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FAQs

Psychiatry

What kind of doctors treat mental health conditions?

Psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and primary care physicians can all help get you the care you need. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental and emotional health. Psychiatrists are able to prescribe medication to treat mental health conditions. Psychologists, on the other hand, are professionals who offer a range of mental health services - particularly talk therapy. Suitable for young children and adults alike, psychologists use talk therapy and psychotherapy to get to the root of your mental health condition and enhance your wellness and well-being. Psychologists are not able to prescribe medications.

What is a mental health consult?

A video mental health consultation is an opportunity for you to speak with a mental health professional about any current difficulties you are experiencing - like depression, anxiety, or other mental illnesses. Your doctor will listen to your concerns, assess your condition, and craft a treatment plan that works for you.

Mental health care starts with reaching out for help. On Sesame, you can connect with mental health specialists online to get the quality care you need right away.

What kinds of conditions do mental health experts treat?

Doctors who specialize in psychiatry are trained to treat depression, anxiety, and a range of behavioral health and emotional concerns.

Psychologists can treat these disorders, as well as provide counseling services. If you're looking for couples therapy, sex therapy, or stress management therapy, a psychologist could be the doctor for you.

Connect with mental health professionals on Sesame who can assess your condition, manage your symptoms, and develop a treatment plan for you.

How do I find a psychiatrist near me?

Right here!

Health care marketplaces like Sesame make it easier than ever to book in-person or video appointments with licensed psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors near you. Browse availability and book an appointment online with Sesame - no insurance needed. It's that simple!

What is psychiatry? What does a psychiatrist do?

Psychiatry is a branch of health care that focuses on emotional and mental health, as well as behavioral disorders. These mental health conditions can range from anxiety disorders such as phobias and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, addiction, substance abuse, depression, autism spectrum disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and bipolar disorders among many others.

Psychiatrists are mental health professionals that are trained to diagnose and treat these disorders, as well as offer means of prevention. Using psychotherapy (talk therapy), psychiatrists may help relieve the emotional distress and mental health issues of their patients. Psychiatrists can treat a wide range of things that include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, problems centered around a relationship. Psychologists can also help you with a treatment plan to better handle stress, or set and achieve major goals as well as prescribe medication such as antidepressants when necessary.

What conditions are best treated by a psychiatrist?

There are a number of signs that may lead you to seek treatment from a psychiatrist. These include:

  • Anxiety
  • Hurting yourself and/or suicidal thoughts
  • Long and lasting depression
  • Delusions or hallucinations
  • Uncontrollable substance abuse and addiction
  • Personality disorders such as paranoia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, narcissism, and OCD. Psychology Today notes that these personality disorders are broken up into 10 types of disorders.
  • Severe learning disabilities. When learning disabilities affect a wide range of academic subjects, you may require intense and specialized training and/or medication to overcome these difficulties.

What are the differences between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?

Though both a psychiatrist and psychologist provide mental health services and promote mental health wellness, there are some differences to keep in mind when selecting a mental health care provider.

A psychologist is not a medical doctor, but a psychiatrist is. This means that a board-certified psychiatrist (certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology) has completed medical school along with a residency with a focus in psychiatry, and has the ability not only to diagnose and treat mental illness but to assist in any medication management that comes along with the treatment plan.

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) notes that "psychologists in some states can prescribe psychiatric medications with additional training, although this is not the case in most states," so you may keep that in mind when choosing a mental health care provider. Psychologists are highly trained mental health professionals that can help and assist a broad variety of mental health conditions that don't necessarily require medication or other medical treatments such as learning disabilities, phobias, or relationship issues.

What is the difference between a therapist and a psychologist?

While there is a lot of cross-over when it comes to licensed psychologists and therapists, the main difference to keep in mind is education. Most clinical psychologists have received a doctorate (Ph.D. or PsyD) from an accredited institution and all must possess a state license to practice. Certain therapists like marriage and family therapists usually require at least a master’s degree, while other therapists like mental health counselors require at least a bachelor’s degree. Neither a therapist nor a doctor of psychology is considered a medical doctor, but rather, a mental health professional.

