At Holistic Health Psychiatry, we understand Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) not just as a set of symptoms but as a complex and diverse condition that can impact many areas of life. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders that affects children and often continues into adulthood. It is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity patterns that can affect daily functioning.

How is ADHD/ADD treated?

When you visit Holistic Health Psychiatry for ADHD/ADD, you can rely on tailored treatment to your individual needs. 

Behavioral therapy is a common approach, teaching you coping strategies and organizational skills. Parent training can help you manage and support your child's behavior effectively if you have a child with this condition.

Medication is another key component of ADHD treatment. Stimulant medications are commonly prescribed, which enhance neurotransmitters' activity in the brain and improve attention and impulse control. Non-stimulant medications are also available and may be prescribed based on individual circumstances.

In addition to traditional therapies, lifestyle modifications, and educational support can play an essential role in managing ADHD. Creating a structured environment, establishing routines, and providing positive reinforcement are critical to those with ADHD.

Treatment plans are highly individualized, and different interventions may be recommended. Regular follow-up assessments are key for monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. 

Outcomes We Strive For

Our goal at Holistic Health Psychiatry is to work collaboratively with our patients to manage ADHD symptoms, enhance overall wellness, and improve quality of life. By focusing on the holistic development of self-esteem, organizational skills, and life satisfaction, we aim to empower individuals and families to thrive with ADHD.

When necessary, your provider may recommend medication to alleviate symptoms. Medications can help restore chemical imbalances in the brain, providing relief and facilitating the progress made in psychotherapy.

Lifestyle modifications

In addition to clinical interventions, Holistic Health Psychiatry emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications. Simple changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep can significantly impact your mental well-being.

Ongoing support and monitoring

Treatment at Holistic Health Psychiatry doesn't end after the initial sessions. The practice provides ongoing support and monitors your progress, adjusting your treatment plan as needed to ensure continued improvement.

If you're ready to take the first step towards a brighter, more balanced future, contact Holistic Health Psychiatry today by phone or online. Telehealth appointments are also available. The dedicated team is committed to guiding you on your journey to mental health and well-being.

Effective medication management is a critical component of healthcare, ensuring patients receive the correct medications at the appropriate dosages for optimal therapeutic outcomes. At Holistic Health and Psychiatry, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner Solim Tchedre, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, MBA-HCM, provides comprehensive and individualized care. With a commitment to delivering the highest standards in medication management, Solim ensures safe and effective treatment outcomes for all patients.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us by phone or book online today. We are pleased to offer telehealth services for residents of North Carolina, providing flexible and accessible care options.

Mood disorders encompass a range of mental health conditions that primarily affect a person's emotional state. These disorders involve prolonged disturbances in mood that can impact daily functioning and overall well-being. At Holistic Health Psychiatry, we understand the importance of addressing these conditions with a compassionate, comprehensive approach.

Common Mood Disorders

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

   - Characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in most activities.

   - Symptoms may include changes in appetite and sleep patterns, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness.

Bipolar Disorder

   - Involves mood swings that range from depressive lows to manic or hypomanic highs.

   - During manic phases, individuals may feel euphoric, energetic, or unusually irritable, and may engage in impulsive behavior.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

   - Also known as dysthymia, it involves chronic depression with symptoms that last for at least two years.

   - The symptoms are typically less severe than MDD but are more persistent.

Cyclothymic Disorder

   - A milder form of bipolar disorder characterized by fluctuating mood changes and alternating periods of highs and lows that are not as severe as bipolar I or II.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

   - A type of depression occurs at a specific time of year, usually during the winter months when there is less natural sunlight.

   - Symptoms may include social withdrawal, increased sleep, weight gain, and a craving for carbohydrates.

Holistic Approach to Treatment

At Holistic Health Psychiatry, we believe in treating the whole person. Our approach to managing mood disorders includes:

Comprehensive Assessment: To identify the specific type of mood disorder and understand its impact on your life.

Psychotherapy: Evidence-based therapy modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help you manage symptoms and develop coping strategies.

Medication Management: We provide medication options and monitor their effectiveness and side effects when appropriate.

Lifestyle Modifications: This section guides lifestyle changes, including exercise, nutrition, and sleep, to support mental health.

Integrated Therapies: We explore complementary treatments like mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques to enhance emotional well-being.

Supportive Environment: Creating a safe and supportive space for you to express your feelings and work towards your mental health goals.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mood disorder, reach out to Holistic Health Psychiatry to schedule an appointment. Our team provides empathetic and effective care tailored to your needs.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts, urges, or images (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that an individual feels driven to perform. These obsessions and compulsions can cause significant distress and interfere with daily functioning.

Common Symptoms:

Obsessions: Persistent and intrusive thoughts, such as fears of contamination, need for symmetry, or excessive worry about harm.

Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors like hand washing, checking, ordering, or mental rituals such as counting or praying.

Causes:

While the exact cause of OCD is not fully understood, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, neurological, behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors. Imbalances in certain neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, may play a role.

Diagnosis:

OCD is diagnosed based on a clinical assessment of the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions, the amount of time they consume, and the impact on daily life and functioning. A thorough evaluation by a mental health professional is essential.

