Author Archive

What Is Brain Stimulation?

In a recent post, we discussed neuromodulation.  Today, we want to talk about brain stimulation, which is a bit like neuromodulation’s sibling.  The proper name is Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation, or NIBS.  One important difference between this and the neuromodulation techniques detailed before is the non-invasive aspect.  Brain stimulation treatments like TMS use electrodes or electromagnetic coils applied to the scalp that administer a weak current easily tolerated by the body.  No implants, no surgery.

A History of Brain Stimulation

Humanity has experimented with methods of brain stimulation via

What is Neuromodulation and How Does It Work?

Treating the Physical Side of the Mind

Neuromodulation is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field of treatment for mental and physical illnesses.  Today, we’re going to scratch the surface of what neuromodulation is, how it is used, and touch on some types of neuromodulation.

What is Neuromodulation?

The International Neuromodulation Society defines therapeutic neuromodulation as “the alteration of nerve activity through targeted delivery of a stimulus, such as electrical stimulation or chemical agents, to specific neurological sites in the body.”  Neuromodulation began to gain ground as

All About ADD 

Attention on the Deficit 

At Rochester Clinical Psychiatry, we help patients with a wide range of mental, physical, and physiological health conditions.  ADD is one we see often.  ADD has been known of and studied for a long time but has gone through several name changes, a lot of trial and error with treatment, and a lot of misunderstanding.

What is ADD?

ADD stands for attention deficit disorder.  It manifests pretty much how it sounds—a difficulty paying attention and focusing for very long.  Someone who has trouble concentrating might not have

Neurotransmitter #1: Acetylcholine

Introduction to Neurotransmitters

Rochester Holistic Psychiatry specializes in neuromodulation using transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy, or TMS.  Today, we want to talk about neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers in the brain that respond to the TMS treatment to help improve brain function.  One of our most important neurotransmitters is acetylcholine.

What Is Acetylcholine?

Acetylcholine (ACh) is a chemical compound built from acetic acid and choline.  Acetylcholine is released by nerve cells to communicate with cells in our muscles, brains, and glands.  It is produced in humans and a wide variety of

Major Depressive Disorder and Lupus

When the Body Fights Itself

What is lupus?  The proper name for lupus is systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE.  Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that is a chronic condition among sufferers.  Symptoms of the disease vary among patients, but it is essentially the immune system mistaking healthy cells for pathogens and lashing out at them.

Lupus affects the central nervous system, causing physical and psychological distress.  When lupus causes psychiatric symptoms that affect the sufferer’s quality of life, this is called neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, or NPSLE.

Depression and

Depression in Pre-Teen Children

An Ageless Problem

In this post, when we use the term “depression,” we are using it as a general term for MDD, or major depressive disorder.  Depression doesn’t care who the sufferer is, how old they are, or what people see when they look at the sufferer’s life.

Children today live in a very busy world, and though they may be lively and energetic, their minds can become overloaded the mind, which impedes the brain from processing things well and lessening the amount of rest they get.

Circumstances are extremely

Occupational Mental Health Hazards

Work Woes

Mental health problems follow us everywhere.  Even if our work is fulfilling and our co-workers friendly, the workplace can offer mental health hazards along with physical health hazards like sharps and caustic inhalants.  Work can put us under great stressors.  For example:

Will works on electric power lines at great heights.  He and his work partner are in danger from the elements every day, and a tiny mistake can mean disaster.

Riley is a security guard in a building that is a frequent target of armed robberies.  They

What is PMDD?

PMDD stands for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.  This is a condition that causes significant mental and physical upset before women (we’ll use this general term for our purposes today) and AFAB individuals in their reproductive years begin their menses.

Statistical studies indicate that about 1 in 20 women globally suffer from PMDD, and the number is likely higher.  PMDD is often misconstrued as PMS, and there is a significant amount of stigma and ignorance around these issues.

Symptoms of PMDD

PMDD can have its root causes in past trauma or genetic predisposition

A Familiar Pain

Stress is something we’re all familiar with. Oftentimes, it’s something we can’t do a lot about in regard to removing the source of the stress. We’re stressed about money, our future, our kids, our relationships, our health, etc. We want to do the best we can about all that is important to us, but when our efforts don’t yield the results we need and we have way too many tasks going on at the same time, that’s when stress digs into you.

What Does Stress Do to the Brain?

When

COVID and Comorbidity

COVID-19 stands out among physical illnesses right now for its unprecedented affect on mental illness. A study of over 69 million people in the United States revealed disturbing results. Out of those diagnosed with COVID, nearly 20% developed a new mental health issue, like anxiety or dementia.

“Given the novelty and scope of the pandemic, there is little-to-no framework, particularly during the lifespan of the majority of the population alive, for how to manage the threat to health, lifestyle, and societal change,” says Jessica Stern, PhD, a psychologist and