No matter the difference, a mental health clinician whether it be a clinical psychologist or a clinical social worker, can work to create treatment plans for mental health disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or personality disorders, though these plans do not include medication as a part of treatment.

What are the sub-specialties of psychiatry?

While all psychiatrists can provide medical advice to better your mental well-being there are different fields of psychiatry that focus on particular areas and age groups. These include:

- Psychotherapy: Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy is a means of speaking to a psychotherapist or counselor to help reduce symptoms linked to disorders such as depression and anxiety

- Child and adolescent psychiatry: This is a specialized form of psychiatry that focuses on disorders related to and occurring during development.

- Geriatric psychiatry: The study of mental, emotional, and behavioral health as it relates to older adults

- Forensic (legal) psychiatry: The assessment and treatment of mental disorders as they relate to and interface with the law.

- Addiction psychiatry: A form of psychiatry that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders related to addiction.

- Psychopharmacology: The study of treating mental health disorders with the use of medication.

Can I see a psychiatrist online?

Yes! Telehealth platforms like Sesame now make it easier than ever to see mental health care providers for psychiatry consults and therapy sessions. Mental health professionals on Sesame offer a wide range of psychiatry services such as:

  • Talk therapy
  • Psychiatric evaluations
  • Behavioral health consultations
  • Couples therapy

In addition, licensed mental health care providers on Sesame can address and treat mental health conditions such as:

  • Anxiety disorder
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Obsessive/ Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Schizophrenia

This is not a complete list of psychiatric services offered by providers on Sesame. Use our search bar to look for the specific type of psychiatric care or treatment and book an appointment at your convenience. Most care providers will request an initial consultation to discuss your symptoms or concerns. After a consult, providers on Sesame can refer you to a specialist, or schedule follow-up appointments for further care.

How do I prepare for a video mental health consult?

Because online psychiatrist appointments on Sesame use a video conferencing platform (like Zoom or Facetime), it is recommended that you have a stable internet connection and a private space to conduct the appointment. Even though it is taking place on a video call, you will be meeting with a mental health care provider in real-time. For your privacy, a quiet and secluded space in your home is the best place to have this video consultation.

It is generally recommended for all psychiatry consultations to jot down a few questions or concerns you may have prior to your appointment. Mental health care providers on Sesame are certified psychiatrists and therapists with the extensive experience needed to help walk you through the consultation, but it is still encouraged to come up with some questions or thoughts of your own to get the most out of your appointment.

If any other preparation is needed, your provider will reach out to discuss these specifics with you.

What happens during a video mental health consult?

Telepsychiatry (online psychiatry care) appointments are a convenient option for those seeking mental health care, without requiring a trip to a clinic. This form of telemedicine can help those seeking to fit mental health services into a busy schedule, people who either cannot - or do not want to - commute to a psychiatrist's office, or those who just want an informal chat about mental health concerns.

Most video mental health appointments will start with an initial consultation about your mental health history, symptoms you may be experiencing, medication you are currently taking, and your history with psychiatric care. After this, your mental health provider can recommend the best treatment plan for you. This may include follow-up appointments, a referral to a specialist, or a prescription for medication.

What is online couples therapy?

Online couples therapy and online marriage counseling is a form of telehealth psychotherapy that allows couples to have a counseling session with licensed therapists through video chat sessions on Sesame. During couples therapy sessions, couples work with a couples therapist to talk through their relationship, their challenges, their mental health, and more. Online couples therapy is particularly helpful when in-person sessions are:

1) Unsafe (e.g. social distancing guidelines during COVID-19 pandemic)

2) Inconvenient (e.g. based on work/ family schedules)

3) Impossible (e.g. long-distance relationships)

Start healing together today with a real licensed professional counselor (LPC), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or provider on Sesame.

Where can I find online marriage counseling/ online couples therapy?

