The Psychology of Sibling Rivalry: Normal vs. Toxic
Understanding the Roots of Sibling Dynamics If you have more than one child, or if you grew up with a brother or sister, you know the sound. It is the sudden screech of “That’s mine!” followed by a thud, tears, and the inevitable “Mom! Dad! Come here!” As Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, I have sat with […]
Treatment-Resistant Depression: What Are Your Options?
As a psychiatrist, one of the most common frustrations I hear from new patients is the feeling that they have “failed” at getting better. They tell me they have tried medication, they have tried therapy, and yet, the heavy fog of depression refuses to lift. If this sounds like your experience, I want to start […]
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in the Age of Filters
Hello, I am Dr. Peyman Tashkandi. If you have ever found yourself staring at a photo you just took, swiping through filter after filter, and feeling a sinking sensation in your stomach because the “real” you doesn’t look like the “enhanced” you, please know that you are not alone. In my practice, I have conversations […]
Social Skills Training for Neurodivergent Children
As Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, I have spent years working with children and families to understand the beautiful complexities of the human mind. One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping neurodivergent children—those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and other unique learning styles—find their voice and their community. When we talk about […]
Understanding the Spectrum of Eating Disorders: ARFID
Hello, I am Dr. Peyman Tashkandi. In my years of practice, I have met countless individuals and families struggling with a complex relationship with food. Often, this struggle is dismissed as simple “picky eating” or stubbornness. However, for many, the reality is much more profound. Today, I want to invite you to look deeper into […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in Sunny California?
Hello, I am Dr. Peyman Tashkandi. Living in California often feels like winning the geographical lottery. We are famous for our endless summers, stunning coastlines, and a climate that the rest of the world envies. When people think of the Golden State, they picture sunshine and smiles. However, as a psychiatrist, I see a different […]
Hoarding Disorder: It’s Not Just Clutter
As a mental health professional, I have walked into many offices and homes where the sheer volume of possessions tells a story much deeper than simple disorganization. We often see reality TV shows that sensationalize messy homes, but in my practice, I know that what lies beneath the stacks of newspapers or clothes is not […]
Performance Anxiety in Young Athletes and Actors
As Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, I have seen countless talented young individuals walk into my office with their heads hanging low. They aren’t there because they lack skill. In fact, many of them are the most talented players on their soccer teams or the lead actors in their school plays. They are there because when the […]
MTHFR Gene Mutation and Mental Health
As a psychiatrist, I often meet patients who feel like they are doing everything right. They go to therapy, they take their medications, and they practice self-care, yet they still feel a lingering cloud of anxiety or depression. It is a frustrating place to be, and I completely understand that frustration. However, sometimes the answer […]
PANDAS/PANS: Sudden Onset OCD in Children
Imagine putting your happy, easy-going child to bed, only to have them wake up the next morning seeming like a completely different person. Suddenly, they are gripped by intense fears, they cannot step on cracks in the sidewalk, or perhaps they are washing their hands until the skin is raw. As a parent, this is […]