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Balanced

A Psychiatrist’s Notes on Integrative Treatments

Depression
Air Pollution and Depression

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on April 14, 2023

Most assume that the damage caused by air pollution is limited to the lungs, but research has shown that long-term exposure can have far more wide-ranging effects.

Most assume that the damage caused by air pollution is limited to the lungs, but research has shown that long-term exposure can have far more wide-ranging effects.

Bipolar Disorder
Treating Mental Illness as a Chronic Disease

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on March 24, 2023

In treating mental illness, we need to break down the barriers between specialists rather than keep to our respective domains to ensure our patients receive the best care possible.

In treating mental illness, we need to break down the barriers between specialists rather than keep to our respective domains to ensure our patients receive the best care possible.

ADHD
ADHD: The Strength of a Checklist

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on February 24, 2023

Following a consistent routine is one of the most effective nonpharmacological treatment methods of ADHD.

Following a consistent routine is one of the most effective nonpharmacological treatment methods of ADHD.

Depression
Encephalitis Lethargica and Long COVID

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on May 11, 2022

How hidden complications and diagnosis of long COVID parallel encephalitis lethargica, and highlight continued stigma around mental health.

How hidden complications and diagnosis of long COVID parallel encephalitis lethargica, and highlight continued stigma around mental health.

Coronavirus Disease 2019
How Clinicians Can Address Long COVID

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on January 31, 2022

Distinguishing between symptoms that are due to viral infections versus other conventional etiologies is of vital importance since this dictates treatment plans.

Distinguishing between symptoms that are due to viral infections versus other conventional etiologies is of vital importance since this dictates treatment plans.

Anxiety
The COVID-19 Baby Bust

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on August 11, 2021

Even people who do not have an anxiety disorder or feel nervous about returning to pre-pandemic activities may have anxieties about family planning. Here's why.

Even people who do not have an anxiety disorder or feel nervous about returning to pre-pandemic activities may have anxieties about family planning. Here's why.

Health
What Seniors Hit Hard by the Pandemic Need Now

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on March 31, 2021

Disadvantaged seniors have suffered more than most during the pandemic. New research can help us find ways to address the impact on mental health.

Disadvantaged seniors have suffered more than most during the pandemic. New research can help us find ways to address the impact on mental health.

Psychiatry
A Gut Feeling About ALS

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on January 25, 2021

Treatment of the neurological or psychiatric symptoms associated with ALS and schizophrenia may be futile without a concurrent understanding of gut dysbiosis.

Treatment of the neurological or psychiatric symptoms associated with ALS and schizophrenia may be futile without a concurrent understanding of gut dysbiosis.

Psychology
The Psychology of Extremism

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on November 2, 2020

New research claims that adverse developmental conditions in one’s early life combined with a lack of protective factors can set the stage for radicalization.

New research claims that adverse developmental conditions in one’s early life combined with a lack of protective factors can set the stage for radicalization.

Stress
Your Brain and PTSD

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on August 27, 2020

Chronic stress, even at low levels, is not merely something that we experience. There are physical correlates to mental stress that include changes in neural circuitry.

Chronic stress, even at low levels, is not merely something that we experience. There are physical correlates to mental stress that include changes in neural circuitry.

Addiction
The Other Second Wave

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on August 10, 2020

The rise in substance use disorders during COVID will become more apparent as the pandemic eventually ebbs.

The rise in substance use disorders during COVID will become more apparent as the pandemic eventually ebbs.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Magic Mushrooms and the Future of Psychology

Samoon Ahmad M.D. on July 22, 2020

Dr. Ahmad talks with Dr. Stephen Ross who has conducted extensive research into the effects of psychedelics like psilocybin on addiction and cancer-related existential distress.

Dr. Ahmad talks with Dr. Stephen Ross who has conducted extensive research into the effects of psychedelics like psilocybin on addiction and cancer-related existential distress.