Sesame offers video visits with licensed therapists/ licensed clinical social workers in Lake Oswego, OR. These live video sessions can help couples work through a wide range of issues including:

  • Communication skills
  • Sexual obstacles
  • Financial strain
  • Stress management
  • Anger management
  • Substance abuse
  • Separation
  • Infidelity/ communication to regain trust
  • Family therapy
  • Premarital counseling

You certainly don't need to be experiencing relationship issues to talk to a couples therapist/ marriage counselor. Relationship help can address problems in your relationship, or build a stronger relationship through communication in a safe and confidential space. All you need is an internet connection and a space where you feel comfortable together. If your partner isn't interested in participating, couples therapy can be beneficial for individuals as well.

Book a visit on Sesame with a licensed therapist/ clinical social worker today for convenient and affordable video couples therapy sessions. 60-minute visits start at just $132 - no insurance needed.

What does a couples therapist do?

Couples therapy is a normal, healthy part of every relationship. Couples and marriage counseling by a licensed counselor offers emotionally-focused therapy to address relationship problems including:

  • Communication issues
  • Sexual obstacles
  • Anger management
  • Infidelity
  • Substance abuse
  • Separation

In order to address any issues you may be facing in your relationship, a therapist, psychotherapist, or counselor may offer tools such as:

  • Conflict resolution
  • Marriage counseling
  • Gottman Method
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Is online couples therapy right for my partner and me?

There are a number of benefits to online couples therapy/ counseling. Speaking with a licensed therapist/ clinician through video sessions lets you address relationship issues even if you are separated, or have barriers that make in-person therapy difficult (such as work or childcare scheduling). If you think you may have a difficult time working couples therapy into your schedule or life, you might consider online marriage counseling/ couples therapy as a way to work on your relationship without the hurdles of going to a clinician's office.

Couples therapy can help your relationship even if you aren't having relationship issues. Some couples use couples therapy as a way to strengthen a relationship or work through thoughts in a safe space. Some things that online couples therapy can help address include:


  • Communication skills
  • Sexual obstacles
  • Financial strain
  • Stress management
  • Anger management
  • Substance abuse
  • Separation
  • Infidelity/ communication to regain trust
  • Family therapy
  • Premarital counseling

Is it better to attend online couples therapy counseling together or alone?

Every couple is different - and your counselor should be able to help you determine whether you should attend alone or together. Consult with your couples therapist or marriage counselor about the issues you are hoping to address. In most cases, attending online couples therapy together is most beneficial, as it helps individuals talk through relationship issues together. That being said, in certain cases a counselor may want to meet with each partner individually, such as when domestic abuse is an issue.

Additionally, your partner may not want counseling services. If you are looking for help, but your partner isn't, you may consider booking a visit with a counselor yourself to talk through any issues you may be facing.

Talk to your counselor/ therapist about what form of online couples therapy/ online marriage counseling is right for you.

What is the most common reason for couples to go to therapy?

Couples therapy can cover a wide range of issues and goals. Psychology Today offers some insight on common reasons why a couple may seek counseling:

Trust Issues

A breach of trust is one of the most common reasons why couples may seek counseling. Deception can show up in many forms, from physical and/or emotional affairs to money issues. Therapy can create a safe space in order to talk about and work through trust issues.

Communication issues

If you or your partner are finding it difficult to express how you’re feeling to one another, you may have communication issues. This is a very common conflict for a therapist to address.

An uptick in arguing

It is normal for couples to argue sometimes, but if you notice that they are becoming more frequent, it may be a sign that there are more problems under the surface of the relationship that need to be addressed.

Conflict management

Conflicts can arise from minor stressors to major impasses. Though some conflicts can be resolved after a session, some conflicts may involve innate personality traits or other unsolvable problems. Your therapist can provide tools to manage the emotional reaction around the stressors that cannot be resolved.

Sharing things that are hard to talk about

Fear can sometimes keep you or your partner from sharing openly. A therapy session can act as a safe space for couples to talk about things they might not otherwise share.

Major life events

The stress caused by traumatic events such as cancer, or the loss of a child, can cause partners to go their own ways. Relationship counseling might feel trivial when the trauma is taking the front seat, but it can help keep the bond strong and communication channels open for a couple when faced with life’s big challenges.

