychotherapy to straighten out in you ...
|
| Selective emotional block | 10/9/2008 |
Q: My mothers a manic depressive paranoid delusional schizophrenic, (possibly with multiple ...
A: "My life has just be one wall after another and belive stress and depression may be catching up with ...
|
| Careers Project | 10/9/2008 |
Q: Good Morning sir, I am required to interview a professional in the career that I am interested in. ...
A: What kind of qualifications are required for this job? An M.D. What personal characteristics would ...
|
| Careers Project | 10/9/2008 |
Q: I am required to do a project on a career i am interested in within a particular field and I was ...
A: What kind of qualifications are required for this job? An M.D. What personal characteristics would ...
|
| Bipolar and pregnancy | 10/8/2008 |
Q: Dr. Harrop, I have a special question. I live in Phoenix, Arizona and I am 34 years old. I have ...
A: I researched the Internet and found that lamictal could cause cleft lip. Is this true? Yes I have ...
|
| Paranoid schizophrenia - need help. | 10/3/2008 |
Q: My mom is suffering from paranoid Schizophrenia and my sister has the same shared illness from past ...
A: Anyone with a diagnosis of schizophrenia needs to be in treatment for the rest of their lives, and ...
|
| Catacholine function and relationship to psychosis | 9/30/2008 |
Q: I believe i have low catacholine functioning which is causing elemental hallucinations and tinitus. ...
A: You are describing a psychosis. This requires and antipsychotic medication. If you have problems ...
|
| Masterbation | 9/27/2008 |
Q: My name is D' and I am a 1st year general medicine student. For a very long period of time I have ...
A: The real question is whether it is interfering with your functioning. If it is, then you need to ...
|
| I believe my 18 year old daughter is a compulsive liar | 9/22/2008 |
Q: I believe my daughter is a compulsive liar. I started noticing her lying when she was about 10 ...
A: "What can we do as parents since she is 18?" You've answered that question yourself: nothing. She ...
|
| Paranoid Schziophrenia | 9/20/2008 |
Q: I don't know what to do? My brother has a diagnosis of Paranoid Schziophrenia w/sociaffective ...
A: Getting guardianship is really a legal question. You need to get a lawyer who practices probate law ...
|
| Withdrawl from Celexa | 9/13/2008 |
Q: I have been on Celexa for over a year, and about 6 months ago my docter added wellbutrin to my ...
A: Why do you think it is withdrawal from Celexa rather than a return of the anxiety/depression/OCD ...
|
| Abuse | 9/13/2008 |
Q: I have a question I was hoping you could help me with. I need advice and I am hoping that you can ...
A: Didn't you ask your mother to further explain what she knows about the incident? But, yes, you ...
|
| What is happening? | 8/22/2008 |
Q: and thank you for answering questions. I am 38 years old. I have had depression since the age of 17, ...
A: I'm not sure what the problem is. Hypnogogic hallucinations are quite common, even in people with ...
|
| 7 year relationshipo with neurotic man | 8/21/2008 |
Q: I have been in a relaqtionship for 7 years with a neurotic man...whose spirit I love deeply...and ...
A: He should be in regular counseling with a therapist, and may need to see a psychiatrist to help. If ...
|
| Mental problem or normal? | 8/19/2008 |
Q: My boyfriend is 21, and he has this habit of talking like a young child or baby to both his mother ...
A: Why don't you just tell him to stop it? Perhaps he thinks you like it and that he is pleasing you. ...
|
| Psychiatrist revealing confidential information | 8/19/2008 |
Q: In a confusing series of strange events after a therapy session last month, I was suddenly ...
A: Given the emergency nature of the situation, and that the policeman, by your report, was threatening ...
|
| Voyeurism | 8/19/2008 |
Q: I have never experienced a healthy relationship & my feelings may be wrong. My father was a classic ...
A: This is a problem that can be solved with psychotherapy, and you should start some treatment with a ...
|
| psychology major | 8/16/2008 |
Q: I am planning on majoring in psychology in college, with a possible minor in biology or some other ...
A: A psychology degree is not useless, but it is not needed, either. The key is completing the ...
|
| cancer patient depression | 8/5/2008 |
Q: my 54 year-old brother was diagnosed with cancer a year ago. He went through a very complicated ...
A: One thing might be to be sure his primary doctor knows what is going on, so the MD can suggest a ...
|
| post traumatic stress / depression | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I have been diagnosed with ptsd / depression / and adult adhd. I have been recieving treatment for 1 ...
A: That's the purpose of psychotherapy, to get you to look at problems differently so you can be more ...
|
| school counseling | 8/4/2008 |
Q: could you please explain in academic terms how school counseling differs from clinical counseling? ...
A: School counseling tends to be more vocationally oriented, whereas office counseling tends to focus ...
|
| childhood sexual abuse | 7/31/2008 |
Q: My husband&I have taken in a 19 yr old girl who has been sexually and physically abused since she ...
A: Other than get her to a counselor, there is little you can do. I would be sure you have open ...
|
| From MA in MHC to psychiatry | 7/30/2008 |
Q: I'm in an internship at a Community Mental Health Agency, close to graduation with my Masters in ...
A: What is a PsyD vs. a PhD? I am a psychiatrist, not a psychologist, so this is outside my area of ...
|
| Two Questions | 7/29/2008 |
Q: Harrop, I would like to thank you in advance for helping me understand.My first question is what ...
A: "emotional color blind mean" I have never heard that term, so I don't know. "When a person in war ...
|
| hate or obsession? | 7/28/2008 |
Q: My partner and I have been together in a fully comitted relationship for 3 years now. We first ...
A: You are somewhat jealous of her and the relationship she had with your partner, and angry of course. ...
|
| My daughters | 7/28/2008 |
Q: I am a recovering alcoholic, going on 6 months sober. It seems to me (i am claiming this feeling) ...
A: "Then about 2 weeks ago, communication went south. Barely any at all." Two weeks? She has her ...
|
| writing report comparing two professions | 7/25/2008 |
Q: Psychiatrist and Psychologist write report 1.difference in these 2 professions 2.how their average ...
A: Psychiatrist have M.D. degree, go to medical school and presribed medications. Psychologist have ...
|
| Education In Psychiatry | 7/17/2008 |
Q: I'm starting college next year and I'm 99.9 percent sure that I'm going towards a General or ...
A: You have to do a "pre-medical" curriculum. You don't have to major in one of the sciences, but ...
|
| mother mess | 7/17/2008 |
Q: My mother moved in with me, my husband & 2 children a year & a half ago. She was living on her own ...
A: "Any advice would be greatly appreciated." It is time for her to go, or for you to go. Listen, you ...
|
| dementia and molestation | 7/16/2008 |
Q: i live in India. My 70 yr old father was recently admitted to hospital for jnvestigative tests as he ...
A: Unfortunately, yes, your wife and children are at risk. Yes, dementia can change sexual ...
|
| psychology or psychiatry? | 7/14/2008 |
Q: i am a freshman in highschool. i want to plan out my career now. i have a very keen interest in ...
A: Psychiatry, of course, implies that you have to go to medical school and get an M.D., which means ...
|
| help | 7/13/2008 |
Q: and please I really need your opinion or advice and thorts or even what this problem may be ...
A: You should probably start by getting your situation evaluated by a urologist, who specializes in ...
|
| Grief | 7/12/2008 |
Q: I have a friend who lost her husband last year in Iraq. I was stationed with both of them and she ...
A: You should ask her if she wants the pictures, and I would encourage her to accept. Seeing the ...
|
| My sister stole my friends and life | 7/11/2008 |
Q: Ok I am 24 years old and my sister is currently 38 years old. In 2006 I took a gap year and went to ...
A: Your sister cannot "steal" your friends. Friends are people, not jewelry. Jewelry can be stolen. ...
|
| stress | 7/10/2008 |
Q: I apologize for any mistakes in my message as I'm not an English native speaker. I'm from Russia, ...
A: Theoretically you could be right, but most likely you are just sad about having to leave a place ...
|
| Sister in law really mad at me | 7/8/2008 |
Q: My brother married 11 years ago, let me say, I like my sister in law, however she is must always be ...
A: "how do I get back to the fairly easy and non combative relationship we had previously had." You ...
|
| Severe OCD | 7/7/2008 |
Q: my 19 year old son is suffering from severe OCD since 13. We've tried Zoloft for 6 months max dosage ...
A: Assuming the Prozac is also maximized for three months, I would suggest adding either Lithium or ...
|
| Trouble with brother | 7/5/2008 |
Q: Almost all my life (I am 68 years old) one of my brothers has been very critical of me. I've tried ...
A: Do you think that this incident could be the reason for his attitude toward me? Yes, it could be ...
|
| Some sort of anxiety disorder? | 7/2/2008 |
Q: Harrop: Please excuse the length of this message, as my symptoms/condition seem to require some ...
A: The spectrum of problems you present would be best handled with psychotherapy, which is a long and ...
|
| Schizophrenia | 7/2/2008 |
Q: What should a person know about schizophrenia to be well informed? I was a psychology major and know ...
A: I thought I did answer your question when I said, "No illness should have any stigma attached." ...
|
| Schizophrenia | 6/26/2008 |
Q: What should a person know about schizophrenia to be well informed? I was a psychology major and know ...
A: A lay person should know that schizophrenia is a illness, like any other, and the person suffering ...
|
| Depression: Anxiety | 6/24/2008 |
Q: Harrop i was wondering if you could help me figure out something. I'm 21 yrs. old and i've been ...
A: You should consider some group therapy treatment: this would allow practice speaking in front of ...
|
| therapy with psychiatrist and termination and needing a release from him to see psychologist? | 6/8/2008 |
Q: I was in therapy with my psychiatrist for last two years, being seen and treating my bi polar ...
A: You may have misunderstood, partly. She wants you to sign a release so she can speak to the prior ...
|
| Seeing faces when eyes are closed | 6/8/2008 |
Q: My husband sees faces when he closes his eyes to go to bed at night. We've not been able to find an ...
A: It is called "hypnogogic hallucinations" and is common in some people when they attempt to fall ...
|
| bad short term memory | 6/6/2008 |
Q: is there anything i can do to get better with short term memory? i can remember VERY well things ...
A: If this is a change (if your short term memory is different than it was last year), then you need to ...
|
| Sister | 6/2/2008 |
Q: A little background is necessary to make this make sense: My sister has been depressed for years. ...
A: "It was to impress upon me that when sis ran out of money, it was imperative that she still have her ...
|
| Sister "unable to function as adult" | 6/1/2008 |
Q: A little background is necessary to make this make sense: My sister has been depressed for years. ...
A: "the therapist stated that sis "was not able to do the responsible things she needs to do", such as ...
|
| hi | 5/29/2008 |
Q: I know a 30 you. girl who converted to Judaism , she told me her father lived in the same home with ...
A: does this history indicate lesbianism? No, lesbianism is multi-factoril. Will this girl marry ...
|
| lost judgment | 5/26/2008 |
Q: Harrop, Is it possible for someone who is under tremendous pressure (spouse critically ill, about ...
A: Is it possible for someone who is under tremendous pressure (spouse critically ill, about to lose ...
|
| arrested psychological development | 5/25/2008 |
Q: Dr. Harrop, If you could help me, I would greatly appreciate it. I am a 29-year old mother. My ...
A: I just want to clarify... so by being around adults as much as possible I will naturally mature? ...
|
| I think I need help. | 5/25/2008 |
Q: Well, I'm 16 and I think there is something wrong with me. Lately, I haven't been able to control ...
A: I would print out your question as you sent it to me, which contains a lot of good information about ...
|
| arrested psychological development | 5/25/2008 |
Q: Dr. Harrop, If you could help me, I would greatly appreciate it. I am a 29-year old mother. My ...
A: You need to mature, as you said. Luckily, it won't take ten years to make up for lost time, but it ...
|
| shrieks | 5/24/2008 |
Q: i ve a problem that usually at night i begin to shriek in loud voice,a series of shrieks started ...
A: This is a sleep disorder caused "night terror." It can usually be helped with medications, although ...
|
| young adult wants to make amends and gain respect from bossy parents before moving out | 5/18/2008 |
Q: I appreciate any help you can offer. Well, I am 21 years old. I consider myself to be very ...
A: "My question (or issue) is that I'm not sure how to live with my parents while I'm at home." It is ...
|
| Paxil CR question | 5/14/2008 |
Q: Harrop: Can Paxil CR tablets be cut in half? In case they can't, can you explain what would hapen ...
A: You lose the controlled release properties if you cut them in half. They become regular Paxil ...
|
| Abuse/Multiple Personalities | 5/4/2008 |
Q: First I would like to thank you for taking your time to help me with this issue in advance. I ...
A: You may have a dissociative disorder, or you may have a number of other things, too numerous ad ...
|
| prozac | 4/28/2008 |
Q: After trying MANY anti-depressants and being unable to tolerate them. I started 20 mg of prozac 1x ...
A: You might not get any side effects. Why are you expecting side effects? Most people have no side ...
|
| Adjustment Disorders | 4/28/2008 |
Q: In the year 2006 I went through an Adjustment Disorder (or so that is what the Psychiatrist ...