Treatment Options:

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

   - Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a type of CBT, is particularly effective for OCD. It involves gradual exposure to feared thoughts or situations while preventing the associated compulsive response.

2. Medication:

   - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed and can help reduce symptoms for many individuals with OCD.

3. Holistic Approaches:

   - At Holistic Health Psychiatry, we offer integrative treatments that may include mindfulness practices, stress-reduction techniques, dietary and lifestyle modifications, and other complementary therapies to support overall well-being.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of OCD, professional help is available. Our holistic and comprehensive approach at Holistic Health Psychiatry aims to provide personalized care that addresses both symptoms and the underlying factors, promoting long-term recovery and improved quality of life.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. This can include anything from combat exposure and natural disasters to accidents and personal assaults. While it's normal to have stress reactions after a trauma, PTSD occurs when these symptoms last for an extended period and interfere with daily functioning.

Common Symptoms:

- Intrusive Memories: This includes flashbacks, nightmares, and severe emotional distress at reminders of the trauma.

- Avoidance: Avoiding places, activities, or thoughts related to the traumatic event.

- Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, and feeling detached from family and friends.

- Changes in Physical and Emotional Reactions (Hyperarousal): Being easily startled, having difficulty sleeping, irritability, and experiencing angry outbursts.

Causes:

While not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD, a combination of factors can influence susceptibility, including genetics, personal history of trauma, personality, and brain chemistry.

Diagnosis:

PTSD is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified mental health professional. It involves assessment of symptoms, personal history, and how the symptoms affect daily life. Symptoms must be present for more than a month and significantly impact functioning to meet diagnostic criteria.

Treatment Options:

1. Psychotherapy:

   - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Specifically Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy are effective in treating PTSD.

   - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy helps process and integrate traumatic memories naturally.

2. Medication:

   - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and other medications may help manage symptoms.

3. Integrated Care Approach:

   - At Holistic Health Psychiatry, we offer a comprehensive treatment plan including a combination of therapies, medication management, and supportive interventions.

4. Holistic Treatments:

   - Emphasis on mindfulness practices, stress reduction techniques, and lifestyle changes to support recovery and enhance well-being.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it is important to seek professional help. Holistic Health Psychiatry is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care to help individuals heal and regain control of their lives.

1. Depression

   - Symptoms: Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness.

   - Considerations for Men: Men might express depression through anger, irritability, or aggressive behavior rather than sadness. Societal expectations may discourage men from expressing emotional vulnerability, potentially leading to untreated depression.

2. Anxiety Disorders

   - Symptoms: Excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, concentration difficulties, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

   - Considerations for Men: Men may feel pressure to appear strong and self-reliant, which can prevent them from acknowledging or expressing anxiety.

3. Substance Use Disorders

   - Prevalence: Higher prevalence of substance reliance among men, often as a coping mechanism for stress, depression, or anxiety.

   - Impact: Substance use can exacerbate mental health issues and lead to physical health complications.

4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

   - Causes: Traumatic events such as military combat, accidents, or personal loss.

   - Symptoms: Flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, hypervigilance, and severe anxiety.

   - Considerations for Men: Men may experience additional stigma in expressing vulnerability related to trauma, potentially leading to delayed or avoided treatment.

5. Stress-Related Disorders

   - Sources: Work pressure, family responsibilities, financial concerns, and societal expectations.

   - Symptoms: Emotional and physical symptoms such as burnout, hypertension, and sleep disturbances.

6. Body Image and Eating Disorders

   - Concerns: Increasing awareness of body image issues among men, including muscle dysmorphia and eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.

   - Challenges: Men may feel reluctant to seek help due to perceptions that these are predominantly female issues.

Grief is a natural response to loss, encompassing a range of emotional, physical, and psychological reactions. It is a deeply personal experience, varying greatly depending on the individual and the nature of the loss. Understanding grief can help in navigating the tumultuous emotions that accompany it.

Types of Loss

1. Death of a Loved One

   - The most recognized form of loss, prompting profound and often enduring grief.

2. Divorce or Relationship Breakdown

   - Involves the loss of companionship, future plans, and sometimes mutual friendships.

3. Loss of a Job or Financial Stability

   - Can affect one’s identity and self-worth.

4. Loss of Health

   - Chronic illness or disability can lead to grieving the loss of the former, healthier self.

5. Other Forms of Loss

   - Include loss of a pet, miscarriage or infertility, moving to a new location, or the loss of a significant dream or goal.

Emotional and Physical Symptoms of Grief

- Emotional: Sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, helplessness, and relief (especially in cases involving prolonged illness).

- Cognitive: Confusion, difficulty concentrating, disbelief, and preoccupation with the loss.

- Physical: Fatigue, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite, aches and pains.

Contact Us

We invite you to take the next step in your health journey with us. Reach out for a consultation to discuss your unique needs, and let us partner with you on your path to optimal health and well-being.

Holistic Health Psychiatry provides evidence-based psychotherapy, helping you explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contributing to anxiety or depression. You can navigate challenges more effectively by gaining insights and developing coping strategies.

