HOW I CAN HELP
WHY SEE A PSYCHIATRIST?
Psychiatrist is a specialized medical doctor. It requires at least 12 years in higher education:
4 years of undergraduate studies (“pre-med” or otherwise)
4 years of medical school (7% acceptance rate on average)
4 years of specialty training or “residency” in psychiatry (1,904 positions across the US)
8-hour exam by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, who certifies 1,500 new psychiatrists per year
Medical doctors (MD), including psychiatrists, require at least 15,000 hours of clinical training before being allowed to independently diagnose, treat or prescribe. In comparison, nurse practitioners (NP) require 500 clinical hours (typically supervised by a medical doctor); and physician assistants (PA) require 2000 clinical hours.
WHY SEE A PERINATAL PSYCHIATRIST?
My additional training offers in-depth understanding of the nuances when diagnosing, treating or prescribing medications for moms and moms-to-be. One major hesitation of taking medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding is the fear that it may negatively affect the baby. As a mom of 2 under 2, I understand.
A few examples of such nuances:
50% of pregnancies in the US is unplanned. However, fetal organs, such as neural tube and the heart, are formed by 2-5 weeks and 2-8 weeks after conception, when most people are unaware that they’re pregnant. This means avoiding medications that may interfere with fetal organ formation is imperative for women of reproductive age, especially during preconception planning.
Pregnancy lowers or increases serum level of some medications. For instance, lithium requires dose reduction 24-48 hours prior to delivery to lower the chance of infant toxicity.
WHY SEE A SPORTS PSYCHIATRIST?
My additional training offers in-depth understanding of the nuances when diagnosing, treating or prescribing medications for athletes. You may be reluctant to take medication that can impair your athletic performance or is classified as “performance enhancer” and is prohibited in your sport. As a former student athlete, I understand.
A few examples of such nuances:
Propranolol is a common medication for performance anxiety. However, it can also lessen tremor and improve fine motor control, and therefore is prohibited at all times in archery and shooting, and in competition for golf, automobile, billiards, darts, and some skiing, snowboarding or underwater sports.
Most bipolar medications may cause weight gain, tremor or sedation that can undoubtedly impair athletic performance. Thus, lamotrigine, which is less likely to produce these side effects, is preferred in athletes.
WHAT SETS ME APART?
My Masters in Psychopharmacology and Applied Psychology add even more insights on all things medication and human behavior.
Every patient is different, and my recommendations are always made on a case-by-case analysis. If together we determine that medication is beneficial, I'll walk you through different options, thoroughly explain their risks, benefits, alternatives and potential side effects, so you can be fully informed and content with your next steps.