A: Have you though about going back and asking the psychiatrist how you, in particular, could prevent ...
|
| Tall Tales | 4/19/2008 |
Q: I operate a seasonal landscaping buisness,and I have three employees(foreman) that return to work ...
A: "Just do the work and try not to get involved in your foremans personality is what I say.." Perfect ...
|
| Apartment search troubles | 4/18/2008 |
Q: Harrop, I am 27 years old, and I have had a problem with my emotions and my mood for the past ...
A: I have thoughts... Yes, you are ambivalent about moving in together, about the next phase of your ...
|
| Love | 4/16/2008 |
Q: I have been with the same man for a little over ten years. We became engaged about two years ago and ...
A: You stood by him starting at age 20. However, people change greatly between 20 and 30. Assuming he ...
|
| Professional Advice Requested | 4/11/2008 |
Q: I am the proud mother of a wonderful 2 year old son. I work full time in a community pharmacy ...
A: " I am torn between sacrificing my happiness for the sake of my family and the selfishness of being ...
|
| theapist | 3/31/2008 |
Q: Maybe this is a strange question. Why would an therapist bring a open laptop into a therapy session, ...
A: You are demonstrating significant paranoia in this question. You say, "Once I ask if she was taping ...
|
| cross-tapering antidepressants | 3/30/2008 |
Q: Dr. Harrop - My mother is 76, she has suffered chronic depression for many years, and has been on ...
A: If she increased her exercise, she should be able to take off the weight without changing ...
|
| Memory | 3/29/2008 |
Q: Most people would say that I'm a pretty smart person - unfortunately, as of the past 2 years, I ...
A: The first thing you need is a good physical exam, which includes standard blood work. There are a ...
|
| 17 year old daughter's depression | 3/21/2008 |
Q: I have 17 year old twin daughters. One of them seems to have been born with depression and ...
A: There is no scientific evidence fish oil works. Exercise four times weekly can help some; it ...
|
| mental | 3/19/2008 |
Q: am writing to find out if you could recommend an anti-hallucinogen and antipsychotic as I have ...
A: If Clozaril has really failed, that is, if you have been taking 600mg to 800g of it for twelve ...
|
| I am in love with my psychiatrist | 3/17/2008 |
Q: I am happily married for 10 years with a very cute 8 year old daughter. But I think I am infatuated ...
A: Tell the therapist, who then should appropriately throw cold water on the whole thought, and then ...
|
| antidepressants | 3/15/2008 |
Q: My MD switched me from Effexor to Cymbalta about two months ago. I had been on Effexor successfully ...
A: She is right about the blood pressure side effect, but it appears that it had no effect on your ...
|
| My bf and porn | 3/14/2008 |
Q: I have recently addressed my boyfriend about my disapproval his pornography. He and I have been ...
A: You should date other guys. You can continue to date him, if he wants, of course, but you need to ...
|
| On career selection | 3/13/2008 |
Q: For a few years I was considering a career in computer programming, but now its not looking as ...
A: What's the rush? Why not just do your schooling in the usual time frame, get the science courses ...
|
| A friend in trouble | 3/12/2008 |
Q: Harrop, I am writing this letter because I am worried about a friend of mine at the University of ...
A: Could be any of a dozen things. I assume her family and friends are sticking by her, prying into ...
|
| how to become a psychiatrist | 3/3/2008 |
Q: . my sister has taken commerce as major in high school and she wants to become a psychiatrist. which ...
A: She will need four years of college in a premedical major, four years of medical school and four ...
|
| psychotic bullies | 2/27/2008 |
Q: I have seen on TV and movies that children who like to hurt and kill animals are either put into ...
A: No. Torturing animals, something that is harmless and cannot fight back, is a worse sign than ...
|
| My son | 2/26/2008 |
Q: I have a 32 yr old married son whom I was always very close to , i have moved 1 hour from him and am ...
A: Is this a change? If not, then it's just the way he is... You probably don't like that answer, but ...
|
| hi | 2/21/2008 |
Q: Please answer what u can as this is a cross and inter disciplinary question. And I don’t expect u to ...
A: They will probably do nothing. Much like a woman is legally allowed to abort a fetus almost up ...
|
| Child can't eat out | 2/21/2008 |
Q: Paige, my friend's child is 8 years old and can no longer eat out at restaurants without feeling ...
A: She has developed a simple phobia. She needs progressive desensitization, meaning, she needs to go ...
|
| psy medicine which do not affect weight gain and diabetes | 2/18/2008 |
Q: sir age 48,weight 100 kg,height 5.7,indian guj mail. our family is under creation of harresment ...
A: Almost all have weight gain; you simply need to eat less or exercise more. Studies show that adding ...
|
| How long to become a Psychiatrist | 2/16/2008 |
Q: How long does it take. My Psychology teacher said 6. 4 in college and 2 in med school is that true? ...
A: Psychologist: four years college, four or five years to get your PHD (depending on the topic), one ...
|
| My Brain sucks please answer me quickly | 2/9/2008 |
Q: i hope i can get some solution for this , its long story but i hope u can understand it , there was ...
A: It looks like you lost a relationship, and now you've sunk into a depression, which happens to ...
|
| Meds... | 2/8/2008 |
Q: I am a 37 yr old white male and take blood pressure meds(Lisinopril hctz) and cholesterol ...
A: Do these meds cause depression? Or any ill side effects? All meds have side effects, but there are ...
|
| Psychological effects of potatoes | 2/3/2008 |
Q: Call me crazy, but I believe I have a nutritional deficiency (or a metabolism problem) which affects ...
A: Potatoes are converted to sugar in the system. This could act to reduce anxiety, which might ...
|
| just looking for some insight | 1/20/2008 |
Q: My daughter is 23 and has only dated two boys for a couple of months each. She appears to be happy, ...
A: 23 is awfully young these days for this: most of those in their 20's don't expect to settle down ...
|
| Is it better for a child to have a "Father by Convenience", or no father at all? | 1/16/2008 |
Q: I have a 2.5 yr old little girl who's father choices to see her when HE wants to. If he feels like ...
A: Consistency is what a child needs. A child could accept seeing Dad only once every three weeks, and ...
|
| Emotionless | 1/16/2008 |
Q: I am a 38 year old married male. I have been married for 1.5 years. My wife has a 10 year old and we ...
A: At this point you will need to get into some psychotherapy. This is a long term process to change ...
|
| what is going on?? | 1/16/2008 |
Q: I have concerns about my sister-in-law and her current mental state, but I’m not sure if they are ...
A: You need to call her doctor with your concerns, and the concerns about the children. You may need ...
|
| Emotionless | 1/16/2008 |
Q: I am a 38 year old married male. I have been married for 1.5 years. My wife has a 10 year old and we ...
A: A psychiatric evaluation is probably in order. However, the biggest question is whether what you ...
|
| High school relationships | 1/15/2008 |
Q: I am 15 years old and in high school. Recently a question has been on my mind, and I thought I ...
A: Few people do things they KNOW will harm them. In your example, the girl knew there would be no ...
|
| Insecure boyfriend | 1/8/2008 |
Q: I have had a boyfriend for more than 2 years. He is a phD student and I'm a phd already and ...
A: Counseling would be a helpful suggestion. Also, even if you do not decide to live together now, you ...
|
| Pornography/Voyeurism | 1/8/2008 |
Q: I'm not quite sure if this is your area of expertise, but I will give it a shot.... I've been with ...
A: Yes, it's abnormal, and yes, he needs treatment. He is lying about it. He takes pictures of body ...
|
| phychiatry | 1/8/2008 |
Q: 1. How can you tell what medicine they should take? 2. How do you study the brain, and how it works? ...
A: 1. How can you tell what medicine they should take? That takes years of study. 2. How do you study ...
|
| Diagnosis | 1/5/2008 |
Q: I had acute anxiety for much of my life, which I cured completely (after several decades) by ...
A: "What I'm interested in is if there is a specific condition that this symptom is characteristic of." ...
|
| psychiatrist | 1/3/2008 |
Q: I have to do an interview with a "real" Psychiatrist and i would like to ask you some questions if ...
A: 1.Do you enjoy your job? Yes 2. If you could go back would you choose a different career or path? ...
|
| Question | 12/29/2007 |
Q: how are you going? Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I live in Australia and my ...
A: It sounds like her psychiatrist are doing a fine job. You need to get a better education on ...
|
| Hereditary? | 12/20/2007 |
Q: I'm not sure if you can help me, but here goes. I'm 26 and I was adopted at birth. I recently ...
A: Yes, it can be, but not as much as hair or eye color. For example, if neither of your parents have ...
|
| Questions about Bipolar Disorder | 12/17/2007 |
Q: I have bipolar disorder and was wondering several things. 1. Does medication stop working over time ...
A: 1. Does medication stop working over time as the body becomes used to it? No 2. What are the ...
|
| Depression in elderly | 12/17/2007 |
Q: My mother is 89 years old and over the past year has been progressively losing her short term ...
A: Alzheimer's and multi-infarct are separate illnesses and can be differentiated, usually, by testing, ...
|
| Psychological problems resurfacing | 12/14/2007 |
Q: I am a 24 year old female who just got married 6 months ago. I used to see a psychiatrist but have ...
A: You need to get back into treatment. Try calling a "family service agency" or a "community mental ...
|
| male menopause? | 12/11/2007 |
Q: I used to be a very happy go lucky guy,lots of friends,always busy. In the last couple years as I ...
A: You might just be bored with life, or you might have a mild depression. If you don't feel depressed ...
|
| please help | 12/10/2007 |
Q: Hey doctor I have a problem its dental phobia. Is there a way ypu can help me. I just think about it ...
A: You ought to call the dental society near you. There are a number of dentists who actually ...
|
| Unsure how to help possibly schitzophranic brother | 12/6/2007 |
Q: I'm no doctor myself but after reading up extensivley on schitzophrenia i'm quite certain that thats ...
A: I might suggest you start with a lawyer, and file an order for involuntary treatment. If you can ...
|
| PAIN - dealing and adjusting | 12/5/2007 |
Q: "Since August I have had pain in my left arm. The pain is really bad at night. The doctor ran an ...
A: Change doctors. If you don't have confidence in your doctor, then change doctors. Even HMO's allow ...
|
| What is wrong with me? | 12/4/2007 |
Q: ..my name is Jessica and I'm a seventeen year old living in the US. Over the past four years, I've ...
A: You have a depression. It is perfectly treatable, but like any chronic illness, it comes and goes. ...
|
| Dreams that are really messing with me when I am awake | 12/2/2007 |
Q: I've been having some really vivid dreams lately (no I am not pregnant). I've always delt with vivid ...
A: #1 Why am I having these dreams? Because you are under stress; you dream of falling in love because ...
|
| LIVING WITH DEPRESSED HUSBAND | 11/21/2007 |
Q: TO START OFF WITH IM 26 AND MY HUBBY IS 39, WE HAVE BEEN TOGETHER ABOUT 4 YRS. HE IS SEVERELY ...
A: You should get into counseling yourself. Surely you have the issues, not just the marriage but also ...
|
| hi | 11/20/2007 |
Q: what do u make of a 20 year old girl who loves the kid character Tigger( a small friendly tiger ...
A: what do u make of a 20 year old girl who loves the kid character Tigger( a small friendly tiger ...
|
| hi | 11/19/2007 |
Q: isnt donating sperm via shiping akin to givning away ones own future children to the care of ...
A: isnt donating sperm via shiping akin to givning away ones own future children to the care of ...
|
| hi | 11/18/2007 |
Q: y would a 43 y.o male who is estranged from his baby daughter ,middle child of five children four ...
A: y would a 43 y.o male who is estranged from his baby daughter ,middle child of five children four ...
|
| emergency help[ | 11/7/2007 |
Q: Harrop, Thank you for taking time to read this email, and I hope you are able to help me. This ...
A: This is a long term problem. He has been doing this for months if not years. He will probably do ...
|
| Forgetting a Lost Love. | 10/29/2007 |
Q: A fellow expert here on this website suggested you because your a professional so I'm just going to ...
A: He has moved on, and now, so must you. Frankly, I would stop communicating with him. It may be the ...
|
| Medication side effects | 10/29/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if the medication Risperdal can blunt emotions. Since taking it I feel like I don't ...
A: Yes, it can, and sometimes that's good. Why were you given Risperidol in the first place? Perhaps ...
|
| socially inept | 10/29/2007 |
Q: I am working overseas for the first time (I have been here for four months). I had a meeting ...
A: Take the same guy aside and tell him that you want more of his feedback, and hope he will continue ...
|
| Serotonin Toxicity (Syndrome) | 10/16/2007 |
Q: I have recently experienced serotonin toxicity from the combination of Paxil and Ultram. I ...
A: Does this syndrome have lasting permanent damage (possibly to muscles, lungs, kidneys, etc.) No >> ...
|
| Unwilling Parents | 10/11/2007 |
Q: I have a friend friend seems to have some serious mental issues, she feels that it is most likey ...
A: The simple answer is "no," she can't have treatment except in an emergency. So, if she feels really ...
|
| concerned about health | 10/10/2007 |
Q: I have a kind of strange question but I am concerned about it. What could cause a person to lose ...