Schizophrenia is a complex, chronic mental health disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality, which can cause significant distress for themselves and those around them. However, with appropriate treatment, many individuals can lead fulfilling lives.

Common Symptoms:

Positive Symptoms: These include delusions (false beliefs not grounded in reality) and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not).

Negative Symptoms: These manifest as diminished emotional expression, social withdrawal, and lack of motivation.

Cognitive Symptoms: These can involve difficulties with attention, memory, and executive functioning, impacting decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Disorganized Symptoms: This may include disorganized thinking, speech, and behavior.

Causes:

The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, but it likely involves a combination of genetic, brain chemistry, and environmental factors. An imbalance of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate may play a significant role.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosing schizophrenia involves a comprehensive evaluation by a mental health professional, including psychiatric assessments and medical history. Symptoms must be present for six months and include at least one month of active symptoms to meet diagnostic criteria.

Treatment Options:

1. Medication:

   - Antipsychotic medications are usually the first line of treatment. They help manage symptoms by affecting neurotransmitter activity in the brain.

2. Psychotherapy:

   - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and supportive therapy can be beneficial in helping individuals understand and manage their symptoms.

3. Integrated Care Approach:

   - At Holistic Health Psychiatry, we emphasize a comprehensive care plan that may include psychosocial interventions, skill-building, stress management, and family support to enhance treatment outcomes.

4. Holistic Treatments:

   - Our practice offers complementary therapies such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, nutritional counseling, and lifestyle coaching to promote overall wellness.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of schizophrenia, seeking professional help is crucial. At Holistic Health Psychiatry, we provide empathetic and individualized care tailored to each person’s unique needs, supporting stability and personal growth.

Safe and Inclusive Environment:

- Our practice is committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere for all clients, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or other aspects of identity.

- We use inclusive language and practices to ensure that all clients feel respected and validated.

Therapeutic Approaches:

- Our team is trained in affirmative therapy practices that celebrate LGBTQIA+ identities, help individuals explore their experiences, and address challenges related to minority stress and discrimination.

- Specific interventions may include identity affirmation, cognitive-behavioral strategies to manage stress and anxiety, and support groups for community connection and solidarity.

At Holistic Health Psychiatry, we understand that women's health is multifaceted and encompasses physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. We are dedicated to providing an integrative approach that addresses the unique health concerns of women at every stage of life.

Understanding Women’s Health

Women's health involves caring for the specific health needs that arise from the unique biological makeup and life experiences of women. From hormonal changes to mental health and lifestyle influences, our approach is comprehensive and tailored to individual needs.

Key Areas of Women’s Health

1. Hormonal Health

   - Explore how hormones impact physical and mental health across different life stages, including menstrual health, pregnancy, postpartum health, and menopause.

   - Address common issues like PMS, PCOS, and thyroid disorders.

2. Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

   - Emphasize the importance of mental wellness and emotional health in women's lives.

   - Discuss anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, and how lifestyle and therapies can support mental health.

3. Reproductive Health

   - Guidance on family planning, fertility, contraceptives, pregnancy, and postpartum care.

   - Support for women experiencing infertility or undergoing fertility treatments.

4. Lifestyle and Wellness

   - Embrace nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep as vital components of well-being.

   - Provide resources and tips for maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

5. Preventive Care and Screenings

   - Highlight the importance of regular screenings such as mammograms, Pap smears, and bone density tests.

   - Encourage proactive health management to prevent illness.

6. Chronic Conditions

   - Address management strategies for chronic conditions commonly affecting women, such as breast cancer, osteoporosis, and autoimmune diseases.

   - Incorporate holistic therapies to support traditional medical treatments.

Our Holistic Approach

Holistic Health Psychiatry integrates traditional psychiatry with holistic practices to offer personalized care. Our team collaborates with you to create a treatment plan that balances clinical expertise with holistic modalities, such as nutrition counseling, mindfulness, yoga, and stress reduction techniques.

Contact Us

We invite you to take the next step in your health journey with us. Reach out for a consultation to discuss your unique needs, and let us partner with you on your path to optimal health and well-being.

Are you struggling with the overwhelming burden of anxiety or the persistent weight of depression? At Holistic Health Psychiatry, Solim Tchedre, PMHNP-BC, provides expert care and support tailored to your needs. Schedule a consultation today by reaching out online. Telehealth appointments are available. 

Is there a difference between anxiety and depression?

It's not uncommon for individuals to wonder if anxiety and depression are two sides of the same coin. While they share some similarities, they are distinct mental health conditions. 

Anxiety often involves excessive worry and fear about future events, while depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities. However, it's essential to recognize that these conditions can coexist, leading to what is known as comorbid anxiety and depression.

What are the signs of anxiety and depression?

Anxiety and depression can manifest in various ways, impacting both your mental and physical well-being. Some common signs of anxiety include restlessness, racing thoughts, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. 

On the other hand, depression may be marked by feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and a loss of energy. If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life, seeking professional help is crucial.

How are anxiety and depression treated?

Effective treatment for anxiety and depression often involves a combination of therapeutic interventions, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, medication. At Holistic Health Psychiatry, your provider collaborates with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.