Over my ten years in private practice, I’ve noticed that my patients with panic disorder are some of the nicest people. They tend to be compliant and eager to please. They are
Panic & Anger: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Author: Dr. Thomas Cook
Science Isn’t Consensus
In the 1970s, psychiatrist Dr. Robert Spitzer was embarrassed. In his mind, psychiatry wasn’t as respectable as neurology or oncology. It was rather like something out of ancient Greece, with the various
Is the Color Purple an Illusion?
Are you familiar with any good arguments for the soul? Many people today don’t know any. Here’s one I think you should know: the qualia argument. It runs as follows: Mary is
Panic Attacks: A Loss of Bodily Ownership
Those who suffer from panic attacks often feel their body is turning on them. As their heart beats out of their chest, as they get tunnel vision, there is a strange sense
On the Fear of Taking Xanax
Many of my patients with panic attacks are afraid to take Xanax— even occasionally. I often reassure them that, if they take it 2x/week, no habituation will occur. It’s also important that
Tips for Success with Ketamine Therapy
When you swallow a vitamin C tab, it doesn’t matter what’s on your mind. You can believe vitamin C is a waste of time, but your immune system will still benefit. Whereas
Medical Marijuana for Bipolar Disorder
As a psychiatrist, I sometimes meet patients with bipolar disorder who went many years without any major issues. Then, something changes, and disaster strikes. Their notorious symptoms return. One patient told me he
How Marijuana Cures PTSD
PTSD is difficult to treat. Take it from me, I am a psychiatrist with my own private practice in Hawaii. And I treat veterans (and non veterans) with PTSD every day. To those
Heal Depression Rapidly
Psychiatry may be on the verge of a new era. Everyone knows that SSRI antidepressants, drugs like Prozac and Lexapro, have been around a long time. Their efficacy is overblown. Studies show