Blog

Cocaine withdrawal is a difficult feat to accomplish with the intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can torment a person for weeks and weeks. The odds for beating cocaine addiction dramatically increase with proper psychiatric care and cocaine withdrawal medication management. Working with an experienced psychiatrist trained in addiction and recovery can help you reach and maintain recovery from a life controlled by cocaine cravings.

Cocaine Withdrawal Medication Antabuse Effective

Working with a specialist with decades of experience treating patients with primary and secondary substance abuse and addiction issues is paramount to a recovery plan that is successful. One of the medications that may be prescribed to help manage cocaine addiction withdrawal symptoms is:

• Antabuse / Disulfiram: This medication will help to minimize cocaine cravings and has been shown to improve abstinence and the recovery rates during the first three months of recovery. While Antabuse is generally used in the treatment of alcohol abuse it has shown positive results in the treatment of cocaine addiction as well.

Antabuse Effects on Cocaine Withdrawal

Cocaine primarily affects the neurotransmitter dopamine which directly affects the reward center of the brain – cocaine dramatically increases the level of dopamine in the brain which in turn causes feelings of euphoria that is commonly associated with the drug. In addition to increasing dopamine levels, cocaine increases norepinephrine which makes one feel they are full of energy. Euphoria combined with high energy makes cocaine addiction doubly difficult to recover from.

Use of Antabuse / Disulfiram blocks a specific form of dopamine which is an essential component in the body’s production of norepinephrine; Antabuse has a dual effect on the effects of cocaine use attacking the two main effects it has one the brain and body. Use of Antabuse makes using cocaine an unpleasant experience. While research data is bringing better understanding to the use of Antabuse with cocaine withdrawal, use of this medication is proving to be an effective part of a cocaine recovery treatment plan.

Cocaine Withdrawal Treatment Locally

Dr. Hege, a specialist in addiction and recovery, is a psychiatrist with over 25 years of successful treatment experience. The time has come to start on the road to your recovery. Call the office for a confidential appointment and comprehensive evaluation.

There are numerous choices to make when looking to find mental health professionals that can meet your needs in developing a successful treatment plan. There are over six different mental health professions with dozens of variations on the type or types of services they offer. It can be a confusing time deciding who to call, who is the right therapist for your needs, or figuring out just what type of mental health provider you do need.

Similarities and Differences among Mental Health Professionals

All mental health professionals who work with or treat individuals or groups, whether in a hospital, out-patient setting, group practice, or in private practice must hold a license to practice. Each state has its own specific rules and regulations for licensure for each type of profession that works directly with patients. The biggest difference found between the different types of mental health professionals can be found in the specialty or focus area and their educational background or degree held.

Mental Health Professionals

There are several different types of mental health providers to choose from when looking to find the right therapist or counselor for you. Some of the different types of professionals available in your community are:

• Psychiatrist – A psychiatrist is a medical doctor and the only mental health professional that is not only a specialist in mental health care, but one which can prescribe medications. While your family doctor can also prescribe mental health medications they do not hold the background or specialized training and degree for the treatment of mental health disorders. A psychiatrist may also include adjunct services such as cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy or support groups as part of your individual plan.
• Psychologist – A psychologist may practice psychotherapy and usually has a doctorate degree, but not a medical degree. Their training may require thousands of hours of training and clinical experience that can include the diagnosis, psychological assessment, psychotherapy, individual, marriage and family counseling. In some states and settings a psychologist may hold a master’s degree and practice under specific guidelines.
• Clinical Social Worker – A clinical social worker generally have a master’s degree in social work for a M.S.W. and will show L.C.S.W. if they are practiced in providing psychotherapy services. While a clinical social worker may work in private practice they are often found working in a hospital, mental health agency, or in conjunction with a psychiatrist.
• Psychiatric Nurses – These nurses are registered nurses (RN) who have received specialized psychiatric training where they may provide some forms of psychotherapy. Psychiatric nurses are most typically found in a mental health facility or agency or working with psychiatrists or psychologists.
• Marriage and Family Therapist – These therapists may hold a master’s degree but rules and regulations vary from state to state, where they may be practicing with a more limited degree and experience. In choosing a marriage and family therapist it is important to check on their educational background as well as experience and training received with mental health disorders.