A: Sure, but is that good or bad? If you're less anxious and depressed, you need the "fight or flight" ...
|
| complicated | 10/9/2007 |
Q: I am 41, IQ "very highly gifted" and "cope" with ocd and diabetes and obesity. I live with my ...
A: Get out more. There is no reason for you not to socialize: you join a card club, take a language ...
|
| Hello | 9/22/2007 |
Q: Harrop, I would appreciate it if you could answer, A. Could someone be in reality depressed but ...
A: A. Could someone be in reality depressed but the appearance is completely in contradiction with his ...
|
| Psychiatry Options | 9/21/2007 |
Q: I am a science student in the Caribbean (Barbados), I study Biology, Chemistry and Environmental ...
A: 1)Is it possible to pursue any career in psychiatry without advanced study in Physics and Math? No ...
|
| sundowners/UTI's | 9/20/2007 |
Q: My mother is 74 yrs. old and has had 5 UTI's in the last 10 months, each time she becomes ...
A: The "sundowning" effect (confusion around sundown, when the light gets low and older people with ...
|
| lexapro side effects | 9/19/2007 |
Q: I am a 33 year old women who was diagnosed with GAD and Panic Diorder. I started taking Lexapro 10mg ...
A: Yes, it's the lexapro, a well known side effect. All the SSRI's (Prozac, Celexa, etc) can cause ...
|
| Need advice | 9/16/2007 |
Q: I'm very concerned with my brother-in-law behavior he is very irresponsible(he is 47 years old)at ...
A: Should I be concerned about this? Sure, the child is not learning appropriate social skills Is it ...
|
| Psychiatrist | 9/11/2007 |
Q: When I was in 6th grade, I became depressed. Therapy started, it ended. I started feeling better ...
A: "I could never be fully honest." Well, this is the problem that happens when someone asks you a ...
|
| moral obsession | 9/8/2007 |
Q: Harrop, I seem to have an obsession about morality since I always fear that every action I do will ...
A: The thoughts and checking behavior are symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder. This problem can ...
|
| homosexuality, pedophyila | 9/7/2007 |
Q: Could you please tell me why is homosexuality not classified as disease, and why is ...
A: To be classified as a disease psychiatrically, there has to be evidence that there is dysfunction. ...
|
| Grandson's pathological snooping | 9/6/2007 |
Q: Harrop, My 16 year-old grandson has come to live with us. He has been through everything in the ...
A: It's a symptom of the Asperger's Syndrome, being the constant curiosity about everything at all ...
|
| Behavior?? | 8/23/2007 |
Q: and thank you for being a volunteer. My question is kinda long and complicated. I lived with my B/F ...
A: "And my biggest roadblock is i feel he did not love me and that he tossed me aside to fast and too ...
|
| ADHD grandchild | 8/16/2007 |
Q: We have raised our ADHD grandson and he is now 20 and a high school graduate. He was in some special ...
A: He needs to be in treatment with a therapist and possibly a psychiatrist. All your efforts need to ...
|
| medication for social anxiety | 7/21/2007 |
Q: Which is GENERALLY the most effective treatment (short term and long term) against specific social ...
A: ALL of them. GENERALLY, they all function the same in large groups of patients. You don't give ...
|
| getting off xanax | 7/19/2007 |
Q: i am 44 yr old male. i have been on .5 mg xanax 2 x day for 4 mths for anxiety. i feel this med is ...
A: This is one reason you probably need to be in psychotherapy. There are various nonmedical ways to ...
|
| OBSESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR TOWARDS EX HUSBAND | 7/12/2007 |
Q: A member of my family has recently seperated from his wife, at her request. Although she has a new ...
A: If she broke in to the home, then a report should be made to the police, a restraining order should ...
|
| Families and relationships | 7/10/2007 |
Q: I have been with my boyfriend for almost a year and a half. There was no instant chemistry, and I ...
A: "My parents don’t think it’s worth continuing this relationship." I agree. "Should families ...
|
| getting off xanax | 7/9/2007 |
Q: i am 44 yr old male. i have been on .5 mg xanax 2 x day for 4 mths for anxiety. i feel this med is ...
A: It's fairly easy to get off the medication: reduce it by 0.25mg every other week. The problem is: ...
|
| A complex family problem | 7/8/2007 |
Q: my name is Jovana,20 years old,from Serbia.I don't know where else to turn since I don't seem to be ...
A: Leave. Either she leaves, or you leave. Or learn to ignore her, essentially the same as leaving. ...
|
| career in psychiatry | 7/7/2007 |
Q: I want a career in psychiatry but I'm kinda confused about how to get there. What would be my major ...
A: First thing is to try to straighten out whether you want to be a psychiatrist, who is an MD, or ...
|
| Feeling ashamed of myself | 7/5/2007 |
Q: I have been struggling with depression, and have thought about suicide, but sometimes, I would like ...
A: If you are having thoughts of doing this, you need to be in treatment. You should ask your current ...
|
| 18 yr old Daughter | 6/25/2007 |
Q: I was having sex with my fiancee and my 18 yr old daughter walked in on us. We were home alone and ...
A: Assuming you were in a "public" area of the house, that is, not your bedroom, then you were totally ...
|
| Teenagers | 6/24/2007 |
Q: My B/friends children have come for the summer and remote chance he may be awarded physical custody. ...
A: "they should not be allowed to show such open disrespect towards an adult..." Correct, but you are ...
|
| Zoloft | 6/10/2007 |
Q: I was curious about exactly how Zoloft works? I know it somehow holds Seritonin at the synapsis of ...
A: Zoloft does not give patients euphoria. It takes a depressed or anxious person, and restores the ...
|
| Zoloft | 6/7/2007 |
Q: I was curious about exactly how Zoloft works? I know it somehow holds Seritonin at the synapsis of ...
A: There are no long term effects. When the medication stops, the medication is gone from the system ...
|
| Which one is best for me? | 6/1/2007 |
Q: My name is Stephanie I am 20 years ago and about six months ago I had an abortion which had a huge ...
A: The best treatment for depression is psychotherapy AND medication. A psychiatric evaluation would ...
|
| fearful parenting after suicide | 5/31/2007 |
Q: I am a 35 yr. old mother of 3 children, ages 17 yrs. 12 yrs., & 3 yrs. I'll share a brief history ...
A: This could be helped by some psychotherapy. Your history of loss explains your reactions, but even ...
|
| Depression/anxiety | 5/26/2007 |
Q: Dr. Harrop, my wife of 12 years has been feeling ill over the past roughly three months. Long story ...
A: "Do you have any recommendations on how I can be helpful supportive?" It sounds like you are already ...
|
| Depression/anxiety | 5/26/2007 |
Q: Dr. Harrop, my wife of 12 years has been feeling ill over the past roughly three months. Long story ...
A: What about psychotherapy? That is certainly natural, and could be helpful dealing with the ...
|
| relationship / get caught | 5/23/2007 |
Q: Good evening, I am a 27 homosexual men that is still virgin. Since 2004, I have been relying on ...
A: "In 2003, I have been diagnosed with general anxiety disorder, social anxiety and depression. Yet I ...
|
| girl | 5/15/2007 |
Q: In my work place there is a sigle black lady, 27, with a 7 years boy son. She is a worker and I am a ...
A: You are seriously psychiatrically ill. You need to be in intensive psychiatric treatment. You have ...
|
| depression and epilepsy | 4/22/2007 |
Q: I am 43 and suffer from depression which seems to be worsening with each acuter episode.I believed ...
A: The best way to control depression is still careful treatment with a psychiatrist for medications ...
|
| Stress related Pain | 4/17/2007 |
Q: Ok i have a Question? Lets say that i AM Extremely Stressed Out lately cause i was recently at a ...
A: You need to see a psychiatrist. Even if you were stuck with an infected needle, the chance of ...
|
| next step | 4/10/2007 |
Q: My son, soon to be 18, has been treated for depression for a year now. He slowly worked up to 150 mg ...
A: After someone has been without symptoms for a year (and that means absolutely no symptoms), then ...
|
| Money matters | 4/7/2007 |
Q: Since i started earning money from my first job, my father never approved it. Since then, i have ...
A: "i do feel a need for someone elder to me to accept that i can earn and can be successful" This is ...
|
| Psychiatrists vs. Psychologists | 4/4/2007 |
Q: I am going to college to become a psychiatrists and I have to write a paper for my English class ...
A: " What I need to know are some basic differences between the two so I can do some more research for ...
|
| help | 3/29/2007 |
Q: My 14 years old boy had a fight with other boy at the high school and I got so much preocupied ...
A: While you have to defend yourself if attacked, at least until you can escape, fighting is never ...
|
| help my mom(a psychiatry patient) | 3/27/2007 |
Q: My mom has mental disorders.IT's been 28 years she is having this problem. Initially she wasn't ...
A: I would see to it that she saw another doctor, at least on consultation. Paranoid disorder is a ...
|
| schitzophrenia | 3/27/2007 |
Q: how are you going? My name is Christina and I live in Australia. Thank you for taking the time to ...
A: Schizophrenia is a life long complicated disorder. It can cause of a variety of behavioral ...
|
| schooling to become a Psychiatrist | 3/27/2007 |
Q: I know that it takes four years of college, and then four of medical school and then residency. But ...
A: Some form of science is usually best, such as biology. The number of courses you need to take for ...
|
| Psychiatry | 3/26/2007 |
Q: I would like to know what you would recommend to someone who is interested in a career in psychiatry ...
A: There are actually some schools that have specialized two year programs for people in your ...
|
| help | 3/23/2007 |
Q: in caracas my 14 years old son had an argument at the catholic high school he atends with other boy. ...
A: "15 minutes later when we were alone in the kitchen he asked me if I had ever fight in the street ...
|
| Treatment for Psychotic Depression | 3/18/2007 |
Q: Dr. Harrop- Are there treatments for psychotic depression that don't involve neuroleptics? Right ...
A: The only option to antipsychotic medications for treating a psychosis is ECT, or electroconvulsive ...
|
| adult sibling issues | 3/7/2007 |
Q: I am the oldest (37) of 3 children; my sister is 36 and my brother is 32. My parents are both ...
A: I think writing it out as a cathartic experience is fine, but I don't see what good sending it will ...
|
| should i look for another primary care physician ? | 2/28/2007 |
Q: My primary care physician is absolutely great at what he does, he very caring and never rushes you, ...
A: There is no likelihood this will ever go anywhere. Really, there is no reason to tell him at all ...
|
| Reliving adolescent emotions (help) | 2/27/2007 |
Q: I have a problem. I am a married father of 1 in my early 30's. I was a military brat and moved ...
A: This is an infatuation. It probably indicates some unhappiness in your life and some unrealistic ...
|
| Please, I beg you, help me. | 2/27/2007 |
Q: My mind is about to explode.The highlights: 4 yrs with a man who always had internet women in the ...
A: I wouldn't tell you he's changed -- too short a period of time for change. You need to stay away ...
|
| Help for sister in law | 2/25/2007 |
Q: My sister in law is currently in a psych. ward after a suicide attempt (overdose) She also has a ...
A: I wouldn't be so hard while she's in the hospital getting treatment she needs -- that seems a little ...
|
| self-esteem | 2/19/2007 |
Q: Harrop, Thank you for taking time to read this message. I need your help and suggestions with these ...
A: "I also have to mention that my father and his family were exactly that way." It's not genetic, but ...
|
| relationship | 2/19/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if you can help me to learn more about relationship addiction, sex addiction and ...
A: You write: "He has really disrespected me a lot, and I feel most of it comes from that." So the ...
|
| The anti-psychiatry movement | 2/17/2007 |
Q: I'd always noticed a lot of hostility toward psychiatry in general, then recently a friend of mine ...
A: Yes, I've seen it. It's just all part of the general anti-scientific attitude of a large segment of ...
|
| Psychology vs. Psychiatry | 2/14/2007 |
Q: I'm a freshman in college at the moment majoring in psychology and looking to transfer to a ...
A: They are really completely different professions. To be a psychiatrist, you have to prepare for, ...
|
| brain damage | 2/14/2007 |
Q: I would to know the various causes of brain damage,what tests can be done to determine its existence ...
A: This is more of a neurological questions, rather than a psychiatric question. Formal psychological ...
|
| schizophrenia | 2/14/2007 |
Q: Can a person have schizophrenia up to the age or 48 without knowing it? AND without having any ...
A: Can a person have schizophrenia up to the age or 48 without knowing it? AND without having any ...
|
| Schizophrenia causing other problems | 2/14/2007 |
Q: Can schizophrenia affect the whole autonomic nervous system? Can it affect organ function, not just ...
A: For a person so sensitive to meds, how could I take any anti-psychotic (which is also on my list ...
|
| Parental Influences on Children | 2/11/2007 |
Q: I am not sure whom I should ask regarding my question; so I'll start with you, and perhaps you can ...
A: Absolutely. Besides the fact that it is illegal to have sex in front of children, so the child has ...
|
| help | 2/10/2007 |
Q: a friend of mine, a psychiatrist, told me in a so informal way: " don`t think more about that". I ...