Intimacy issues

Intimacy issues, whether it’s emotional or physical in manner, can put stress on a couple. It is common for a couple to fall into a rut over time, and speaking with a therapist can help reenergize the union. Likewise, issues in the bedroom are common bases for couples to seek therapy. Physical intimacy may arise as a singular problem, or as a response to a larger problem. Therapists can provide activities, prompts, and other tools to help couples rekindle their connection.

Premarital counseling

Relationship counseling can help a couple work towards a strong and successful future together. American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) notes that a satisfying marriage revolves around three factors: individual traits, couple traits, and personal and relationship contexts. Therapy may provide useful tools that strengthen the connection and help a couple prepare for the future.

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a condition described as the excessive feeling of worry, unease, or dread. Anxiety can be treated by a primary care physician, therapist, psychologist, and psychiatrist. Having anxiety about a situation or an impending event without a clear-cut outcome is a normal part of life. You may feel anxious before a major deadline at work while studying for a looming test, or while facing a big decision at home. Though most people feel anxious at some point in their daily life, when it becomes intense, episodic, and unmanageable, it may be due to an underlying anxiety disorder.

Not all those who have anxiety disorders are triggered by the same thing. There are many types of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and many types of phobias.

Are there different types of anxiety disorders?

Yes. The most common anxiety disorders include:

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Generalized anxiety disorder is described as a chronic feeling of exaggerated worry or anxiety, though there may be no obvious source of what's causing it. These anxiety attacks are often episodic. People who have GAD may also have other anxiety disorders, as well as depression.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): A person with OCD may have frequent manic thoughts (obsessive) and/or behavior (compulsive). Behaviors such as washing your hands many times, checking light switches, alarms, or the oven repeatedly, and/or the need to have something in a particular order to clear obsessive thoughts from the mind are some examples linked to OCD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This type of anxiety is brought about by a traumatic event in which a person was or could have been harmed, such as a natural disaster, a car accident, military combat, or domestic violence. Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks, severe anxiety, or obsessive thoughts regarding the event(s).

Panic disorder: People suffering from a panic disorder may feel sudden bouts of intense fear, or panic attacks, that are often paired with physical symptoms including but not limited to a fast heart rate, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, or the general feeling of being out of control.

Selective mutism: This is a complex anxiety disorder that affects children. A child who has selective mutism may have the ability to speak in safe, relaxed situations but may find themselves unable to talk in social situations. Though many kids will grow out of this type of disorder, in some cases if left untreated other anxiety disorders may develop and persist.

Separation Anxiety Disorder: A childhood anxiety disorder in which a child has excessive anxiety from a parent or guardian leaving the child, even for a short amount of time.

Substance-induced anxiety disorder: A person with a substance-induced anxiety disorder may have intense anxiety from overuse, use, exposure, or withdrawal from a particular substance or toxin.

Anxiety disorder caused by a medical condition: This is caused by a physical health problem. Conditions such as heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes, chronic pulmonary disease or COPD, thyroid issues such as hyperthyroidism, and chronic pain can be linked to anxiety. Many phobias also fall under the umbrella of anxiety. These include:

Agoraphobia: People with agoraphobia have a fear of being in situations in which they cannot, or may not be able to escape. Places like shopping malls, subways, and crowded or open areas may cause those with agoraphobia to feel overwhelmed and anxious. Some people with agoraphobia may even find it hard to leave their homes.

Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder: A person with social phobia may find themselves unable to be in social interactions. Anxiety and extreme self-consciousness are symptoms that are linked to this disorder. This anxiety can be triggered by acute circumstances like having to deliver a public presentation, for example. Social phobia can also be felt more chronically, applying to a wide range of social scenarios.

Specific phobia: This is a phobia that is caused by a trigger that often poses little or no threat. This irrational fear can be of a specific object, situation, or activity. This category is wide-ranging and covers a host of topics such as acrophobia (fear of heights), agoraphobia (fear of crowded spaces), claustrophobia (fear of small or enclosed spaces), and ailurophobia (fear of cats).