Psychiatry and Psychotherapy

In addition to medication, psychiatrists may also choose to engage you in psychotherapy, whether in a group or through adjunct services connected to their practice. Some common types of psychotherapy offered include cognitive behavioral therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and psychodynamic therapy to name a few. Your psychiatrist will make the determination as to what your treatment program will include following a comprehensive assessment of your concerns and issues.

Choose the mental health professional who can meet all of your needs. Call Dr. Hege for a confidential appointment – evening and weekend appointments available.

Many people who have never seen a psychiatrist or mental health professional often have misguided perceptions or believe a myth about what to expect. If your idea of what goes on in a psychiatrist’s office comes from what you have seen on soap operas or in the movies you may have a set of expectations that could actually limit the ability of the therapist to do their best for you.

Pre-Appointment Mind Set

While it is important to make that appointment for help with any emotional, psychological or behavioral issues you or a loved one may be having, it is equally important to have an accurate idea of what to expect during your psychiatric session times. Having accurate perceptions in place will allow you to get the most out of each session and facilitate an active one-on-one working relationship where your therapist can develop and implement a successful individualized plan of treatment.

Common Myths about Therapy

Understanding what reality versus a myth is can let you take full benefit from your mental health services. Some of the most common misconceptions are:

• “Therapy is supposed to make me happy.” While you may feel that you are happier with life and more comfortable overall, the intent of therapy is to assist you in becoming fully functional and connected with family, friends, work situations, school.
• “I want to be cured in one session.” The entire process of therapy takes time with no quick fixes. Each person is unique with their own needs, perceptions, and motivation for change. The therapist needs to develop an individualized plan, making changes as progress evolves. Many people have more than one issue or concern which may require a higher level of coordination of services, or use of more than one type of medication.
• “I want to be told what I need to do.” Many people go into a therapy session expecting to be told what to do to change their life or solve their problems. While a mental health professional will explore options, outcomes, or may refer for adjunct or group services, a therapist will guide rather than tell you what you need to do.
• “Talking to friends and family is just as good as seeing a psychiatrist.” Having a good support base is important when you are going through a rough time, but mental health professionals have the training and experience to understand and treat basic to complex problems. A therapeutic relationship is also confidential, where you can feel free to discuss things you have never been able to talk about before.
• “Only people that are crazy go see a psychiatrist.” Life is often stressful and full of challenging events and changes. In today’s world, getting help for psychological or behavioral issues is seen as part of keeping oneself healthy in both mind and body.
• “If I try harder I should be able to get better on my own.” Sometimes people struggle for months and years before seeing psychological help. A medical, biological or behavioral component to some disorders require more than just trying harder to get better.

Having the courage to know you need professional assistance and seek out a psychiatrist to help you lead a full functional life is a sign of strength. Take the first step toward feeling better and making a positive change in your life – call the office for an appointment.

Binge Eating Disorder, B.E.D., is the most common eating disorder affecting 1% to 5% of adults in the America. According to the National Eating Disorders Association about 50% of those with B.E.D. are either overweight or obese, however being diagnosed with B.E.D. involves more than just overeating. Only a trained and qualified health care professional can make the appropriate diagnosis and then develop the correct treatment plan that will be successful.

Cause of Binge Eating Disorder

With research and recent medical advances the exact cause of B.E.D. remains uncertain. There is some evidence that Binge Eating Disorder may be hereditary with the disorder linked to family genetics. There are some hypotheses that B.E.D. is caused by certain brain chemicals, or even certain life experiences such as life-threatening accidents or natural disasters.

Diagnosis of Binge Eating Disorder

The diagnosis of B.E.D. is very specific and all of the following symptoms must be present for a true and accurate diagnosis:

• Regularly eating far more amounts of food than an average person would be able to eat in a similar time period
• Feeling that the amount of food eaten is out of control during a binge
• Becoming very upset by the episode(s) of binge eating
• Binge eating typically occurs at least 1x/week over a 3-month period
• Those with Binge Eating Disorder do not try to correct their excessive eating habits by throwing up or by over-exercising; B.E.D. is not part of another type of eating disorder.

