MON - FRI : 8AM TO 6PM
Welcome to the CNS Center of Arizona blog. Our board-certified psychiatrists write about the conditions we treat every day in children, adolescents and adults, from ADHD and anxiety to depression, bipolar disorder and OCD, along with practical guidance for parents and families. Articles are for general education and are not a substitute for a professional evaluation.
Browse by topic: ADHD · ADD · Anxiety · Depression · Bipolar Disorder · OCD · Child Mental Health · Teen Mental Health · Dementia
Ready to talk to a psychiatrist? Contact us or call (480) 367-1500. Telepsychiatry is available in Arizona, Colorado, Florida and Utah.
Many employees today identify as neurodivergent. This can include ADHD, autism, learning differences, or other brain-based traits. At its core, neurodiversity simply means people think
Most people now spend many hours each day on screens, and that daily load can change how you think and feel. The U.S. average screen
More men in the United States are reaching out for help with their mental health as attitudes about masculinity shift and public awareness grows. Surveys
You may notice signs of irritability, low mood, or trouble concentrating during long heat waves. This is because heat related anxiety can make existing mental
In communities far from metro areas, such as rural Arizona, finding a depression psychiatrist or even depression treatment can mean long drives and wait times.
Many people wonder, can you be depressed without a reason? A form of persistent depressive disorder, unofficially called high functioning depression, can affect individuals who
Over 90% of teens use social media regularly, making it a central part of daily life and mental health. This constant connection can cause social
It’s not uncommon for women with ADHD to reach adulthood before realizing what they’ve been struggling with for years has a name. According to research
Kids with ADHD aren’t just “hyper” or “distracted”; their brains process things differently. What’s seen as misbehavior could be a struggle with impulse control. That’s
You’re expected to meet deadlines, respond to emails quickly, keep a good attitude, and still have something left in the tank when you get home.
Feeling overwhelmed by lights, sounds, or crowded spaces is common, and it might be a sign of sensory overload in ADHD. You or your child
It’s not always clear what works best; medication, therapy, or both. However, according to the American Psychological Association (APA), combining both can be more effective
About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. have trouble sleeping, and it’s even more common if you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental
Starting therapy or sitting down with a psychiatrist for the first time can bring up uncertainty, nerves, maybe even a little fear. You’re not alone
Did you know that changes in your estrogen levels can quietly affect your appetite, sometimes causing it to disappear altogether? Many people don’t realize how
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD, affects approximately 3 to 8 percent of women of reproductive age and causes significantly more severe symptoms than typical premenstrual
Feeling like you can’t breathe is one of the scariest experiences someone can go through. 11% of adults in the United States experience a panic
Living with both OCD and depression can be a heavy burden to carry. If you’re facing this, know that you’re not alone. Studies show that
Schizophrenia and psychosis can start young, with the onset commonly occurring between the ages of 16 and 30, with some cases emerging earlier. It can
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that deeply affects 1% of the U.S. population’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Common early warning signs include unusual
Do you have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or suspect you might have it? You’ve likely wondered about the best route to seek help. It’s
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that significantly impacts how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. Many live their lives undiagnosed from it,
Waking up tired, even after a full night’s sleep, can be incredibly frustrating. You might find yourself pushing through the day with little energy, struggling
ADHD medication can sharpen focus, curb impulsivity, and make daily tasks more manageable. But it doesn’t always come without side effects. Stimulants like Adderall, Concerta,
One thought leads to another, then another, until your mind is tangled in endless worries. This pattern is more common than you might think. Overthinking
Scrolling through your phone for hours, absorbing a steady stream of bad news, has become a common habit for many. This behavior is known as
As temperatures rise, it’s not just your body that feels the heat; your mind does too. Extreme heat is often linked to increased rates of
Sleep plays a huge role in mental health, yet many people overlook its effect on emotional well-being. Poor sleep is linked to higher stress levels,
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in the United States, affecting about 6 million children and many adults Despite its prevalence,
Mental health stigma prevents many people from seeking the help they need. About 1 in 4 adults suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given
Mood disorders affect every part of a young adult’s life, from relationships to academics. Studies found that the youngest age group has an increased risk
Addiction and mental health challenges are often intertwined, with one condition exacerbating the other. Research shows that nearly half of those with a substance use
Neurodevelopmental disorders, often linked to childhood, can persist into adulthood, affecting cognitive and emotional well-being. 75% of children with ADHD continue to experience symptoms into
Mental health challenges among children and adolescents are on the rise, affecting millions worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in six children
Depression is a complex mental health condition that impacts millions of people worldwide, with over 300 million people, or 4.4% of the population, are estimated
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common condition that affects millions of children and teenagers worldwide. Around 5-10% of children are diagnosed with ADHD, making it
Leadership burnout is becoming a growing concern for executives in today’s fast-paced business world and work environments. Balancing demanding roles and constant pressure can take
Stress is a common part of daily life, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can take a significant toll on our mental health.
