Is it just fear or an actual phobia?
DEAR DOCTOR K: I have a terrible fear of heights, dogs and public speaking. My sister calls them "phobias" and says I should seek help. How do I know if my fears are normal, or if I need treatment?...
View ArticleCould my anger trigger a heart attack?
DEAR DOCTOR K: I have a bad temper. Could my anger trigger a heart attack? DEAR READER: You've seen it in movies: A character shouts in anger -- then drops to the floor clutching his chest. But this...
View ArticleCan dogs improve our health?
DEAR DOCTOR K: I'm on the fence about getting a dog. My wife claims that pets -- particularly dogs -- can improve our health. Is that true? DEAR READER: When I was growing up, there was always a dog in...
View ArticleWhat is borderline personality disorder?
DEAR DOCTOR K: My daughter is in her 20s. She had a hard time during her teenage years and was recently diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Can you tell me what this is? DEAR READER:...
View ArticleDoes long term use of antihistamines cause dementia?
DEAR DOCTOR K: I've been taking over-the-counter antihistamines for years to control my allergies. Now I hear I may have to worry about dementia. How real is the concern? DEAR READER: Antihistamine...
View ArticleWhere is the line between perfectionism and OCD?
DEAR DOCTOR K: I think of myself as a perfectionist. But more than one person has jokingly referred to me as "OCD." Where is the line between the two? DEAR READER: Where is the line between a common...
View ArticleIs there a way to prevent delirium during a long hospital stay?
DEAR DOCTOR K: My elderly mother has a number of health conditions. Over the past year, she has ended up in the hospital four times. The last two times, she became delirious. Is there anything we can...
View ArticleHow is OCD treated in children?
DEAR DOCTOR K: I think my 9-year-old son may have OCD. How is this condition treated in children? DEAR READER: Before discussing treatment for OCD, it's important to describe what it is. You know, of...
View ArticleWhat is intermittent explosive disorder?
DEAR DOCTOR K: My son's doctor thinks he might have intermittent explosive disorder. I know my son has a bad temper, but I was surprised to hear that it might be a "disorder." Can you tell me more...
View ArticleIs dysthymia a form of depression?
DEAR DOCTOR K: My doctor says I suffer from "dysthymia." A friend says this is just a nice word for depression. What is dysthymia? DEAR READER: Dysthymia is a type of depression. Periods of dysthymia...
View ArticleCan I do anything to prevent nightmares?
DEAR DOCTOR K: Is there anything I can do to stop having terrible nightmares? They scare me, and ruin my sleep. DEAR READER: There may be something you can do. The first thing you should know is that...
View ArticleWhat is the treatment for social phobia?
DEAR DOCTOR K: I've always thought of myself as shy. But my partner thinks I may have social phobia. Could he be right? DEAR READER: "Social phobia" goes well beyond shyness. People with social phobia...
View ArticleWhat is cognitive restructuring?
DEAR DOCTOR K: In your column you've mentioned something called cognitive restructuring. Can you explain this in more detail? DEAR READER: Cognitive restructuring is one part of cognitive behavioral...
View ArticleWhat is body dysmorphic disorder?
DEAR DOCTOR K: The doctor says my 14-year-old daughter has something called "body dysmorphic disorder." What is it, and can it be treated? DEAR READER: I've had questions about this condition before...
View ArticleIs online cognitive behavioral therapy effective?
DEAR DOCTOR K: I've been looking into cognitive behavioral therapy to help with my anxiety. It would be convenient to do this therapy from home and, surprisingly, there seem to be many online CBT...
View ArticleCould I have PTSD?
DEAR DOCTOR K: Last year, a truck ran a red light, totaled my car and nearly totaled me. I spent several weeks in the hospital. Since then my body has healed, but I'm not myself. I'm very irritable,...
View ArticleCould my daughter have anorexia?
DEAR DOCTOR K: I'm worried about my 15-year-old daughter. She eats like a bird. She is very thin, but thinks she is fat. I'd like to think this is just a phase some teenagers go through, but could she...
View ArticleHow is OCD treated in children?
DEAR DOCTOR K: I think my 9-year-old son may have OCD. How is this condition treated in children? DEAR READER: Before discussing treatment for OCD, it's important to describe what it is. You know, of...
View ArticleWhat is intermittent explosive disorder?
DEAR DOCTOR K: My son's doctor thinks he might have intermittent explosive disorder. I know my son has a bad temper, but I was surprised to hear that it might be a "disorder." Can you tell me more...
View ArticleIs dysthymia a form of depression?
DEAR DOCTOR K: My doctor says I suffer from "dysthymia." A friend says this is just a nice word for depression. What is dysthymia? DEAR READER: Dysthymia is a type of depression. Periods of dysthymia...
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