In addition to meeting all of the criteria above, at least three or more of the following symptoms must also be present for an appropriate diagnosis:

• Eating extremely fast
• Eating beyond the feeling of being full
• Eating large amounts of food when not hungry
• Eating alone to hide how much is being eaten
• Feeling bad about oneself after a binge has occurred

Degree of Binge Eating Disorder Exhibited

Along with an accurate diagnosis is the determination of the severity of the B.E.D. which your doctor will utilize in the development of an effective treatment program.  There are four levels of this disorder:

• Mild degree with 1 to 3 binge eating episodes exhibited a week
• Moderate degree with from 4 to 7 binge eating episodes a week
• Severe degree where 8 to 13 episodes are reported each week
• Extreme degree with 14 or more binge eating episodes every week

Treatment for B.E.D.

Vyvanse is the first and only medication approved to treat moderate to severe adult Binge Eating Disorder. Vyvanse (lisdexametamine dimesylate) is a prescription medication that your psychiatrist may choose to utilize in the treatment of your eating disorder. Following a comprehensive evaluation, an individualized treatment plan will be developed that may include Vyvanse, cognitive behavioral therapy, adjunct therapy, or support groups.

Binge Eating Disorder Psychiatrist

For qualified experienced care in the diagnosis and treatment of B.E.D., call the office of Dr. Hege to get your eating under control. It is time to enjoy life without the hidden struggle of binge eating.

The American Cancer Society reports that 20%, or over 40 million American adults currently smoke. With public education efforts it is well known that smoking has a multitude of damaging effects on the body including heart disease, stroke, oral cancer, colon cancer, or emphysema. In addition 90% of lung cancers can be linked to smoking. The difficulty with quitting is that smoking is both a physical and mental process; the addictive qualities of nicotine compare to heroin addiction.

Quitting Without Medication

Research data show that only 4 to 6 percent of adults who try to quit by themselves succeed. Use of nicotine replacement therapy, support groups or quit-smoking aids brings the success rate up to 16 to 24 percent. That number increases to between 25 and 33 percent when medications like Zyban or Chantix are added into a medically monitored treatment plan. Being able to quit smoking is a difficult task best tackled with a physician or psychiatrist who understands the addiction and the medications that work.

The Addiction of Nicotine

Two recent prominent studies have reported results that pinpoint specific regions of the brain that make it difficult for some people to be successful at quitting smoking. The one region, interpeduncular nucleus, is packed with nicotine receptors, with this area triggering anxiety responses during nicotine withdrawal. The other region of the brain, the insula, a large region that is viewed as the seat of addictive urges and cravings.  The insula becomes active when a smoker not only craves a cigarette, but when they are just thinking about smoking — a double-edged sword of anxiety and cravings to face when trying to quit smoking.

Quit Smoking with Nicotine Withdrawal Doctor

Call Dr. Darvin Hege to break the physical and psychological addiction that nicotine has on you. He may prescribe medications, nicotine replacement treatments, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychological support adjunct groups or other individualized treatment options to help you succeed and break the nicotine habit. Call the office today.

Symptoms experienced during an anxiety or panic attack are the results of one’s mind: a “flight or fight” response which produces numerous physiological changes within the body. These “flight or fight” symptoms are not a sign of illness but of the body trying to prepare for a perceived or anticipated threat.

Help for Panic Episodes

Having a panic attack may be one of the worst situations to find yourself in. Even though most panic attacks peak at 10 minutes and end within 20-30 minutes, that time may feel like the “hours” will never end. Mental health professionals experienced in the treatment of anxiety and panic attacks can help end the moments of excruciating fear.

Panic Attack Common Symptoms

While the symptoms experienced during an anxiety or panic attack make for a very long list, varying between each person in severity and occurrence, the following list details some of the most common ones reported.

• Shortness of breath, feeling smothered –may be most distressing symptom experienced
• Heart palpitations, racing or slowed heart beat – due to release of stress hormones
• Chest pain
• Globus Hystericus: Difficulty swallowing; “lump” or pressure in throat
• Shaking (internal or external) or shivering
• Dry mouth
• GI upset (indigestion, heartburn, diarrhea)
• Insomnia, sleep disturbances
• Feeling “electric shock or jolt” is common and often radiates from the chest
• Numbness to face or head, pain to neck and shoulders – muscle tightness restricts blood vessels and nerves which cause numbness, pain and unusual sensations to head/face
• Increased sensitivity to sound, smell, light and touch
• Headaches and “tight band” feeling around head
• Agoraphobia (safety seeking behavior)
• Fear of losing control is high on the list during a panic attack
• Tingling in hands or feet a normal expected symptom
• Derealization and depersonalization can occur with even low level anxiety
• Aggression and fear closely related – a panic attack may lead to aggressive outbursts

While this is a fairly extensive list of panic attack and anxiety attack symptoms, the list grows with individual reported experiences and symptoms. With a history of chronic panic attacks the severity of symptoms may also progress to depression or thoughts of suicide. You do not have to face this alone – work with a psychiatrist to help end the fear and panic.