Telepsychiatry is an innovative solution that has been gaining traction in the mental health field, offering a flexible and accessible way to receive treatment for
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex condition affecting millions worldwide, presenting symptoms like difficulty focusing, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity. Traditional treatments often include medications, behavioral therapy,
Mental health issues can be complicated to explore because they involve both psychological and physical factors. Neurological assessments help make sense of these complexities by
Anxiety can be tough to handle and often gets in the way of everyday life. Many people experience anxiety in their own unique ways, which
Depression is a complex mental health condition that affects 5% of the world population globally, causing persistent sadness, lack of motivation, and a struggle to
Adolescent depression is a pressing mental health concern that affects countless young people today. As they navigate through a crucial period of growth and change,
Bipolar disorder represents a challenging journey for both individuals diagnosed with the condition and their families, as it encompasses far more than mere mood swings.
With virtual care becoming more common, people can now get psychiatric support without leaving their homes, making it more comfortable for many to reach out
One in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder, with depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. Adolescence
The struggle with depression can feel like an uphill battle with no end in sight. Have you ever wondered if there’s a treatment that works
The feeling of being overwhelmed or constantly on edge can make everyday life hard to manage. Anxiety is not just worry—it’s a constant state of
Major depression is a serious mental health condition that impacts millions of adults around the world. The good news is that there are many effective
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that affects how a person perceives the world and interacts with others. It’s called a spectrum
The impact of stigma on LGBTQ individuals can be deeply hurtful and challenging. Many people face discrimination, isolation, and rejection, which can take a serious
Mental health recovery can be a challenging journey, but having a strong support system can make a significant difference. Support systems provide emotional encouragement, practical
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a condition many people face after living through extremely scary or stressful situations. These experiences often leave a deep
Chronic pain is not just a physical condition; it reaches far beyond the aches in one’s body. It’s like an unwelcome guest who doesn’t know
Managing bipolar disorder can seem overwhelming, but taking a holistic approach can offer some individuals a more comprehensive way to handle their symptoms. Instead of
Living with high-functioning anxiety can be like walking a tightrope. You’re balancing your day-to-day tasks with a weight of worry on your shoulders that others
Mental health is a topic that is often overlooked, especially in our professional lives. Many people spend a good chunk of their day at work,
Mental health is integral to our overall well-being, yet the emphasis on physical health frequently overshadows it. Despite increasing awareness, the stigma surrounding mental health
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after a person has experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. Your brain replays these
Mental health is just as crucial as physical health, yet we often overlook practices that damper our emotional well-being. Several common habits can make us
Sunlight does more than just chase away the darkness and help plants grow. It can also be a powerful booster for your mental health. With
Anxiety in crowded places or within the dynamics of relationships is a common challenge many individuals face. For some, navigating crowds of people or interpersonal
Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, are among the most pervasive mental health challenges facing individuals today. These disorders can affect anyone, irrespective
How a parent navigates the waters of adolescence hugely influences the child’s eventual adulthood. It can become particularly challenging when the child struggles with Oppositional
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stands as a potent psychological condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. The condition transcends age, affecting children, adolescents, and
When confronted with mental health challenges or daily stressors, individuals often develop coping mechanisms to navigate through these difficulties. Unfortunately, some of these coping strategies
Many people suffer from anxiety, which can take many different forms and intensities. While anxiety can be overpowering, there are several strategies and techniques that