What causes anxiety?

Though the causes of anxiety aren’t yet fully understood, anxiety does have a host of triggers including social situations, trauma, life events, specific phobias, medicine, and medical conditions. There are a lot of risk factors that make a person more likely to have an anxiety disorder.

These include:

- Personality: Research has shown that some personality types may be more prone to bouts of anxiety.

- Mental health disorders: Some mental health disorders such as depression are often linked to anxiety.

- Traumatic experiences: Individuals who are exposed to traumatic events as children are at higher risk for developing anxiety as an adult.

- Stress: Stress from an illness, work deadlines, divorces, or deaths in the family can make one more likely to have anxiety.

- Genetics: Anxiety can be passed down through the family genes. If a person has a blood relative who suffers from an anxiety disorder there is a chance that person will also have an anxiety disorder at some point in their life.

- Drugs or Alcohol: The withdrawal, use, or misuse of a drug can put a person at a higher risk for anxiety.

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What are physical symptoms related to anxiety?

For some people, anxiety is manifested in physical symptoms. These can include:

  • Chest pains
  • Heart palpitations
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Trembling
  • Chills
  • Feeling weak
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Increased heart rate
  • Hyperventilation

Some of these symptoms including chest pains, heart palpitations, nausea, and sweating may also be signs of a heart attack. If you think you may be having a heart attack, you should call 911 immediately.

Connect on Sesame with a real, quality doctor in Lake Oswego, OR who can assess your condition, address your symptoms, and craft an anxiety treatment plan that's right for you. Sesame works directly with mental health care providers - not insurance companies - to get you the care you need for affordable, cash prices.

What are the different treatment options for anxiety?

If you have symptoms of anxiety there are options that you may find useful. Treatment options include:

- Psychotherapy counseling: Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy is a means of speaking to a therapist or counselor to help reduce symptoms linked to anxiety disorders.

- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a form of psychotherapy known to be the best in helping with anxiety disorders.

- Support groups: It may help to speak with others who have the same anxiety disorder. Support groups offer those with anxiety a way to heal with others and fill the void. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recommends calling 1-800-622-HELP (4357) to help find local treatment centers and support groups in your area.

- Relaxation techniques: These techniques are useful when managing stress and other health problems such as pain and heart disease.

Anti-anxiety Medicines

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): When too much serotonin gets reabsorbed, it inhibits messaging between brain nerve cells or neurons. With the use of SSRIs, more serotonin is available for brain chemistry, which allows more messages to pass between brain nerve cells, thus helping your mood. There are some side effects to taking SSRIs, however. SSRIs often cause fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants and are useful in treating all types of anxiety disorders. It should be noted that those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) more often may need a higher dose of SSRIs.

- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs have a dual-action: Like SSRIs, this type of medicine increases the serotonin in the brain, but unlike SSRIs, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors also increase norepinephrine. SNRIs have some common linked side effects including headache, upset stomach, gain in weight and/or blood pressure, as well as insomnia. SNRIs are just as effective as SSRIs, but not used for those with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

- Benzodiazepines (beta-blockers): Though this type of medication should not be used for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, benzodiazepines are used for anxiety management for those that are resistant to other forms of treatment. Benzodiazepines are useful in boosting relaxation while reducing physical symptoms linked to anxiety, like muscle tension by lowering your fight-or-flight reflex. Because the body builds a tolerance to this type of medicine it is more often prescribed for short-term use.

- Tricyclic antidepressants: Tricyclic antidepressants are often prescribed when other treatments aren’t working. Unlike beta-blockers, this type of drug can be prescribed for long-term use. You should note, however, that there are serious side effects linked with this type of medicine. Dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and a drop in blood pressure when you stand are some of the side effects linked to tricyclic antidepressants.

- Buspirone hydrochloride: This type of drug is often tried in the early stages of treatment. It works with the neurotransmitters in the brain. It is recommended to avoid eating grapefruit if you’re using buspirone hydrochloride as it can make it more likely to suffer from side effects linked with this drug.