A: If you are worrying about something that happened 23 years ago, you are not analysing a situation, ...
|
| Psychiatric Records | 2/8/2007 |
Q: Dr. Harrop- How long do psychiatrists generally keep patients' records (after the patient has ...
A: This is really a legal question. It depends on the state law about how long any medical records ...
|
| Safely Tapering Off Medications | 1/30/2007 |
Q: I am on 40 mg of fluoxetine and 1200 mg of trileptal daily for treatment of Bipolar II disorder, I ...
A: I hope you are getting this advice from a psychiatrist. While going off the medications might (I ...
|
| anxiety | 1/28/2007 |
Q: Jodie
A: You could consider medication; there are a not of good medications to help this. You should ...
|
| Is psychotherapy an investment? | 1/17/2007 |
Q: I am attending at a psychotherapist who is good and I feel comfortable with but the problem is that ...
A: If your question is, "Is psychotherapy an investment," then, yes, it can be depending on the ...
|
| How can I help | 1/16/2007 |
Q: my question is how I can best help my sister cope with her depression. My sister has been divorced ...
A: "She won't go to counseling..." Then, there is nothing you can do. You cannot handle this problem, ...
|
| Mental Stability | 1/3/2007 |
Q: On December 15th. I Was Injured At Work. Part Of My Thumb was Amputated When The Piece Of Metal I ...
A: I would suggest you enter some therapy right away. This type of traumatic accident can have a worse ...
|
| complusive lieing | 12/30/2006 |
Q: I love a man that cannot tell the truth. He lies to make himself feel better. We went to ...
A: Yes, he can be helped, but needs to go to counseling, usually with another person who knows him ...
|
| Haven't a clue, so I'll ask you.. | 12/30/2006 |
Q: I'm at high school currently and I keep thinking about psyciatry because the human mind is ...
A: Remember the difference between psychiatry, psychology and social work. Psychiatristsa are ...
|
| borderline personality disorder | 12/29/2006 |
Q: Where does our 18 year old with Borderline Personality Disorder go now? She's had a semester filled ...
A: This is a chronic disorder that will take years to fix. Many do not right themselves until around ...
|
| therapy | 12/27/2006 |
Q: Harrop, I am writing regarding the guy that i met three years ago. I noticed that he was so much ...
A: You write: "He, himself, is a ph.d in psychology with relationship and behavioral counseling..." ...
|
| help | 12/26/2006 |
Q: My dear good friend: Before anything I wish you a Merry Christmas. Today I was working in the ...
A: I suggest you don't argue with anyone, never mind a supervisor. If you cannot tell someone ...
|
| Lack of Motivation | 12/16/2006 |
Q: I have had a lot of trouble with having the motivation to do my homework. A lot of times when I try ...
A: It's possible. I would first suggest you bring this up with an advisor at school -- one question if ...
|
| educational requirements | 12/3/2006 |
Q: What type of postgraduate work is done once medical school is completed? Is this similar to a ...
A: After medical school, you do a four year residency, similar to a residency in psychiatry, during ...
|
| N/A | 12/3/2006 |
Q: I'm a 28 yr old man, trying to make the best out of what I've got myself into. 2 months shy of 2 ...
A: Leave. Go home. Get out now. This woman has significant problems. She needs to be in intensive ...
|
| Child who likes to try on Mom's clothes | 12/2/2006 |
Q: I have a 7-year-old son who likes to try on my clothes and sit around in them when his father leaves ...
A: So your choice: discourage him (which might cause some type of problem in the future) or not ...
|
| what might be the problem/reason | 12/1/2006 |
Q: I have a cousin, who have parents who are very caring and loving, actually an ideal family BUT she ...
A: Frist, it probably should be investigated medically to be sure there is not a neurological problem ...
|
| talking | 11/28/2006 |
Q: I have been seeing a doctor for a prolonged injury that ended a career. I have also been diagnosed ...
A: Yes, talking helps things. It helps by putting things in perspective. Example: people who are ...
|
| GAD and benzodiazapines | 11/27/2006 |
Q: My daughter (17) was diagnosed with GAD last year and was getting some benefit from Celexa for about ...
A: You don't say if the doctor is a psychiatrist. If the doctor is not, then that would be your first ...
|
| dep. | 11/22/2006 |
Q: So how do I get off of it? Tapering does not work. Would another drug in the same class help--and ...
A: You did not seem to understand my first answer. It is my belief what you feel when you stop the ...
|
| Strange phenomena when getting out of sleep | 11/19/2006 |
Q: I am 22 years old. I am experiencing something, when i was half sleep or probably while i was ...
A: During the deepest phase of sleep (REM sleep), we are all paralyzed like this. If you begin to ...
|
| Made a mistake | 11/16/2006 |
Q: Harrop: I have to take a polygraph test within the next couple of weeks and I am terribly worried ...
A: Well, if you believe you sexaully molested the child, then if a question does come up on this, you ...
|
| Bad temper and wrong thought | 11/16/2006 |
Q: I have a friend who actually hits me when he gets angry and he will always think that he is right ...
A: Why can't you get away from him? You tell him you do not wish to see him again, you tell your mutual ...
|
| need ehlp | 11/10/2006 |
Q: i confront a big problem hope you aid me to solve it i have a friend like him so much , male like ...
A: There is nothing abnormal about FEELING this way. But society says you cannot ACT on the feelings. ...
|
| Dealing with strange behavior of MIL..... | 11/7/2006 |
Q: When visiting my mother-in-law this summer, my dear husband and she had a fight. It was over ...
A: You cannot change other people; they can change themselves, and you can help them change, but you ...
|
| I'm terrified! | 10/27/2006 |
Q: I don't think what I am experiencing is a depression. I'm not a professional, but I can tell you ...
A: That is the public's basic misunderstanding of depression. Depression (as opposed to sadness) is ...
|
| Paranoia | 10/26/2006 |
Q: My Dad just turned 89 years old on 10/12. He lives with my Mom who is 91. They are both very ...
A: "He has no other symptoms whatsoever." However, this is a VERY serious symptom and should be ...
|
| Psychiatry - please help! | 10/20/2006 |
Q: Dr. Harrop, I was originally interested in becoming a psychologist, but the more I looked into it, ...
A: Anything is possible. It just depends how much time you want to put in to this, and how dedicated ...
|
| Lunesta | 10/14/2006 |
Q: I just started taking Lunesta for insomnia a few nights ago related to problems from ...
A: No, because it will put you to sleep for 4-5 hours, which will leave you with a morning hangover. ...
|
| Sexually Attracted to my Psychiatrist... | 10/10/2006 |
Q: I'm strongly sexually attracted to my female pyschiatrist, but am embarassed to bring up the ...
A: You just mention it to her. You are correct that it is part of the therapy, and completely ...
|
| hi | 10/8/2006 |
Q: i am asking this concerning an abortion that was performed w/o a psyche out patients day program' ...
A: I am a psychiatrist. I cannot answer any of the questions about abortion, and you need to ask a ...
|
| medical school | 10/8/2006 |
Q: If you attend medical school to become a psychiatrist, is it oormal med school that every doctor ...
A: Everyone going through medical school does almost the same thing. During the last few months you ...
|
| need to ask | 10/6/2006 |
Q: i m 22 , i have a friend in my same age male like me i feeling a weired feeling toward him never ...
A: "i enjoyed very much hugging , cuddling him..." and "another somthing weired i have sexual exciting ...
|
| Delusory Parasitosis | 10/6/2006 |
Q: I don't know if you're familiar with this or if I should even contact you about it, but I think my ...
A: You need to get him to a psychiatrist, or at least initially to a family practitioner who can give ...
|
| bipolar disorder treatment | 10/6/2006 |
Q: my mom's been diagnosed with bipolar disorder for as long as i can remember, she's been put on ...
A: If you live near a University hospital, there are certainly experimental treatments, however, if she ...
|
| schizoaffective disorder | 9/29/2006 |
Q: I am a nurse working part time in a mental health hospital for the first time..my question is: How ...
A: Schizoaffective disorder has more "affect," that is, depression or hypomania, than schizophrenia. ...
|
| Luvox and alcohol | 9/28/2006 |
Q: Can you weigh in on drinking alcohol and taking Luvox. I have been on the medication for ...
A: You should really ask you MD why he said no alcohol ever. I tell my patients, who have never had an ...
|
| Need advise... | 9/23/2006 |
Q: I'm 29 yr. old female. I have a history of anxiety/panic attacks along with OCD and boderline ...
A: You need some intensive psychiatric care to help with this worsening problem. That would include ...
|
| love | 9/23/2006 |
Q: The girl I like in the factory I work at is 27 and Black, I am 43 and married with two kids. I would ...
A: There must be something terribly wrong with your marriage if you are sneaking around on your wife. ...
|
| Psychiatry or Psychology? | 9/19/2006 |
Q: I have a B.A., minor in psychology. I am trying to decide to go to grad school for PhD in ...
A: If you didn't go pre-med, you might have problems getting in to medical school. There are special ...
|
| Forensic psychiatry question - baby theft | 9/17/2006 |
Q: Dr. Harrop! I'm wondering, is there a name for the mental condition/status of women who are so ...
A: See, this is the problem with not believing that evil exists, that all crime is really a ...
|
| personality disorder | 8/31/2006 |
Q: A dear friend of mine is having problems with her mother. Her mother has moved in with her and she ...
A: No, it sounds worse that a personality disorder, more like some type of paranoid disorder. This ...
|
| Advice. | 8/30/2006 |
Q: Harrop, I am currently doing research for a novel I have in the works. I recently went on rounds ...
A: " I am not hinting in any way that psychiatrists are bad..." Like Hannibal Lechter, right... Oh, ...
|
| Normal for depression? | 8/29/2006 |
Q: I have written before (but I don't think to you) about my depression which has been going on for ...
A: You don't say whether you are in psychotherapy, or the psychiatrist is just changing the ...
|
| Becoming a psychatrist | 8/28/2006 |
Q: What courses does one have to take in college in order to become a psychatrist? Also what does one ...
A: You need to do a pre-medical major in college to get in to medical school; that will vary depending ...
|
| ocd?psychosis?schizophrenia? | 8/28/2006 |
Q: ok here goes.I am pregnant first off.I have had a very very rough pregnancy.But about 2 months ago I ...
A: There is probably very little ou can do about the sleeping problems before seeing the MD. You don't ...
|
| antidepressants and insomnia | 8/28/2006 |
Q: I am taking 60 mgs daily of cymbalta for anxiety and depression but I think it is effecting my ...
A: Have you tried taking the medication in the morning, rather than the evening? Are you sure it is ...
|
| mania | 8/21/2006 |
Q: I hope you don't mind me asking you another question. I am the one who sent you an email one day ...
A: Mania is not Bipolar Disorder (manic depression disease), so this may not answer your question, but ...
|
| Medication | 8/16/2006 |
Q: Once again I would oike to thank you for your response. The lithium levels are 300 mg twice daily ...
A: Blood pressure is not my area of expertise; you need to have an internal medicine MD or family ...
|
| ASPD w/ sociopathy vs. Sociopath | 8/14/2006 |
Q: we are dealing with a person who has been diagonsed as ASPD w/ sociopathy. we believed at the time ...
A: It is somewhat worse. Someone with Antisocial actions (say like Tony Soprano, the gangster) does ...
|
| Where & who will help my daughter before she kills herself? | 8/13/2006 |
Q: Our daughter as we speak is killing herself with alcohol at least a gallon of rum a day and/or drugs ...
A: First, I'd consult a lawyer to see if you can get guardianship of any type over her. Probate ...
|
| What can I do? | 8/10/2006 |
Q: I don't even know where to begin....my life has been difficult as long as I can remember. I have ...
A: "what can i do ? how can things improve?" You just need to get out. You have a boyfriend; go off ...
|
| Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome | 8/6/2006 |
Q: My husband is always depressed, but every fall and holiday season my husband becomes extremely ...
A: Assuming your doctor really has tried all medications, and one way to be sure of that is to get a ...
|
| hi | 8/4/2006 |
Q: i know a 40 year old male who was prescribed a lot fo depakote for a seizure or other disorder but ...
A: I cannot answer this question without knowing the serum levels involved. The number of pills of ...
|
| family friction | 8/3/2006 |
Q: I need a hand avoiding a nuclear reaction within the immediate family ,I would like to at a minimum ...
A: First, you stop with phrases like, "my parents are imcompetent" and "how do i approach the enemy." ...
|
| pre- psychiatry | 8/2/2006 |
Q: I know that a biology major as an undergraduate would increase my chances of geting into medical ...
A: Possible, but don't confuse psychiatry and psychology. Psychiatry is a medically based therapy. ...
|
| Using anti-depressant. | 8/2/2006 |
Q: I am 25 and male and I've been using 50MG of Zoloft for maybe 9 months now. I still don't quite ...
A: Serontonin is the chemical that transmits information from one cell to another. It is released from ...
|
| Mother mental problem | 8/1/2006 |
Q: My mother is 53 years old from India.Since I know my mother , she doesn't make any relationship with ...