Have you ever noticed how a sunny day can raise your mood? It’s not a coincidence; there’s an established connection between sunlight and your mental
Fatigue is a natural response of the body to physical or mental exertion. However, prolonged fatigue can lead to mental instability, and in extreme cases,
Depression is a complex and often challenging mental health condition that can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. According to the World Health
Millions of individuals suffer from mental health conditions all over the world. So, you might encounter someone in your family or friend group with a
Individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as “PTSD,” often struggle with extreme anxiety. Extreme anxiety symptoms typically lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms,
Bipolar major depression, also known as bipolar depression, is a type of mood disorder characterized by episodes of both depression and mania or hypomania. This
By Claire McCarthy, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing Recreational use of marijuana was just legalized here in my home state of Massachusetts, and this
By Peter Grinspoon, MD, Contributor There are few subjects that can stir up stronger emotions among doctors, scientists, researchers, policy makers, and the public than medical
Many individuals apparently believe that one‘s mental and physical well-being are unrelated. They are, however, closely connected, despite popular belief. Poor mental health can be
While we often hear about the negative effects of getting too much sun, there are actually health benefits you can get with the right amount
Everyone struggles with something. Whether big or small, everyone should practice self-care. Although the concept of self-care can differ from person to person, it’s generally
There are things that we do that turn into habits that make our mental health worse. You might not notice it immediately since our lives
The majority of us spend a significant amount of time browsing, scrolling, and chatting on the internet. But, can excessive internet and social media use
Everyone experiences stress and anxiety that may be brought upon by many different circumstances. These feelings of stress and anxiety come and go for any
Life comes with many challenges and risks. That goes the same for entering parenthood. Becoming a parent comes with challenges that are sometimes uncontrollable. While
PTSD can leave you feeling anxious, sick, and in a constant sense of danger. It’s not a good feeling, thus, there are ways of coping
Since the start of the pandemic, many individuals are forced to quarantine, stay on lockdown, and have social distance inside their houses, condos, apartments, etc.
Do you think our bodies can function properly without having most of the important vitamins and minerals? To put it simply, no, our bodies can’t
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is associated with excessive and constant concern about a variety of topics. GAD sufferers have a hard time controlling their anxiety.
Have you ever felt that you might be hearing voices or that people are trying to harm you even if they’re not. And feeling that
Mental illnesses come in many different forms, it can be noticeable or not, and it can affect anyone and even everyone. So, having someone you
The workplace usually emphasizes physical health and that’s not a bad thing. Though, even if they heavily emphasize physical well-being, some fall short when it
On this day, not everyone is privileged enough to get proper help from a professional. This would lead people to reach out to Google to
An antidepressant is a type of medication that helps alleviate the symptoms of various mental health disorders such as, depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
Anxiety is an issue that you may know about. You’ve heard about it from friends, family, and acquaintances. Suddenly one day someone you know can’t
Depression has many different shapes and forms that you might encounter. However, all of them will cause issues in an individual who is experiencing them.
Parenthood can be a stressful ordeal that many will have to deal with. The stress can certainly affect the mental health of a parent, and
Depression can be a devastating mental health issue that can heavily affect the life of an individual. Adults can have trouble managing their day to
Have you ever felt happy one moment and depressed the next? Well you are not alone. Nearly 10% of all adults in the US experience
A person’s mental health is one of the most valuable things they can have. Having good mental health lets you get through the day without
A person’s mental health is one of the most valuable assets that they can have. Without proper care, you could become a nervous wreck or
Mental health is something that everyone needs to keep an eye on. Good mental health can easily help a person overcome challenges and problems they