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What is Chemical Dependency?
In short, it’s the body’s normal response to an addictive chemical. Let’s use an example. If someone has anxiety and is prescribed a benzodiazepine (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan, Valium, etc), the neurons in the brain will adapt to the repeated exposure and will…
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What is happiness and how do we find meaning in life?
The answer to the question to, “What is the meaning of life?”, relates to the significance of living or existence. But if that is the case, then “What is the purpose of existence?” The answers to these questions vary looking at cultural,…
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Why do we self-medicate?
It appears to be more often that my patients come in telling they self-medicate. Now what does that exactly mean? To self-medicate means to take a substance or medication to help relieve a symptom without the approval of a medical professional. I truly,…
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Learning to Observe – Nonverbal Secret To Success!
The secret to success has everything to do with nonverbal communication. It is not only body language. Nonverbal communication encompasses more than this. It’s everything which communicates who you are in a non-verbal fashion. There is a look of success and there…
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Mission Viejo Psychiatry Office – Employee Appreciation Breakfast
Thank you to Dr. Alva for being a great employer and making our Mission Viejo Psychiatry team breakfast. One of the best things about working at PNS is how much we care about our patients, but also about each other. Thank you…
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When To Seek Treatment For Alcohol Addiction
What are the symptoms of alcoholism? Most of the time the one who suffers from alcoholism has been told by several people they have a drinking problem and they frequently say they have it under control. Generally speaking the symptoms of alcoholism…
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PNSOC.com/blog Selected To Top 50 Psychiatry Blogs by Feedspot.
Today we were congratulated by Feedspot, which named pnsoc.com/blog one of the Top 50 Psychiatry Blogs. We personally want to thank each and every provider who has contributed and give them a "high-five" for opening up and sharing about their experiences. Top…
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Coronavirus and Children, How has COVID-19 Affected Children
How has COVID-19 affected children? Children 5 and under are affected differently than the older children. The toddlers are tolerating this big life-style change better than those older children as they simply don’t know as much. The older children have very reasonable…
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What is meant by alternative treatment options for depression?
Alternative Treatment Options For Depression Basically, this means anything other than prescribed medications. Here are some things you may consider trying if you are not ready to take prescribed medications or if the medications you are taking are not as effective as…
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The uncertainties of the world
We have all witnessed amongst the uncertainties of this world and current events how people deal with similar disorders and problems no matter who they are. My routine in the mornings while getting ready is watching the news. Some may say its…
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Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease in a Loved One and How to Care
The Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease in a Loved One and How to Care For Them Alzheimer’s disease is a terrible disorder which causes individuals to regress into shells of their formal selves. The mild short-term memory impairment in the beginning stages is…
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There is hope for treatment resistant depression – TMS
One of the most difficult concerns that I hear from patients is their frustration in thinking that “nothing works”. About 7.1% of Americans suffer from depression and, in the primary care setting, up to 50% of patients are considered treatment resistant (National…
Mental health
resources & insights
Expert guidance on psychiatric conditions, treatments, and mental wellness written and reviewed by PNS providers.