A: Your mother is clearly, an unhappy woman who appears to suffer from depression and could be helped ...
|
| Unable to Think properly | 7/31/2006 |
Q: I'm 24 years old .I am constantly fighting off massive bouts of depression. Ever since I was a ...
A: Got see a psychiatrist. This is the only way the depression, which you clearly have from your ...
|
| a better choice? | 7/27/2006 |
Q: Doctor: Here is my problem, my psychiatrist had me on zoloft for panic disorder which did block ...
A: Yes. Traditional treatment is to maximize one antidepressant before changing to another. Zoloft is ...
|
| More therapy | 7/25/2006 |
Q: I grew up with an abusive alcoholic father and a mother that regreted having me and who I could ...
A: "...saw a therapist for a year which helped me deal with a lot of stuff that I had been holding in ...
|
| Pursuing a career in psychiatry | 7/25/2006 |
Q: I am about to begin my freshman year at Johns Hopkins University in a few weeks, and I had a few ...
A: First, if I am interested in perhaps pursuing a career in psychiatry, would you recommend that as an ...
|
| bi polar | 7/23/2006 |
Q: I am really asking this question for a friend. Her boyfriend is bi-polar, has been in and out of ...
A: First, end the relationship. While that may seem harsh, she does not need a life like this. ...
|
| alarmed at results | 7/20/2006 |
Q: again. right now i'm alarmed and very confused. the state mental hospital my brother has been placed ...
A: Most facilities have a state supported "mental health advocate" who is a lawyer to protect patient ...
|
| recent onset | 7/19/2006 |
Q: my brother is 20 yrs old and a homebody, never had a job and never completed his high school ...
A: First, your mother is not in charge now, the doctors are. Your mother did the right thing in ...
|
| depressed | 7/19/2006 |
Q: I'm a 26 year old married teacher, and I am constantly fighting off massive bouts of depression. ...
A: You certainly sound like you are suffering from a Major Depressive Episode, which will be helped ...
|
| Anxiety and Vertigo | 7/17/2006 |
Q: I was wondering if you could help me out with a few questions. I have gone to the Dr.s numerous ...
A: It sounds like you have a panic disorder with agoraphobia, which could be treated with medications. ...
|
| Psychology question | 6/27/2006 |
Q: When someone asks you "what is your favorite animal, and why", what exactly are they "asking" you? ...
A: When they ask hey probably want to know what your favorite animal is, and why you like that animal. ...
|
| Depression or a virus | 6/27/2006 |
Q: I wonder if you have any ideas on why i am getting these psychiatric problems from a cold and how ...
A: Who said you had a virus infection? If you have a virus infection, there is nothing I can suggest to ...
|
| rage/shame | 6/27/2006 |
Q: I have a relative who is dealing with serious past trauma and she periodically looks for excuse to ...
A: "When somebody is very angry and unreasonably so what should ones reaction be so as not to fuel that ...
|
| Obsessive behaviour in relationships | 6/25/2006 |
Q: I am unsure if this is the correct area to be asking this question, but if it's not I'm sure you'll ...
A: He has a personality disorder. Yes, all you can probably do is walk away. I suppose you and your ...
|
| Psychiatry as a career | 6/24/2006 |
Q: I am a teen who is interested in becoming a psychiatrist. I would like for you to please answer the ...
A: 1. Does my college choice matter when it comes to a good beneficial education? Would going to a ...
|
| hi | 6/21/2006 |
Q: i once dated an extremely devout religous girl in her midtwenties who engged in cuting behavoiur as ...
A: "inverted narcissist:" There is no such psychiatric term. Some pop-psychologists use terms like ...
|
| Obesity - Personality Disorders | 6/18/2006 |
Q: I work for a morbidly obese woman who appears to have a toxic coctail of personality disorders, ...
A: o % of obese people who have pers. disorders >>>Unknown o obese people in positions of authority ...
|
| childs complains about repetition | 6/16/2006 |
Q: My 24 year old daughter is very sensitive about my telling her information she already knows. If it ...
A: Well, you can't, unless you don't talk to her. SHE can fix it, if she wants: there are clearly more ...
|
| Bipolar disorder? | 6/15/2006 |
Q: Harrop, I'm trying to figure out what causes my wife to act the way she does. Early in her ...
A: She appears to have a borderline personality disorder. I assume she is in active, intense ...
|
| deviant sexuality | 6/15/2006 |
Q: It seems that when ever I watch the news, and hear of another pedophile being cought, and they show ...
A: It seems that when ever I watch the news, and hear of another pedophile being cought, and they show ...
|
| questions | 6/13/2006 |
Q: If you would not mind answer a few questions as soon as you have a chance, it would be highly ...
A: 1. Are you currently employed as a psychologist, if so what type and where? No 2. What made you ...
|
| controlling behavior | 6/13/2006 |
Q: please help me on this matter. I have engaged with my boyfriend whom I have dated for 3 years. ...
A: I am unclear why you want to continue this relationship. I understand you love him, but just ...
|
| the greatest waste of all | 6/12/2006 |
Q: Harrop, I'm a 44 y/o who finished university (computer info. systems) more than 20 years ago, but ...
A: People have different opinions on things. There are various educational philosophies. What you ...
|
| Quitting Lithium Carbonate | 6/10/2006 |
Q: im 17 and i was diagnosed with bi polar disorder six months ago, i am taking Lithium (900mg), ...
A: It is not good to stop the medications without a doctor's advice. There are no withdrawal effects, ...
|
| Tired of Error through Trial | 6/8/2006 |
Q: Due to external life situations I am forced to once again try to stabilize and maintain through ...
A: There are a number of books like this that you could find through a large bookstore. They are all ...
|
| Schizophrenia | 6/7/2006 |
Q: I am 44 yrs. old. Recently being diagnosed with possible schizophrenia. I am definately having some ...
A: There are dozens of things that can cause hallucinations, and I assume you have had the appropriate ...
|
| i have a question...please read thanks... | 6/6/2006 |
Q: i have a few questions. first what exactly do child psychiatrists do? i know there is a shortage ...
A: Child psychiatrist see children for mental disorders. It takes four years of college, four years of ...
|
| Adderall Psychosis | 6/5/2006 |
Q: I am a 24 year old male. For about a year, I was perscribed Adderall XR (40 mg daily) to treat ...
A: First, we don't know they are an Adderall induced psychosis, and you need a proper ...
|
| concentration/zoloft/depression | 6/5/2006 |
Q: My 17 yr. old is taking Zoloft and although he is doing well, emotionally, concentration in school ...
A: Yes, Zoloft might cause that, but so could depression; INCREASE of Zoloft might prove as beneficial ...
|
| enemy or friend | 6/3/2006 |
Q: This girl is my cousin, for years we've been friends on and off. she got the internet on and we both ...
A: You should get friends who are nice to you and helpful to you. They might have to pleasantly and ...
|
| snooping/spying | 6/3/2006 |
Q: I saw your response to a detailed account of a woman who caught her boyfriend/husband lying and ...
A: You have no recourse. Life is unfair. You make choices. Someone who snoops and sneaks around is ...
|
| Fear of taking medicine! | 6/1/2006 |
Q: I'm a 26 year old female. I have an intense fear of taking medicine. Most especially taking ...
A: You need some behavioral therapy, or "exposure" therapy, to help this phobia. All phobias are ...
|
| sibling dependance after parental abandonment | 5/23/2006 |
Q: We are in an interesting situation where my husband is being forced to leave The US to work abroad. ...
A: The simple way to go about this is to get your sister-in-law to agree that your husband's presence ...
|
| Volunteer research - can I do it? | 5/23/2006 |
Q: I would like to apply to a Clinical Psych PhD program soon, but need research experience first. I ...
A: Keep in mind that I am a psychiatrist, not a psychologist. If you were asking about psychiatrists, ...
|
| career choices | 5/19/2006 |
Q: Harrop, I am board certified in emergency medicine and have been in practice for 5 years. I wanted ...
A: The job prospects for child psychiatrists are spectacular: it is clearly one of the most underserved ...
|
| in desperation | 5/18/2006 |
Q: Harrop I'm pleading for some help for a beloved family member. My niece Elisa is is slowly dying. It ...
A: "The thrust of my long inquiry is..... I've been informed by all the resources at my disposal, that ...
|
| sexuality | 5/14/2006 |
Q: I have a question concerning human sexuality, more specifically human sexual attraction and sexual ...
A: I think it has been studied in a serious manner, and continues to be studied. However, it is a very ...
|
| a-typical/bipolar | 5/11/2006 |
Q: Good Afternoon Dr. Harrop, My husband has been to psychiatrist after psychiatrist for many years. He ...
A: Your copy seems to indicate that Ativan is helpful My suspicion here is that your husband has ...
|
| Career in Shyness | 5/4/2006 |
Q: I just have a general career question. I'm considering a career in psychiatry, but I'm just not ...
A: Psychiatrists have MD's and do what most MD's do: see patients for medication managment. Few ...
|
| Seeing faces when I close my eyes | 4/28/2006 |
Q: I am a 25 yr old female and for a while now I have been concerned about the faces I see when I close ...
A: My suspicion is that this is more related to a neurologic problem than a psychiatric, or a sleep ...
|
| Dissociative Disorder | 4/19/2006 |
Q: My mother is 53 years old and is having some problems. She is seeing a psycologist who has her ...
A: Dissociative Disorder is the new name for multiple personality disorder, since many people don't ...
|
| Lying | 4/18/2006 |
Q: I would like your definition of a compulsive or pathological liar. Someone in my life exhibits the ...
A: Your description is a good one. There is little you can do: you can confront the person on their ...
|
| My psychiatrist's integrity | 4/13/2006 |
Q: I hope you can help me with this. A lot goes into it but I'll try to give you the bottom lines. My ...
A: You are seeing a resident; his services are free; he is a trainee who must check everything with a ...
|
| afraid | 4/13/2006 |
Q: my doughter very much afrid cat.please tell me how to solve this problem
A: Bring a small, cute kitten into the opposite end of the house or room, you hold the cat, let her ...
|
| Parental denial making it worse | 4/5/2006 |
Q: I'm a 45-year-old, divorced mother of two, and have suffered from bipolar II disorder, PTSD and ...
A: The difficulty here is that "there is no free lunch." She is a hopeless case and not likely to ...
|
| stopping antidepressants cold turkey | 4/4/2006 |
Q: Are you aware if stopping antidepressants abruptly can cause permanent brain damage? Or just ...
A: Not permanent brain damage, just temporary side effects (perhaps a long as a month). There IS, ...
|
| Help Please | 4/1/2006 |
Q: I suffer from sadness, I am sad all the time, I am on Lexapro 20 mgs and still sad, plus I have ...
A: You could ADD Wellbutrin, Lithium or Lamictal to the current Lexapro. Studies indicate that ADDING ...
|
| institutionalization | 3/31/2006 |
Q: I have read that people personality disorders should not be institutionalized for many years in a ...
A: You hospitalize someone because of one of four reasons: they are dangerous to themselves, or others, ...
|
| Dont know if this is quite the right place... | 3/30/2006 |
Q: For an assignment for one of my classes, I have to do a speech informing the group about a certain ...
A: You need to go back to square one in your research. Psychiatry is a field you study AFTER you ...
|
| Psycho-what? | 3/26/2006 |
Q: I'm looking for someone, anyone, that can actually help me. I'm seeing a psychiatrist + therapist ...
A: Zoloft and other antidepressants ARE useful for the long term according to many long term studies. ...
|
| help | 3/24/2006 |
Q: My really good friend: I am here now in Caracas working in this pharmaceutical plant as a higiene, ...
A: Does this behavior interfere with our work? If you told me that once a week you sent a question to ...
|
| Important Psychiatry question | 3/23/2006 |
Q: I currently hold a 4.0 and I'm going onto my junior year of college. I will be transfering to a 4 ...
A: All medical schools, including Nova, offer psychiatry: it is required to be certified a medical ...
|
| mixed feelings | 3/9/2006 |
Q: I am an 18 year old senior in high school and i need help with something. Last summer my boyfriend ...
A: It's clear you need some counseling and should go to a therapist. This would be helpful for you. ...
|
| Wellbutrin and agitation | 3/7/2006 |
Q: My wife is a little prone to anxiety and when I say little I really mean little. She mentioned it to ...
A: Tell the doctor. He cannot give you information without her approval, but you can write him a ...
|
| fear of going mad | 3/6/2006 |
Q: For a long time (probably too long a time for it to be true, maybe 4 or 5 years - I am 19 now) I ...
A: You certainly have enough anxiety about this topic to be evaluated. What's the harm in seeing a ...
|
| my son's apparent insanity | 2/27/2006 |
Q: he is 24. he was sexually abused as a small child.he disclosed this about 5 years ago.he is VIOLENT ...
A: You should probably seek some counseling. Yes, I know you don't have a mental disorder, but you do ...
|
| Please help me with stress!!! | 2/23/2006 |
Q: Harrop, My name is Laura and I'm 21. I really need some advice. My whole life I've been a worrier ...
A: So aside from dragging myself to counseling sessions, do you know any more simple ways to help ...
|
| releive uneasiness | 2/22/2006 |
Q: i am of age 21 i like a person i don't know whether he likes me or not we stay in diffrent cities ...
