What Is The Advantage Of Combining Medication With Psychotherapy For People With Major Depression?

Posted on: June 5, 2016

News & Insights From Santa Monica Psychiatrist Katherine Watkins, M.D.

Both antidepressants and psychotherapy can be effective for major depression or dysthymia, a chronic, low-level form of depression. One of the most fascinating findings is that both medication and psychotherapy produce similar changes in the brain of patients who respond to treatment. We don’t understand why, but it suggests that ultimately psychotherapy — which involves new learning — is working to change the underlying structure and function of the brain. (more…)

Posted in: Mental Health Issues

What Is The Advantage of Combining Medication With Psychotherapy for People With Bipolar Disorder?

Posted on: May 25, 2016

News & Insights From Santa Monica Psychiatrist Katherine Watkins, M.D.

Although mood stabilizers, such as lithium, Depakote or Tegretol, are the mainstays of treatment for bipolar disorder, therapy can be critically important, particularly for individuals newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder or those with significant life stress. Although bipolar disorder usually begins in teenagers/young adult hood, the average age of diagnosis is in the late 20s, which usually means that people have been suffering from it for many years before first getting treatment. Therapy can help people come to terms with the illness, which has often (more…)

Posted in: Mental Health Issues

What Is The Role Of Stress In The Development Of Mental Illness?

Posted on: May 17, 2016

News & Insights From Santa Monica Psychiatrist Katherine Watkins, M.D.

Chronic stress is intimately linked to mental health and the development of mental illness, although until recently the reason for the connection was not known. High levels of stress as well as chronic stress are correlated with the development of both anxiety and mood disorders, as well as with relapse in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and substance use disorders. Chronic stress is also associated with developing physical health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Some stress can be beneficial, preparing you to face a difficult or threatening situation by raising your heart rate or tensing your muscles. The problem is when stress is chronic and the body doesn’t return to its pre-stress physical state. (more…)

Posted in: Mental Health Issues