You may want to speak with a doctor about medical advice and treatment options if you have or think you have an anxiety disorder. Sesamecare.com can find you a high-quality doctor at a fraction of the price by connecting you right to the doctor with no hidden costs or surprise fees.

What are the major types of depression?

There are many types of depression caused by a variety of triggers, sometimes chemical and sometimes the result of traumatic life events.

These include:

Major depression: People with major depression have depressed moods most of the day for most days of the week.

Persistent Depressive Disorder: If a person has depression for 2 or more years, this is known as persistent depressive disorder. This type of depression has two subgroups called chronic major depression and dysthymia, or low-grade persistent depression.

Bipolar Disorder: Also known as manic depression, a person with bipolar disorder has extremes, ranging from states of low energy and/or mood to periods of high energy and/or mood. Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder can be treated with mood stabilizer medication, such as Latuda, Seroquel, and Olanzapine-fluoxetine combo.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): A person who has seasonal affective disorder will often feel periods of major depression during winter. Because winter days are shorter than the rest of the year, a person receives less and less sunlight which can cause seasonal affective disorder. Antidepressants may be a great option for someone who has SAD.

Psychotic Depression: If a person has paranoia, hallucinations, and/or delusions during periods of major depression, they may be suffering from psychotic depression. This type of depression can be treated with antipsychotic drugs along with antidepressants.

Peripartum (Postpartum) Disorder: Postpartum depression affects new mothers, typically in the weeks and months post-childbirth.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): This type of depression affects people at the onset of their monthly period. Along with depression, you may feel tired, irritable, unfocused, anxious, overwhelmed, or have changes in your sleep patterns. PMDD can be treated with some birth controls and antidepressants.

‘Situational’ Depression (Stress response syndrome): This is caused by a traumatic or stressful event like moving, divorce, losing your job, or a death in the family, and can likely be treated with psychotherapy.

Atypical Depression: Unlike typical depression, this depression follows more unusual patterns such as feeling overly sensitive to critique, finding you have increased your appetite, sleeping more than usual, or your arms and/or legs feeling heavy.

Connect with real, quality mental health professionals on Sesame for affordable, cash-pay prices. Sesame works directly with doctors - not insurance companies - to get you the care you need, minus the copays and surprise medical bills. Save 60% on your next mental health consult when you book with Sesame.

Is major depression genetic?

It may be.

Research suggests that major depression can be shared through genes and passed through families. If you have a member in your immediate family that has major depression, you may be at a higher risk of also developing major depression. It is estimated that genetics account for about 50 percent of major depression - while the other 50 percent is caused by other factors, such as those listed above. This means while you may inherit a higher risk of developing depression, it isn’t likely that genes are the sole cause.

What are the symptoms of depression?

Depressive episodes can sometimes be one-time events but are more often recurring experiences. If you have depression, you may experience one of the following:

  • Emotions like sadness, worthlessness, anguish, frustration, emptiness, anger, anxiety, restlessness, hopelessness, self-blame, guilt, irritability, anger, or low self-esteem.
  • Brain Fog, or fuzzy thinking, difficulty thinking, focusing, remembering, or making decisions.
  • Lethargy, sleeping too much, or insomnia.
  • Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches.
  • A lack of interest in performing normal tasks, including things you may normally enjoy doing like physical activities or hobbies.
  • Weight gain, weight loss, increased appetite, reduced or a loss of appetite.
  • Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, or suicide attempts.

If you are worried about your safety or the safety of others, please dial 911.

What are some effective treatments for depression?

There are many effective treatments for depression, including medication, talk therapy, and more. Your doctor - whether a psychotherapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist - will craft a treatment plan that works for your needs. Treatment options for depression include:

Therapy

Psychotherapy: In-depth talk therapy that is used to examine unconscious or repressed thoughts and feelings and learn tools to address them. If you have experienced trauma, speaking with a mental health professional can be helpful. They can help you learn coping techniques, identify major triggers, and adjust to stressful situations.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): This is a therapy in which small electric pulses course through the brain causing an intentional seizure. This may be an option for someone who has found other therapies unsuccessful.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Behavioral health issues like eating disorders and drug or alcohol abuse can be treated with the use of CBT. This treatment helps change thinking and behavioral patterns. CBT is used to treat a wide variety of conditions including depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. It can even help with marital problems. CBT offers self-help as it trains you to be your own therapist, teaching you coping skills and how to shift your thinking or behaviors.