A: It's clear to me that he is not interested in you. He does not respond to you when he knows your ...
|
| over-reacting | 2/18/2006 |
Q: My husband seems to over-react tremendously when something happens to a car or other possession. He ...
A: Yes, his reaction is abnormal, but so is yours, after 42 years of marriage. You should just ignore ...
|
| what if... | 2/15/2006 |
Q: Harrop, I have been on Celexa for four month now and a question came to my mind, what if I develope ...
A: Oh, you can stop it abruptly, it's not going to kill you, although it will make you very sick. The ...
|
| School Assignment | 2/14/2006 |
Q: My highschool class requires me to interview three psychologists or Psychiatrists because that is ...
A: 1. How long was your schooling and training? Four years college, four years medical school, four ...
|
| Medication | 2/14/2006 |
Q: My girlfriend has been using Epilum and Anti Dep for about 3 years now. Weight gain was getting to ...
A: Yes, Lithium can be used in lower dosages, but there is not much lower than 25omg. Weight gain is a ...
|
| In-law Issues | 2/12/2006 |
Q: My fiancé and I have been together for 3 years and engaged for 2. My parents and my fiancé have ...
A: The wife can bring it up with your parents once you authorize her to do that, although I don't ...
|
| switching therapists | 2/9/2006 |
Q: Harrop. Hope you are well. My question is pretty straight-forward, although my psychiatric bio is ...
A: So, print this out and tell them this as well, but here even I might have to agree with your current ...
|
| switching therapists | 2/8/2006 |
Q: Harrop. Hope you are well. My question is pretty straight-forward, although my psychiatric bio is ...
A: Take your question as sent to me, print it out and hand it to both the MD and the PHD, and tell them ...
|
| Your career | 2/2/2006 |
Q: I am doing my senior paper on what I hope is my future career, a psychiatrist. As a required source ...
A: Why did you choose to be a psychiatrist? I enjoyed studying it in medical school What do you like ...
|
| medical exams | 1/28/2006 |
Q: I'm 24 years old, and had an abdominal hysterectomy (retained ovaries) when I was 22 for ...
A: Explain to your gynecologist the issue before the exam. However, the real answer is that you need ...
|
| Patient Reporting vs. Caregiver Reporting | 1/25/2006 |
Q: Harrop! I think this question is deeper than this site is set up for, but I believe nothing ...
A: The family should get together and tell the intern very clearly that they are wrong, that these are ...
|
| Emotional Quotient | 1/24/2006 |
Q: I am an emotional person this leads me in lack of concentration how to reach the optimum level of ...
A: Two factors to concentrate on: relaxation (having fun) and socializing with people. As for ...
|
| antidepressants | 1/12/2006 |
Q: My question is: Do you believe that antidepressant withdrawal problems exist? For the past 10 years ...
A: Yes, but.... Antidepressant withdrawal effects exist. Even if you stop them cold turkey, they are ...
|
| Another therapist's behavior | 1/8/2006 |
Q: I have been seeing a new therapist for about 3 months. I have over 15 years experience going to ...
A: I would not be concerned about the comment at the end of the session (we all have an off day; I ...
|
| what is an acceptable substitute... | 1/3/2006 |
Q: what is an acceptable substitute for depakote and what is depakote used for in psychiatric ...
A: If you are pregnant, there is no acceptable substitute. All medications have a chance of giving the ...
|
| Fear of doctors based on traumatic experiences | 1/1/2006 |
Q: What do you do about a fear based on several bad experiences. When you have to return to the same ...
A: You need to find a general medical doctor you feel comfortable with and who knows your history. ...
|
| What can I do to change. | 12/28/2005 |
Q: I checked out mental health.com and went through the website trying to figure out what my problem ...
A: You are suffering from a depression and you need to be in treatment. Several centers offer low cost ...
|
| homosexuality and Paedophelia | 12/22/2005 |
Q: I am interested in doing research into the root causes of homosexuality and pedophelia. I ...
A: Neither of these have "definitive" answers. You would be better going to the library and research ...
|
| obsessions | 12/20/2005 |
Q: Justa a quick question for you.I suffer from obsessive thinking.My latest obsession involves being ...
A: Well, in OCD, a professional saying it doesn't make it happen. Let me prove it to you: "Stop ...
|
| DC'g Wellbutrin, and eating obsession | 12/16/2005 |
Q: Dr. Harrop, I am so grateful to have found this service. Thank you in advance for your help. I ...
A: The problem is not discontinuing the medication. You can very easily discontinue the medication, ...
|
| My psychiatrist is on medication | 12/10/2005 |
Q: I recently went to a psychiatrist for anxienty & mild depression. He wants to put me on medication. ...
A: You should not be concerned about seeing a doctor who is on medication for anxiety. You should be ...
|
| 10 year old daughter thinks things are going faster then they really are | 12/9/2005 |
Q: My ten year old daughter Jess is very shy and worries about many things. She is a very deep thinker. ...
A: This appears to be an anxiety order, like agoraphobia, or a fear of open or new places. She should ...
|
| Sibbling Sexual Abuse | 12/7/2005 |
Q: My girlfriend, who is now 23 was abused by a brother who was 20 years her senior at the age of 12 ...
A: Nothing, which is not what you wanted to hear, I know, but the truth. SHE needs to get into a long ...
|
| Schizophrenia | 12/7/2005 |
Q: I just had a visit from my Aunt who is Schizophrenic. It doesn't seem to be a severe case, because ...
A: It's nice that you ask, but this is not something money will fix. Schizophrenia is a medical ...
|
| therapy | 12/5/2005 |
Q: I'm a 45 year-old female with a history of childhood verbal and physical (not sexual) abuse. ...
A: Yes, psychotherapy can help with this problem. "Is the general consensus in the medical community ...
|
| Is Seroquel causing my son's rapid pulse | 11/26/2005 |
Q: I have a 28-year-old son who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder with some psychotic features ...
A: Tough to say: there is no data on just having a rapid pulse several times daily. It may be a side ...
|
| I have depression - I think. | 11/25/2005 |
Q: Daniel,please help me. I want to check myself into some institution next week that can service me ...
A: If you live in Virginia, there is a county mental health agency that will have to screen you to ...
|
| depressed spouse | 11/24/2005 |
Q: My husband is depressed and will not seek any sort of professional help. He says that if he sees ...
A: This is effecting you and your daughter. It will only get worse. Without treatment, it is likely ...
|
| hyperactivity in adults | 11/17/2005 |
Q: Good Morning Dr. Harrop, I am writing to you concerning my husband Robert. He is a 44 year old male ...
A: Why did he need to get into treatment at age 42 for this? That's different. Does he really need ...
|
| hey | 11/16/2005 |
Q: hey im 16,and i was wondering about the difference in a Psychologist and Psychiatrist are, and as ...
A: Psychiatrists are MD's who go to medical school for four years after college and then do a four year ...
|
| benzodiazapenes and panick attacks/insomnia | 11/15/2005 |
Q: benzodiazapenes and panick attacks/insomnia I have been on 10mg nightly of Ambien for the past 8 ...
A: You need to have a psychiatric evaluation at this time. The persisting panic attacks probably call ...
|
| Should I allow my son contact with my ex? | 11/13/2005 |
Q: My question is a little complicated. My son is 2 years old. He has never met his natural father. I ...
A: The mistake, of course, was in letting your son call this man "daddy." At this point, the best ...
|
| Bipolar? | 11/13/2005 |
Q: I don't know if this is your area of expertise, but I will ask anyway. I was wondering how a person ...
A: There are some blood tests that can determine if chemical imbalances exist, but mostly it is a ...
|
| How to Obtain Free Psyotherapy and Medication | 11/11/2005 |
Q: I have recently decided that I want to recieve treatment including psychotherapy and medication for ...
A: Every area is covered by a "community mental health center" to handle the needs of the seriously ill ...
|
| Treatment of Depression/Anxiety | 11/8/2005 |
Q: I am in the midst of a serious relapse of bi-polar disorder. I have been under the care of a ...
A: The legal problems I cannot help you with as that is outside my area of expertise. You appear to ...
|
| Depression | 11/7/2005 |
Q: My husband is definately showing signs of depression. However, when ever I bring up this subject he ...
A: You need to get other family members to help: adult children, siblings, his parents if available, ...
|
| Citalopram | 10/31/2005 |
Q: Harrop, I used Thioridazine 10 and Celexa 20 mg and after a while (10 days) I couldn't ejaculate, ...
A: I would follow your doctor's suggestion on this. If you still have the problem after two weeks off ...
|
| Effexor for panic attacks | 10/26/2005 |
Q: In 1995 I was hit with severe panic attacks and was given Paxil by my Dr. It took about 6 weeks but ...
A: Well, you could go back on Paxil but increase your exercise and decrease your food intake to keep ...
|
| Mental condition . | 10/23/2005 |
Q: Respetable Expert! I am 75 years old. I have no more sex vigour.I am depressed to ...
A: There are several new medications on the market that can help this, and you should try to see if a ...
|
| Thinking of psychiatry career | 10/22/2005 |
Q: I'm a college student who has a dilema: I don't know whether to become a psychiatrist, or ...
A: You have to like to do something to be successful at it, and happy with your life. In either ...
|
| Therapy :-P | 10/20/2005 |
Q: I'm currently in therapy (whatever that means) and find it isn't very informative about my current ...
A: You should print out the above comments and give them to your therapist. See his response. You ...
|
| Avoid silly mistakes | 10/19/2005 |
Q: In my like I face many situation in which even though I know what to do I accidentally am unable to ...
A: Everybody makes silly mistakes all the time. If this is caused by anxiety, a counselor might help ...
|
| gender issues | 10/19/2005 |
Q: I don't know if this is something you can help with or not, but I thought perhaps you could at least ...
A: "I wonder, if this were genetics, wouldn't I feel strongly, even now, that I was in the wrong body? ...
|
| Family Relations need help | 10/18/2005 |
Q: I guess I'm trying to figure out how to start coping with my family. Let me explain my situation. ...
A: Well, you could print out this question and answer you sent me and hand it to your parents to let ...
|
| stigma for me | 10/5/2005 |
Q: I am a firefighter in Mexico and I got to have a good rank even the fact that I 22 years ago was ...
A: I would write the above situation off to just a problem with the one officer in charge of the ...
|
| hi | 9/30/2005 |
Q: I'm interested in knowing the ethical rules of confidentiality Specifically: Does a hippa form and ...
A: If you come in for conjoint therapy, that is marital or family therapy (whether of not related), you ...
|
| help | 9/29/2005 |
Q: I am a man (42) living Venezuela and suffering the crisis of a country who goes to a ...
A: I do not think you have made the case of having a codependent personality. You have made a case for ...
|
| Schizophrenia | 9/27/2005 |
Q: Hopefully you can guide me in the right direction. My ex is exhibiting systoms of schizophrenia. 1) ...
A: You and his family need to make it clear to him that he needs to get into psychiatric care at this ...
|
| molestion conviction | 9/26/2005 |
Q: This is prob outside your area of expertise, but I'll give it a try anyway. Would you happen to know ...
A: The problem here is the age of the victim. Many prosecutors will move ahead with a victim who is ...
|
| SSRI drug withdrawl question | 9/26/2005 |
Q: I recently went to my doctor with a little mild depression and ED. It was mostly about the ED. He ...
A: It's not withdrawal. The drug probably set off an anxiety disorder, which it can. You should see a ...
|
| where to find help | 9/22/2005 |
Q: I rec'd a call from long time friend (she lives in Ind. I live in Ut.) She has been taking huge ...
A: She could call her local "community mental health center" or a "family service" agency (the first ...
|
| hello, im interested in being... | 9/20/2005 |
Q: im interested in being a psychiatrist but i need more information on it. i understand u have to go ...
A: Besides medical school there is a four year post-MD residency program, and then a year or two of ...
|
| 16 year old son | 9/18/2005 |
Q: I am looking for some advice. My son is 16 (almost) and was diagnosed at age 6 with severe ADHD, ...
A: The therapist will know what to do when you describe the sitaution. However, you also may want to ...
|
| dealing with stepchildren | 9/15/2005 |
Q: his daughter is 16 and lost her mother 9 years ago and for the past 6 years has stolen ...
A: This should be a family therapy problem, that is, ALL the members of the family should be seen ...
|
| stress | 8/22/2005 |
Q: Harrop, . I read your profile. You would be a perfect choice to interview for my next article that I ...
A: Ø When someone is totally dissatisfied with his job (i.e his work doesn't appeal to him) he becomes ...
|
| zoloft | 8/21/2005 |
Q: My doctor adviced me to take sertralina for my obsesive behavoir, but I noticed that when I stand up ...
A: Either medication should work on the obsessive behavior. Various medications have various side ...
|
| What's a normal reaction? How do most people act in this situation? | 8/15/2005 |
Q: I was legally seperated and waiting on a divorce. My soon to be ex had a girlfriend he was living ...
A: This is a "he said, she said..." type of situation. You too are not married; hence, there is no ...
|
| Help for my mom | 8/15/2005 |
Q: Harrop, I am very concerned about my mother and her mental health condition. It is very ...
