In my 27 years in the private practice of psychiatry, I have certainly seen my share of changes in the field over that time. There is a distinct increase in the percentage of male patients I see in my practice now compared to when I started. The amount of ADHD I treat in both children and adults has also grown over the years for a variety of reasons. However, the biggest surprise to me has little to do with the type of patient I meet with or the actual diagnosis being treated. Instead, it has to do with the tremendous importance pets have on the lives of my patients. [Read More]

As thoughts turn from summer vacation to the return to school, I am struck by some interesting trends in my patient population being evaluated and treated for ADHD. Ages 6 and 7 have long been common ages when children are brought to my office because of possible ADHD symptoms. That's not surprising given the fact most of those diagnosed with ADHD had evidence of those symptoms during their early school days. I have also noticed many young people making the transition from elementary to middle school having a tough time going from class to class and keeping up their focus. [Read More]

The recent death of renowned basketball coach John Wooden at age 99 stirred up plenty of memories. As a kid growing up in Kansas City, I had the privilege of seeing Wooden's UCLA Bruins win their first NCAA basketball championship in person in 1964. Little did I know that this undefeated squad led by the bespectacled coach with the rolled-up program in hand would not only beat favored Duke to win the title, but would go on to win 38 consecutive NCAA tournament games and 10 of the next 12 championships. For much of my youth, the only thing that seemed as certain as death and taxes was UCLA winning the NCAA tournament. [Read More]

As August comes around, our thoughts tend to turn away from summer fun and drift more toward the start of yet another school year. I certainly remember the days when the school year basically went from Labor Day to Memorial Day and that schedule still exists in certain parts of the country. However, more and more schools are beginning earlier and earlier in August. This gives students a better chance to complete a semester before the winter break and not have to return for a short time period before taking finals. Also, with all of the days the kids have off for everything from teacher workdays to holidays to mid-winter breaks, it's no wonder why classes begin earlier to factor in those off days. These "Back to School" days can be very trying for students, parents, and even teachers. [Read More]

Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of being a regular guest on a cable morning television show. We usually discuss sports during one segment and an issue related to psychiatry in the second segment. Most recently, we talked about the issues of self-confidence, self-esteem, and social anxiety as there had been requests from viewers and listeners of the show to take a look at these subjects. [Read More]