Mental Health with Dr. Surita Rao

In recent years there has been a significant increase in the incidence of autism and autism spectrum disorders in the Unites States. Autism spectrum disorders vary significantly in their severity. The level of functionality can range from severely disabled , as in children who lose almost all speech and ability to interact socially with others , all the way to patients with Asperger disorder where they may have a successful career in a field of scientific research but still be restricted in terms of interpersonal relationships. What exactly are autism spectrum disorder. Do we know why the incidence is increasing: is it better diagnosis, more children becoming afflicted with it or both? To help answer many of these questions as well as discuss what treatment modalities are available, Dr. Irfan Munawar, a child psychiatrist who also treats adult patients will be our guest on the show this Thursday.

Stress, especially everyday stress seems to have become a background theme o our lives. We have simultaneously become desensitized to it and fearfully accepting of it. In this show Dr. Surita Rao, a psychiatrist and her guest, Tom Romans, a licensed clinical social worker will discuss the far reaching negative effects that stress can have on our mind and body and simple way to counteract or minimize stress in our lives. Listeners will be welcome to call in to share their own experiences or ask questions.

Ms. Dylan Graetz, a medical student, from the University of Connecticut Medical School who is also is working on a master's in public health discusses these issues based on her research in a slum in Mumbai, India and her experiences in the United States.

As we go through our live, events may occur that derail us. Maybe it is the death of loved one, a divorce or loss of a job or even a high level of stress in our lives. A person may start to wonder if this is just regular sadness and worrying or are they developing a clinical depression or anxiety disorder. Where should this person turn to for some initial screening and help? Most people do not know a psychiatrist or a psychiatric nurse practioner. The health care provider who is familiar to them is their own doctor, the person who takes care of them when they have the flu or the pediatrician who take care of their children. Our primary care physician offices are often the best known, most familiar connection we have with the health care world. It is a good place to turn to and seek help if your health care concerns now include some mental health issues. Most antidepressant prescriptions in America are written by primary care physicians [family practioners, internist, and pediatrician] and also by Physician assistant and nurse practioners working in a primary care setting. Often many people with mild to moderate depression many never see a psychiatrist. They see their internist or family practioners or sometimes their Ob-Gyn physician and get started antidepressants. They may in addition go to see a therapist, such as a social worker, marriage and family therapist or a psychologist. However, if the mental illness is more complex such as bipolar disorder or a severe depression that is not responding to antidepressants or the patient requires a complicated medication regimen, then the primary care physician will refer the patient to see a psychiatrist. In the United States today there is a shortage of psychiatrists and also of primary care physicians. With the shortage of psychiatrists, including child psychiatrists and also of , psychiatric nurse practioners, access to see them in a timely manner is often very challenging. As health care reform helps more and more Americans to get health insurance, they will try and access care including treatment for any psychiatric condition. If they find they are unable to access a psychiatrist easily, they do have another option, as long as they have a primary care doctor. Getting help for any mental health issue early when it is at a relatively mild stage is very important to prevent the condition from getting worse. A good place to start would be your own doctors’ office.

Alcohol use disorders have significant genetic underpinnings. Yet, no one inherits an absolute certainty that they will develop alcoholism. in order to develop an addictive illness the brain has to be exposed to addictive substances. A person who has a genetic vulnerability to develop alcoholism has. Far greater chance of developing the disease if they drink regularly or even if they drink at all. Dr. Victor Hesselbrock, an internationally renowned researcher is a guest on this week's show will discuss this fascinating and significant topic with Dr. Rao

This episode highlights consultation liason psychiatry. When patients are being treated for medical or surgical conditions either as inpatients in a hospital or on an outpatient basis, they may need help for an exacerbation of a preexisting psychiatric issue or support and treatment of anxiety, depression and other symptoms that may have arisen as a result of the stress of being sick or even as a symptom of an underlying medical problem. Psychiatrists practicing consultation liason psychiatry treat patients at his interface , helping with complex diagnostic questions and recommending appropriate treatments.

Many people in our society, predominantly women are taking care of loved ones with chronic illnesses or aging related conditions today. Care giving can be very rewarding but also create a unique type of emotional and psychological stress. This week’s show features Ms. Deena Williamson, who is a specialist in the care of the elderly. We will discuss creating a balance between the needs of the loved one who needs looking after and your own as a caretaker is crucial to remain a happy, well adjusted, healthy human being, both for yourself and for the person you are looking after

Women suffer from drug and alcohol addiction in large numbers in society. Yet, they often remain actively using and fearful of seeking treatment. Even today there is more social stigma and shame associated with any type of addictive illness among women than with their male counterparts. Society also has preconceived ideas about what a mother should be and having an active addiction does not fit with their idea of a good mother. This show features Dr. Richard Soper as a guest. He is an addiction medicine specialist who will explore this issue and available treatment options for women suffering from addiction.

Dr. Surita Rao , a psychiatrist specializing in addiction and Stephanie Krulewitz , a licensed therapist will discuss the concept of addiction as a brain disease, treatment implications and options . Social issues , barriers and stigma factoring into people being able and willing to access treatment and recovery will also be explored.

This weeks' show will discuss incorporating alternative and integrative medicine techniques into the mainstream allopathic based psychiatric care of children with mental illness. There are many helpful diet, lifestyle and nutraceutical remedies that can help child and adolescent patients dealing with behavioral health issues. Dr. Trace Krasnow, a child psychiatrist with an unique background and interest in integrative medicine will be a guest on the show to discuss a holistic approach to the care of children with behavioral health issues.

As we make our way brought our increasingly busy , hectic lives, with a million moments where we feel the pressure of time, schedules or time bound deadlines, we can get stressed and frazzled leading to many negative effects on our minds and bodies. Is there a way to incorporate mindfulness into our everyday lives as we go about our day or do we have to go to a spa or yoga studio to slow down and calm our brains. Carol Tyler, a registered dietician with a unique background in clinical nutrition, exercise therapy and mind/body medicine talks with Dr. Surita Rao about ways to incorporate mindfulness into our everyday lives.

Dr. Surita Rao , a psychiatrist specializing in addiction and Stephanie Krulewitz , a licensed therapist will discuss the concept of addiction as a brain disease, treatment implications and options . Social issues , barriers and stigma factoring into people being able and willing to access treatment and recovery will also be explored.

Stress, especially everyday stress seems to have become am background theme o our lives. We have simultaneously become desensitized to it and fearfully accepting of it. In this show Dr. Surita Rao, a psychiatrist and her guest, Tom Romans, a licensed clinical social worker will discuss the far reaching negative effects that stress can have on our mind and body and simple way to counteract or minimize stress in our lives. Listeners will be welcome to call in to share their own experiences or ask questions.