A: Why don't you go to her doctor? Someone, I assume, is wrting the prescriptions for her medications. ...
|
| Well, first i want to apologize... | 8/14/2005 |
Q: Well, first i want to apologize any mistake, because i'm not english... well, i'm not sure if my ...
A: You have a phobia, or irrational fear, of needles. You can struggle through it briefly, because ...
|
| Treatment, | 8/11/2005 |
Q: Greetings, I'm currently on Zoloft 100MG & Seroquel 75MG. Recently my provider of these medications ...
A: Your treatment provider is setting the terms of your treatment. The patient and provider have a ...
|
| help for my son | 8/9/2005 |
Q: i have son 25 years old. he is out of control. he cannot carry on a conversation with anyone. he ...
A: Every geographic area is covered by a "community mental health center," and you could find the one ...
|
| HELP | 7/23/2005 |
Q: I asked this question all over : We recently went camping, after dark we where invaded by ...
A: The "PS" is the important part: this has reawakened or worsened your OCD. The thoughts you have are ...
|
| friend or backhoe? | 6/28/2005 |
Q: Question I want to know how to take this friendship I have with another so-called friend who I ...
A: Yes, he is rude. As for you, you now know there is no free lunch. You asked to move in, and, I ...
|
| Dissociative Identity Disorder | 6/17/2005 |
Q: I am currently doing a research paper on DID and its causes. This is what brings me to my question. ...
A: There are textbooks on this question. The simple answer is "mitigating circumstances." When a ...
|
| DIVORCE SUPORT | 6/11/2005 |
Q: MY NEIGHBOR LOST HIS WIFE TOO WEEKS AGO AND HE IS TOO DEPRESSED. HE IS 75 AND HIS WIFE 73. HE IS NOW ...
A: Call a family member and make sure they know, or someone else he trusts. Call his doctor and tell ...
|
| DSMV IV | 6/8/2005 |
Q: What type of mental health or other professional is qualified to interpret DSMV disorders and to ...
A: Testing varies: it depends on qualifications. ADMINISTERING tests can be done by a clerk. ...
|
| Fear of failure and self love | 6/3/2005 |
Q: I need some advice. I'm 33 years old and feel like I'm going nowhere fast. I feel that my lack of ...
A: The three are not mutually exclusive. I think you are right that the self-help books are not what ...
|
| mental illness? | 5/31/2005 |
Q: My mother, now 76, has ... traits that have always been there, and progress as she ages. Among them ...
A: She sounds like she suffers from an obsessive compulsive disorder, especially the hoarding behavior. ...
|
| Suicide Prevention | 5/29/2005 |
Q: I understand that your advisement is not a substitute for a personal visit to a doctor's office. ...
A: The most important thing for you to do is to stay in therapy. With you move, the first thing you ...
|
| Adult Pretending | 5/14/2005 |
Q: My sister who is 22 years old pretends that she is another person, a made up person, a celebrity. ...
A: I have no information on this. The key question here is does this make her dysfunctional? If she ...
|
| Depression\Anxiety, need direction | 5/13/2005 |
Q: SIR,i have dealt with the problems above for quite sometime, i was handleing things not to badly for ...
A: Has you doctor discussed with you ECT (electroconvulsive therapy, what used to be called shock ...
|
| Factitious Disorders | 5/12/2005 |
Q: I was just wondering why there aren't many therapists/psychologists who specializes in treating ...
A: Factitious disorder patients are rarely dangerous to others. Facititious disorder is too rare for ...
|
| intervention after a suicide attempt | 5/11/2005 |
Q: How can you describe a "standard mental status examination" ? And What would be the course of ...
A: Standard mental status examinations are described in textbooks. This question cannot be answered in ...
|
| intervention after a suicide attempt | 5/10/2005 |
Q: In my next screenplay, there is a man (47) who attempt to his life. But it looks more like a cry for ...
A: Wouldn't be much different than any other first session: an inteview about what has been going on, a ...
|
| why would i all the sudden feel this way[ i go back and forth] | 5/9/2005 |
Q: the reason im writing is because im having a problem and dont know whats causeing it and i was ...
A: I don't doubt you are in love with her and want to marry her, but actually doing it is frightening. ...
|
| how can i help my mom | 5/5/2005 |
Q: How can I help my mother get better. She is a 51, divorced, single mom (3 children at home). She has ...
A: There is probably nothing you can do. Even if you lived with her and had a million dollars, the ...
|
| Hi,
This man in my medical... | 4/27/2005 |
Q: This man in my medical school class told my friend that he wanted to ask me out months ago but he ...
A: "...he can't take his eyes off me and his eyes look horny and are filled with lust." Well, you seem ...
|
| Close Relative That Is Disturbed | 4/23/2005 |
Q: Harrop, I need your advice! My brother in law seems like he has lost his mind. Within the past ...
A: You can't do it alone, especially in your position. Has he no family or friend who will join you in ...
|
| personality failure | 4/20/2005 |
Q: Do you think being social avoidence can cause personality disorders over years and into middle ...
A: Genetic testing cannot pinpoint what medicaton you should take. Klonopin is not an ...
|
| anti-depressant/mood elevator | 4/20/2005 |
Q: What is the difference between an anti-depressant and a mood elevator?
A: Not all drugs that elevate the mood are antidepressatns. "Uppers" or "speed" (dexedrine, etc.) will ...
|
| Question | 4/15/2005 |
Q: I am writing a screenplay, and i am looking for some information about patient-doctor ...
A: Yes and no... If a physician feels that a specific person is imminently in danger, say a patient is ...
|
| Moral Decision Making/Behavior Relating To Downloading Media Illegally | 4/12/2005 |
Q: Dr. Harrop, I'm a journalism student at Eastern Illinois University and I'm looking to get your ...
A: What do you know about people illegaly downloading files over the internet? I know it is done. ...
|
| Anxiety related symptom? | 3/27/2005 |
Q: Can you briefly explain to me how anxiety can "produce" urinary frequency,or in my case,the ...
A: Anxiety is caused by a rush or abnormal amounts of adrenaline. Adrenaline speeds up all chemical ...
|
| Family | 3/18/2005 |
Q: My name is Samantha i'm 19 years old. I have 2 sisters who are 20 and 15 and 1 brother who is 17. My ...
A: It's the drugs. They lead to wild mood swings. Best thing you can do is get out at this time and ...
|
| drugs | 3/16/2005 |
Q: My boyfriend is 19 year old and I am 25, my boyfriend likes much drug, I am very very sad because I ...
A: You should leave him. He needs to be sober at least a year before he can get into a relationship. ...
|
| Sadness regarding completion of PhD | 2/22/2005 |
Q: I am a PhD candidate in Computer Information Systems. I have completed all of the coursework and now ...
A: The problem in this situation is taht you are proudly organized and pragmatic, which probably works ...
|
| Daughter Who Is A Trouble Maker | 2/22/2005 |
Q: I know this probably isn't your area of expertise, but i need to know What Would You Do? Lets say ...
A: The problem is your behavior. Why did you bail her out? What did you expect? If you do something ...
|
| What one person's effect takes toll on the other? | 2/20/2005 |
Q: I am so glad to find this link. I can't afford to see anyone to ask this question. My husband has ...
A: "Thanks for replying on the first one, but what I actually wanted to know was how do most people ...
|
| Elderly patient w/ mental illness, and pain meds causing problems | 2/15/2005 |
Q: Harrop, Last April my mother was hospitalized for a week due to breathing problems from using ...
A: Psychiatrists are not particularly good at managing pain. There are actually MD's who do manage ...
|
| male depression | 2/15/2005 |
Q: my girlfriend's husband shows all the signs of depression and won't seek medical help. It's been ...
A: You do an intervention with LOTS of people, not two. As a group you approach him to tell him why ...
|
| Ssri's | 2/15/2005 |
Q: ------------------------- Followup To why do you think there are so many scare stories about ...
A: Because there are a number of anti-psychiatry groups (like the Church of Scientology) who have an ...
|
| Choosing Therapy | 2/15/2005 |
Q: I want to seek some type of counselling for two reasons: for myself (testing for emotional or ...
A: Psychiatrists do medical evaluations: if you are worried about depression or Bipolar disorder, I ...
|
| Mental Health treatment | 2/11/2005 |
Q: I am having trouble finding an inpatient program to help my husband. He suffers from severe ...
A: Hospitals are only used in emergencies. If your husband presented to any hospital emergency room, ...
|
| NEUROLOGICAL AND SLEEP DISORDERS | 2/7/2005 |
Q: I'm plannig to move to the U.S.A. Please,let me know if it is possible to import in the U.S.A. ...
A: Miansering is sold in the United States under the trade name of Remeron. Delorazepam is not, but ...
|
| My son | 2/7/2005 |
Q: Im not sure if i am asking the right person but you seemed to have the most qualifications. I have ...
A: Unfortunately, it will your son either way (seeing his Dad or not seeing his Dad) so you have to ...
|
| My daughter's behavior | 2/5/2005 |
Q: Harrop, I sincerely appreciate that you took the time to read my lengthy narrative. I tried to ...
A: She is an alcoholic. She needs to be at AA daily. Nothing else in her life matters, and if she ...
|
| My daughter's behavior | 2/4/2005 |
Q: I am running out of ideas for hor how to help my 16 year old daughter. She has been a high need ...
A: Your daughter is in counseling; she needs to stay in counseling. Not likeing the counselor is NOT a ...
|
| recalling problem | 2/3/2005 |
Q: iam idrees from kashmir and iam 17. i have a very good memory but from past 7 monthes i am suffering ...
A: 1. can it be due to the lung problem (neumothorax) No 2. can it be due to the mild ear hearing ...
|
| my sister | 2/1/2005 |
Q: my sister is 18, 8 weeks pregnant and is involved with a very controlling young man who is trying to ...
A: Your sister needs to get a counselor who can lend a neurtral ear to her problems and let her decide ...
|
| ALL ALONE? AND CONTENT. | 1/29/2005 |
Q: I AM SIXTY YR OF AGE AND MY BEST FRIEND SHEILA DIED 4 YEARS AGO AT AGE 50 . WE HAD A LOT OF FUN ...
A: If you're happy, then what is the problem? None. I'm not sure what to tell your daughters except ...
|
| getting along with people | 1/22/2005 |
Q: Harrop, Thank you for reading this. I hope you can give me some advice. My problem is getting ...
A: Have you tried group therapy? It is really good for people with your problem, no deep dark secrets ...
|
| MEDICATIONS | 1/18/2005 |
Q: MY HUSBAND WANTS TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY MEDICATIONS (EITHER OTC OR PRESCRIPTION) THAT COULD HELP ...
A: It depends. If he is suffering from a psychiatric problem, like depression, anxiety, or attention ...
|
| drug without sexual side effects | 1/17/2005 |
Q: I have social phobia and I want to be medicated. A few years ago I tried Paxil, but I stopped ...
A: First,, have you tried to find a good cognitive psychotherapist to treat the condition without ...
|
| neighbors are crazy | 1/4/2005 |
Q: Dr Harrop: My husband and I have lived in our neighborhood for over 16 years. When we moved in ...
A: I don't mix my business life with my personal life. I don't play psychiatrist at social functions ...
|
| Emotional Trauma and Its Impact on Autism and Mental Retardation | 1/3/2005 |
Q: Scenario: A child is born "normal" per se in that no mental or physical disabilities are noted at ...
A: 1. There are specific examinations and paper-and-pencil test to determine IQ or other neurologic ...
|
| Social anxiety | 1/3/2005 |
Q: I am 18 years old and i have been in therapy and on Paxil and clonazepam since I was 14. I was ...
A: What do you mean by "get over?" If you mean a complete resolution of symptoms and the ability to ...
|
| hello sir,
sir my problem... | 12/24/2004 |
Q: sir my problem is that i have recently found out that i m infertile as i have both testes ...
A: You don't have much of a choice about telling the woman evenutally. I wouldn't tell her on the ...
|
| a friends odd behavior | 12/24/2004 |
Q: A male friend of mine in his early 30's, who is very intelligent, talks about being followed all the ...
A: You cannot "rationalize" with a paranoid. You are wasting your time. When he complains about this ...
|
| "prophesies" of relative | 12/13/2004 |
Q: My great-grandmother is 87 years old and has been diagnosed with dementia. Approximatly 10 years ago ...
A: People with dementia can have a fluctuating course. Most of the time they have problems, sometimes ...
|
| Bi-polar disorder -- working on article | 12/10/2004 |
Q: I am working on an article on bi-polar disorder (don't have a market yet, though I have several ...
A: 1. Why is it so important for family members to monitor the patient after he or she begins to ...
|
| loneliness, insecurity and lower self confidence | 12/3/2004 |
Q: I am born and brought up in Mumbai,India.I have already completed my graduation last year. My main ...
A: First, you need to find a new best friend. Friends change as we pass through life. You need a more ...
|
| I HAVE SOME SEXUAL PROBLEMS | 11/26/2004 |
Q: Respected sir, i' mailing this problem with a lot of tears in my eyes.pls save me sir.i'm a gay from ...
