Beware of Irritated Youth: A young person expresses frustration while engaging with their laptop, highlighting common feelings of irritation in today’s digital age. Understanding Irritability: A Comprehensive Approach for Families in Los Angeles and New York Irritability is a "transdiagnostic" symptom, meaning it is not confined to one specific disorder. In children, adolescents, and adults, irritability can be a significant factor across multiple disorders, impacting family

Map of the Los Angeles fires including the Palisades and Eaton fires On January 7th, 2025, devastating fires erupted in Los Angeles, resulting in at least 27 fatalities and extensive destruction. Approximately 180,000 individuals have been displaced, with thousands of properties lost to the flames. The Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire are noted as two of the most catastrophic fires in California's history, highlighting the urgent need for community support and recovery efforts.

Sleep Difficulties can affect Everyone Sleep difficulties are a common issue that can really impair quality of life and wellness. Poor sleep is linked to worsening physical and mental health. Physical and mental health problems can likewise worsen sleep. There are many causes of sleep problems and various routes for treatment. Some people sleep too much, some too little, and some have disrupted sleep. Some common approaches include: Sleep Hygiene refers to the practices and h

Teen walks through the crowded hallway, ready to tackle another day of high school. Understanding the Challenges of High School Every school year comes with its own set of challenges, but high school introduces some distinct obstacles. The academic demands increase considerably with a multitude of assignments, studying, and exams. Social demands like navigating cliques, friendships, and dating can be stressful and preoccupying. This phase also involves significant changes in

Not sure where to start? A psychiatry consultation is often the first step. Psychiatric disorders are a clinical diagnosis that requires...

#psychodynamictherapy is an evidence based treatment for various psychiatric disorders. Understanding Psychodynamic Therapy: Unpacking Internal Conflicts Psychodynamic therapy is a profound approach to understanding the internal conflicts and forces that shape our behaviors and emotions. This therapeutic method delves into the intricate dynamics of the human psyche, often tracing its roots back to childhood and pivotal life experiences. These experiences can significantly inf

Diagram of the Wise Mind showing the overlap of the Rational Mind and the Emotional Mind Understanding Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) #dialecticalbehaviortherapy #dbt is an evidence-based psychotherapy that effectively addresses various mental health issues. DBT is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation, behavioral impulsivity, suicidal ideation, self injury, substance use disorder, anxiety, and depression. One of the core concepts

How we see ourselves can influence many aspects of our lives. Our identity, body image, and self-esteem can affect relationships, career decisions, emotional well-being, and the confidence to pursue meaningful goals. While many people experience occasional self-doubt or dissatisfaction with their appearance, persistent struggles in these areas can contribute to anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and reduced quality of life. Therapy can provide a supportive space

Psychotherapy is another way to say talk therapy. There’s often an unhelpful and potentially harmful misconception that working with a mental health provider is for “crazy” people or only those suffering from major psychiatric disorders. While it can help people with severe problems it can also be helpful for those with more mild symptoms or difficulties. Adulting is hard! Some see therapy as a part of self-care or self-discovery or a resource when dealing with a life transit

Youth Anxiety Disorders Common anxiety disorders encompass a range of mental health conditions that significantly impact individuals' daily lives. These disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, which is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as health, work, school, and social interactions. Individuals with this disorder often find it challenging to control their anxiety and can experience symptoms like restlessness, fatigue

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood, and symptoms can continue into adolescence and adulthood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 7.1 million children ages 3–17 in the United States—about 11.4%—had ever been diagnosed with ADHD based on 2022 national survey data. Despite increased awareness of ADHD in recent years, the disorder can still be misundersto

Gregory Sayer MD is a psychiatrists at Ficus Psych and provides evidence-based, compassionate care.

ficuspsych Weather can have a significant impact on mood. Everyone is different; some love the rain and find it calming while others loathe it and feel cooped up and isolated. Some find hot weather energizing while others find it oppressive. Learning how weather can affect mood and developing ways to manage it can help people better navigate their environments. There are evidenced based treatment approaches to dealing with mood dips related to weather and more serious problem