Panic Attack Psychiatrist

Experienced consultation and treatment is available locally. Stop your anxiety and panic attacks – Call the office for a confidential appointment at a time convenient for you.

With almost 16 million adults in the U.S. experiencing at least one major depressive episode over the course of a year, depression is one of the most common mental health disorders diagnosed in this country. The Anxiety and Depression Association (ADAA) report that approximately 7% of all American adults experience a major form of depression every year. More than 50% or more than 8 million adults may be struggling with depression because they are eating a fast food diet.

Fast Food and Depression

While most will agree a diet of fast food is not good for a healthy lifestyle; it is a quick, easy and tasty fix to grabbing a fast meal that also fills you up. Two different university studies, with an initial study starting in 2011 analyzed data from almost 9,000 participants who had never been diagnosed with depression or taken antidepressants. The data results showed that those who did eat fast food were 51% more likely to develop depression than those that ate little to no fast food.

Link Between Fast Food and Depression

Both previously mentioned research studies also demonstrated that there was a link between fast food and depression which was dose responsive; greater quantities of fast food eaten resulted in a greater risk for the development and diagnosis of depression. Even eating small amounts of fast food was linked to a significantly higher chance of developing depression.

Drive Through Versus Sit Down Food

In our fast paced society, we may find it almost impossible to follow a strict holistic or organic diet. Even those restaurants that we feel provide a more nutritious menu still offer “fast food” entrees and side dishes such as fries, hash browns, subs, specialty desserts, and pizza. The University of Illinois reported in a study that the total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium intake were substantially larger when full-service restaurant food was consumed away from home.

Depression Treatment Recommended

No matter what kind of diet you are eating, getting help for your depression is the best choice and recommended option for living your life to the fullest. A comprehensive mental health evaluation will provide an accurate diagnosis of the type of depression you have and allow treatment to begin immediately. Nutrition plays a big role. Changing your eating habits and lifestyle can be addressed throughout your depression treatment. Call the office for a confidential appointment.

Opioid addiction has a powerful pull on those who use them, whether legally through prescription drug use or through illegal drugs such as heroin. Once addicted to opioids, a person typically requires professional intervention with medications such as Suboxone, as well as family and community support systems to beat the addiction. While the general public may not understand the intense addictive qualities of opioids, new research documentation may lead to greater awareness of the growing problem of opioid addiction in our society.

Addictive Cravings Detectable After Death

The Medical University of Vienna, Department of Forensic Medicine, published results in December 2016 that demonstrated addictive craving for opioid stimulation continues to exist up to nine days after a person has died. A protein in the brain’s reward center is altered with opioid use, making it more stable and able to react to an opioid stimulus in a type of memory function – this addictive craving can still be detected after death, indicating not only the power opioid addiction has, but the difficulty an addict has in trying to withdrawal from and quit opioids.

Post-Mortem Dependence Memory

The Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy reports on a study showing that the effects of chronic opioid stimulus can be identified post-mortem. The brain protein FosB that has been altered by opioid use, turns into DeltaFosB which becomes increasingly stimulated with chronic use and opioid addiction. DeltaFosB is found in the region where memory is formed which may make addiction and withdrawal all the more harder to achieve. DeltaFosB shows stimulation continues to exist nine days after the person has died – researchers believe that in living addicts the effect may last for months, making professional help all the more critical.

Psychiatric Opioid Addiction Treatment

When addictive cravings persist in the brain for months during and following withdrawal it is imperative to seek psychiatric opioid addiction treatment options. Call the office for a confidential appointment and expert care.

Most people with social anxiety disorder or social phobia recognize they have excessive or unreasonable fear, yet often avoid those feared situations instead of seeking out help. In the U.S., up to 13% of the population will experience social anxiety during their lifetime. When finding themselves in a feared situation, those with social anxiety typically experience intense anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Experiencing social phobia or social anxiety is tied to the intense fear of being humiliated in social situations in front of other people. For those with social anxiety disorder they often feel that others will judge them as anxious, weak, stupid, inarticulate, that they may “mess up,” or that others may notice their trembling hands or voice. Anxiety can occur during simple social situations such as eating out where needing to speak publicly is not a requirement.

Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

Some of the symptoms experienced include:

• Heart palpitations
• Dry mouth
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Diarrhea
• Muscle tension or trembling
• Shaky voice
• Blushing
• Confusion
• Panic attack in severe cases

Experiencing these symptoms often cause added concern and anxiety over the worry that they will bring unwanted and embarrassing attention.

Types of Social Anxiety Disorder

Social phobia or anxiety can be expressed in several different ways and may occur in a variety of situations; however, those with this disorder will either avoid social or performance situations or find themselves enduring them with intense anxiety or stress. Some of the types of social anxiety include:

• Anticipatory anxiety – fear and anxiety regarding an upcoming event or social situation which can become a vicious cycle leading to feelings of being embarrassed or giving a poor performance which affect future situations
• Generalized social phobia – fear and anxiety is experienced in almost any social interaction
• Non-generalized social anxiety – one or two situations bring anxiety and fear
• Social anxiety disorder – a significant and persistent fear of humiliation or embarrassment in social or performance situations; recognition of their excessive or unreasonable fears; avoidance of feared social and performance events or tolerating only with intense anxiety or distress; the fear, anxiety, and distress experienced interfere with one’s normal routine or relationships; the fear and anxiety reported are not due to medication, a medical condition, substance abuse, or another mental health disorder.

Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder

Most people with a diagnosed social anxiety disorder need professional treatment to find relief. Treatment which may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, specific psychiatric medications, and use of other adjunct services are highly effective in the treatment of social phobia or anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder Psychiatrist

Stop the suffering, fear, and avoidance of social situations in your life. Treatment is very effective and successful and can stop your social anxiety from limiting your ability to function and enjoy daily living. Call Dr. Hege for a confidential appointment – take steps to get rid of the control anxiety has on your life.

While the medications used to treat mental illness typically promote weight gain, there are also other factors that come into play. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that over 80% of adults diagnosed with mental illness also face the battle of keeping to a healthy weight. Medications do cause weight gain by changing the body’s metabolic processes as well as the perception of being hungry or full. Weight gain is such a serious concern for those taking psychiatric medication that it is often the major reason for patients to stop taking their prescribed medicine, ending an otherwise effective treatment plan.

Obesity and Mental Health Bring Health Issues

Weight gain related to mental health prescription drugs brings more than obesity as a health issue to the table. Obesity among those with mental illness surprisingly contribute to a mortality rate that is almost 3x that of the general adult population. Weight gain and obesity can also lead to high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, heart failure and a multitude of other ailments and complaints.

Mental Health Illness’ Contribution to Weight Gain

Many of the complex symptoms related to mental illness can directly or indirectly contribute to the process of gaining weight. For example, some symptoms of depression include fatigue, lack of interest or motivation; these affect their desire to exercise which promotes a slowed metabolism turning those unused calories into fat. Patients with impulse control tend to eat and drink large amounts where the extra calories are not burned off on a regular basis. Patients with social anxiety disorder may avoid exercise around others, or avoid eating nutritious foods in favor of the anonymous fast food drive through line. Others may eat to help themselves through painful thoughts and emotions.

Which Came First? Weight Gain or Mental Illness

Research studies by University College in London, England on weight gain and mental illness report that those people who had symptoms of mental illness at the start of the study were more likely than those without a mental illness to become overweight and obese over time. Obesity however did not significantly increase the risk for developing a mental health disorder.

Psychiatric Medications and Gaining Weight

The following medications with the highest potential for gaining weight with use:

• Clozaril, Seroquel, and Zyprexa – antipsychotic medications that increase insulin resistance and lead to weight gain
• Remeron – an antidepressant that is also used to help those who need to gain weight
• Depakote – used in the treatment of bipolar disorder
• Paxil – 25% of users may put on considerable weight especially when used for a year or more
• Sinequan, Tofranil, Pamelor – older antidepressant medications which can cause short and long term weight gain
• Nardil, Parnate, Marplan – MAOI’s which also can cause considerable gain in weight over time

Medication Specialist

Mental health disorders and weight gain may seem to go hand in hand, especially when certain psychiatric medications are prescribed. Working with a psychiatrist with decades of experience can help you live a full, satisfying and healthy life. Call the office today.