Interpersonal therapy (IPT): A common treatment for depression among children, teens, and young adults, IPT is a short-term treatment focused on addressing interpersonal issues.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS): Often used when other treatments prove ineffective, TMS is brain stimulation that uses magnetic fields to prompt nerve cells to improve depression symptoms. This is a noninvasive procedure.

Medication

After a consultation, your doctor of psychiatry may determine that your treatment plan should include medication. All prescriptions are at the sole discretion of your doctor. Common medications treating depression include:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs: Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil or Pexeva, Prozac, Viibryd, and Zoloft are some examples of SSRIs. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs: Some examples include Cymbalta, Effexor XR, Fetzima, and Khedezla or Pristiq.

Atypical antidepressants: These types of medicine don’t fall into either SSRI or SNRI categories. Atypical antidepressants include Aplenzin, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL which are all brands of bupropion, as well as Remeron, and Trintellix.

Tricyclic antidepressants: If SSRIs aren’t as effective for your care, a doctor may prescribe tricyclic antidepressant medications, which can be very effective but can also have more side effects. Common medications include Norpramin, Pamelor, Surmontil, and Vivactil.

There are many risk factors linked with taking these types of medicine. Speak with your doctor about which option is best for you. Connect directly with quality doctors through Sesame on your schedule. With Sesame, you get fair, clear prices on all kinds of care. See who you want, not who your insurance company lets you. Book an in-person or virtual visit near you today.

What are types of sexual dysfunction?

Most types of sexual dysfunction can be broken into four groupings, depending on the causes and symptoms of the sexual problem. Here's an overview of sexual dysfunction classes:

Desire disorders: Desire disorders are characterized by a lack of sex drive or desire for sexual intercourse. Desire disorders may be caused by low hormone production (low testosterone levels or low estrogen levels), pre-existing psychological conditions (such as depression/ anxiety), or medication usage (antidepressants known as SSRIs can cause low libido as a side effect).

Arousal disorder: Arousal disorders are characterized by an inability to become physically aroused enough during sexual activity. In male sexual dysfunction, arousal disorders usually show up as erectile dysfunction, or the inability to get or keep an erection for sexual intercourse. In female sexual dysfunction, this may cause dryness and lack of lubrication in the vagina.

Orgasm disorders: Orgasm disorders occur when an individual either has a delayed orgasm or experiences no orgasm at all during sexual activity. In men, orgasm disorders can also show up as premature ejaculation. In women, orgasm disorders often occur after menopause. With the hormonal changes brought on by menopause, women may experience difficulty having an orgasm during sexual activity.

Pain disorders: Sexual pain disorders occur primarily and women, and result in pain during intercourse. The two common conditions that cause intercourse are known as dyspareunia (lack of lubrication in the vagina during intercourse) and vaginismus (painful spasms in the vaginal muscles and pelvic floor during intercourse). There are several physical and psychological causes behind these conditions, including previous sexual trauma or changes in hormone levels.

What are treatments for psychological causes of sexual dysfunction?

If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction as a result of psychological causes, therapy can help address the sexual problems you may have. Common psychological causes of sexual dysfunction include:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Body image/ self-confidence problems
  • Stress
  • Trauma (such history of rape or abuse)

Sex is complicated. Not only do physical factors contribute to dysfunction, but emotional and psychological conditions can reduce your ability to experience sexual arousal and pleasure from sex. Sex therapists can help couples communicate about sex in a safe and open environment. Therapists may also work with individual patients to address trauma, body image, anxiety, and other psychological causes that could be contributing to sexual dysfunction. A sex therapist can also provide behavioral therapy to help patients with self-stimulation or ejaculation control to enhance sexual performance or increase arousal.

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