A: It is really not a good idea for you to marry if you are only attracted to men. Some people are ...
|
| overly shy and anxious child | 11/23/2004 |
Q: my daughter is 3 1/2 years old and has been attending day school for about 6 months now on a part ...
A: Taking her out of school would be exactly the wrong thing to do: that's what she wants and getting ...
|
| lexapro withdrawal & problems | 11/22/2004 |
Q: Long story, but will be brief. My husband is 50. About 6 years ago he fell off a ladder, suffered ...
A: Why doesn't he see a psychiatrist? I would collect all his records (he should be keeping copies of ...
|
| schitzophrenia | 11/17/2004 |
Q: I'm writing a short story for my HSC major project, its on a schitzoprenic who is apathetic and has ...
A: I suppose it is possible, the spelling is "schizophrenic," this is a genetic disease and not caused ...
|
| paranoia | 11/9/2004 |
Q: Followup To Question - I am a 60 year old woman who just came out of a 38 year marriage. I have ...
A: He has had these problems for years, you yourself said. He is not going to "snap out of it." You ...
|
| homosexuality | 11/7/2004 |
Q: I have been fighting homosexuality for 20 years, My point of this question is that many young people ...
A: Two possible suggestions to help you: One might be to get a gay therapist, who might be better able ...
|
| anxiety disorders | 11/1/2004 |
Q: I am an undergraduate studying social psychology & Education studies, I have suffered from anxiety ...
A: Given the number of years you have suffered from this, and the extent of medication you need, ...
|
| forgetfullness and loss of memory | 11/1/2004 |
Q: I am a man of 29 years. i grew up to be a very intelligent boyand my teachers confirmed my high ...
A: WHEN I THOUGHT MY PROBLEMS COULD BE TRACED TO THE FACT THAT I DECIDED NOT TO SATISFY MY STRONG ...
|
| My medication and pregnacy | 10/28/2004 |
Q: I have been on effexor nourtin trazidon xanax xr and just found out I am pregnant what can i do to ...
A: It is probably not a good idea for you to go off medications. You have to weigh pros and cons of ...
|
| Auditory Hallucinations | 10/27/2004 |
Q: My 87 year old wife suffers from auditory hallucinations, mainly odd music. She is currently being ...
A: A psychiatrist would try to treat this with antipsychotic medications to reduce the hallucinations. ...
|
| tremor | 10/26/2004 |
Q: First I want to thank you for your quick reply to my question about lithium vs lamictal. I have a ...
A: Lithium can prevent recurrence of unipolar depression, but doesn't treat it -- you need an ...
|
| Anti-depressant Change | 10/24/2004 |
Q: Have been on Parnate since 1992. Had been diagnosed with what was described as a difficult-to-treat ...
A: Lexapro, Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, Luvox are all SSRI's. They all act on same brain chemicals. They ...
|
| Thank you | 10/19/2004 |
Q: It's me again! Here are the questions I would like to ask you, (I'm not trying to force you) but if ...
A: 1. How did you get started? YOu need to graduate from college, then medical school, then complete ...
|
| spending money | 10/16/2004 |
Q: i think i have a problem with spending money. i often buy things on impulse and when i see something ...
A: The questions your friend gave you are all appropriate. Also, it is difficult to tell whether you ...
|
| About my fiance | 10/16/2004 |
Q: I love Anthonia but she is currently recieving treatment having had mental problem.She graduated in ...
A: It depends on the disease or problem, but, yes, some mental disorders often require a lifetime of ...
|
| Should I change psychiatrist? | 10/12/2004 |
Q: I suffer from mild schizophrenia, depression and anxiety. My psychiatrist merely prescribes ...
A: I would discuss it with your psychiatrist first. I would also be careful about finding a ...
|
| Depression | 10/7/2004 |
Q: I have a lot of,fear, Sadness,anger. I feel very bad from inside ,Ido not have any interst in this ...
A: You are suffering from a depression. This is a treatable medical illness. You need to see a ...
|
| geriatric care/possible dementia | 10/4/2004 |
Q: I am writing about my 83 year old mother. She experienced 2 severe strokes between 1997 and 1999. ...
A: Sundowning is an early form of dementia. People become confused because as the sun goes down they ...
|
| psychiatry coursework | 9/30/2004 |
Q: This may seem to be a silly question for you. I don't even hae my Associates Degree yet. I am ...
A: To be a child psychiatrist, you need to go to medical school. So you have to take a premedical ...
|
| Zoloft | 9/30/2004 |
Q: I have been taking 100 mg of Zoloft for about 1 month and I am no longer able achieve an erection. ...
A: All of these are side effects of Zoloft. The symptoms may disappear after another six to eight ...
|
| concern? | 9/27/2004 |
Q: Daniel, I am not sure if this is an anxiety issue or a medical question. Can you advise? I ...
A: As long as you did not have cuts on your skin so that the dried blood got into your blood (which ...
|
| Coping with grief | 9/24/2004 |
Q: The psychological background of my entire family is very rich, and I suffer from many disorders, ...
A: Whether its a person or a pet or an object, one way to deal with grief is to replace the lost ...
|
| Guesswork? | 9/16/2004 |
Q: Do you think there will ever come a time when psychiatrists will be able to use something other than ...
A: Do you think there will ever come a time when psychiatrists will be able to use something other than ...
|
| working in the field | 9/11/2004 |
Q: I was planning on going to university andbecoming a psychiatric nurse. However, a friend of mine who ...
A: I have no idea where he gets that information. I'm sure some nurses need to leave for that reason, ...
|
| Are mental illnesses hereditary?... | 8/28/2004 |
Q: Are mental illnesses hereditary? Can a person have several symptoms to many different disorders.
A: Some illnesses are hereditary, although not like blue eyes. If you have a parent who is ...
|
| Psychology- mourning | 8/10/2004 |
Q: I'm trying to write a movie to send for college. The premise (so far) is this: a girl (Zoe) is ...
A: Everyone mourns the loss of someone in their own way. Everything is considered OK for the first six ...
|
| mental health screenings | 8/9/2004 |
Q: We live in a state that is getting ready to begin compulsive mental health screenings on all ...
A: Better you should ask your school department what will be used and who will do the screening. There ...
|
| Treatment resistant depression (and anxiety) | 8/8/2004 |
Q: Dr.Harrop: Again, thank you for your reply. Let me ask you 2 more questions and clarify one point. ...
A: If you have a depression that intereferes with your life, you should be seeing a psychiatrist: there ...
|
| DSM--Codependency | 8/8/2004 |
Q: Why is codependency not listed in the DSM? If it is not listed as a diagnosis, how then does one ...
A: I do not know of any insurance company that reimburses for codependency. You do not get ...
|
| Treatment resistant depression (and anxiety) | 8/2/2004 |
Q: I have suffered through a frustrating and seemingly treatment-resistant depression (and anxiety to a ...
A: If you have confidence that your psychiatrist has maximized the medications you have been taking, ...
|
| Career Path... | 7/31/2004 |
Q: I am looking into my career options, to decide what I want to do, and what I need to get there. I ...
A: A psychiatrist has an MD, so can prescrive medications, and generally treats people with such. A ...
|
| Bahvior Problems -- Abnormal EEG with No Siezures | 7/27/2004 |
Q: My son, age 5, has had progressivly worsening behavior problems that tend to suggest bipolar ...
A: If you are near an academic medical center, then a Behavioral Pediatrician would be best. A child ...
|
| Remember | 7/14/2004 |
Q: good morning. I have a problem regarding memory, and I would like to know if you could help me. ...
A: Is it memory, or concentration? Who is the Prsident, who was President before him, and who was ...
|
| Being social for an INTJ serving in Korea | 7/11/2004 |
Q: I am a 23 year old soldier currently serving in Korea and recently I was looking online and found ...
A: Time management, or structuring your time better, might help. That is you need an appointment book ...
|
| How do I forget? | 7/9/2004 |
Q: How do I get over something, when other people seem determined to keep it fresh in my mind? About ...
A: You cannot forget: the mind does not work like that. You can avoid those who want to remind you. ...
|
| Med school/internship | 7/2/2004 |
Q: Dr. Harrop; I'm a fiction writer in search of some information. If you want to specialize in ...
A: All medical students take the same courses in the first three years: they all do cadavers, all work ...
|
| confrontation | 6/16/2004 |
Q: I am using this online service because I need to talk to someone. I am married (10yrs) and we have a ...
A: This is an important lesson about choosing who you tell things to carefully. Why did you tell a law ...
|
| Zyprexa questions | 6/9/2004 |
Q: I have a question about the medication Zyprexa. I am a paranoid schizophrenic, and one of the ...
A: You should be seeing a psychiatrist. Schizophrenia is a serious illness which requires powerful ...
|
| anxiety/adult adhd | 6/5/2004 |
Q: Good Morning Dr. Harrop, My husband has always been seemingly hyper his whole life...rocking, hands ...
A: I never heard of that reaction. I would try it again, just to see if it reoccurs (it didn't sound ...
|
| Post traumatic stress | 6/4/2004 |
Q: Please tell me what to do. Can't afford help. Want to help myself some way. I was told by health ...
A: There are various self-help books, none better than the other. You might instead try to find a ...
|
| inv. commitment | 5/14/2004 |
Q: Hey Doc, I heard of "the fourth standard" of commitment where due to mental illness someone cannot ...
A: Actually, the three standards are: 1. Dangerous to self or others (and in some legal jurisdictions ...
|
| How to become a Psychiatrist | 5/10/2004 |
Q: I'm considering becoming a Psychiatrist when I'm older. What are the tasks/duties of a Psychiatrist? ...
A: First, you need to go four years to college, then four years to medical school, then do four years ...
|
| control freak | 5/9/2004 |
Q: ...1.please explain why someone who was raised in a controlling environment and who left home to get ...
A: 1. Habit -- you do what you know. 2. How do you help? How much are you willing to inconvenience ...
|
| Protecting the daugher of a sociopath | 5/9/2004 |
Q: Ok, this is how it is for us. My husband has a brother who we shall call Tom (that's not his real ...
A: Sociopathy has no cure. Those who have it rarely even acknowledge it. There is nothing you can do, ...
|
| Extreme restlessness | 5/1/2004 |
Q: I have a new resident in the facility that I manage and he is so compulsive about everthing. He is ...
A: If he wants to be busy all the time, find something to keep him busy. Does he like to knit or can ...
|
| Future Career | 4/23/2004 |
Q: Harrop, My name is Jill and I am a grade twelve student in Canada researching a future career is ...
A: 1. What do you believe is the hardest part about getting into a college of medicine and what would ...
|
| Psychiatry and psychology | 3/31/2004 |
Q: I am wondering what the difference is between psychiatry and psychology. I want to be able to ...
A: You need to get into medical school so during college you need to take a pre-medical schedule, which ...
|
| Psychiatry and psychology | 3/30/2004 |
Q: I am wondering what the difference is between psychiatry and psychology. I want to be able to ...
A: A psychiatrist has an MD degreee. The education is four years of college, four years of medical ...
|
| internal conflict????/HELP | 3/22/2004 |
Q: - I need some insight on a person I am dealing with that seems to be having some severe internal ...
A: It sounds like he might have a neurological problem, even perhaps a dementia. He should be ...
|
| Doubt | 3/11/2004 |
Q: than your for your time. My question is this, i'm 25, very healthy, my gf and i are together for ...
A: First, you don't need to share EVERYTHING with your girlfriend or spouse. I mean, if you fantasized ...
|
| Psychiatrist | 3/9/2004 |
Q: Harrop I am grade 10 student planning to be a psychiatrist and have some questions I need to write ...
A: I am grade 10 student planning to be a psychiatrist and have some questions I need to write a report ...
|
| depakote | 3/4/2004 |
Q: dr. harrop i am taking 1000mg of depakote per day but not experiencing any side effects at all and ...
A: "On-line." Was this information from a board-certified psychiatrist, or from a high school drop-out ...
|
| Here goes.. I know someone... | 3/3/2004 |
Q: Here goes.. I know someone that has a thirty month old little boy. I beleive that she maybe is TOO ...
A: Yes, this is bad for the child. The fact that he is hitting himself is a problem. The mother needs ...
|
| Career Advice | 2/25/2004 |
Q: Harrop, I'm 16 years old and I plan to go into psychiatry. Preferably child/adolescent. I've read ...
A: The important thing at your stage is to excel in the sciences so that you can get into a good ...
|
| hospital term | 2/17/2004 |
Q: I work in group homes. Consumers' hospital records often describe them as "oriented x 3" during ...
A: The are oriented to 1. Person (they can give their name); 2. Place (they know they are in a group ...
|
| I need a second opinion about my son | 2/14/2004 |
Q: I've been treating my son with lexapro (prescribed by a psychiatrist) for the past 3 months. Since ...
A: Lexapro does not cause ADD. NO SSRI's are approved for use in children by the FDA. However, that ...
|
| Careers Project Interview | 1/6/2004 |
Q: Let me introduce myself. My name is Ashley DeWolfe, I am a grade 10 student in Ontario. Psychiatry ...
A: 1. I see patients in my office 2. I have an MD degreee 3. I like working with people. 4. Best: ...
|
