Dealing with Empty Nest Syndrome

The house is quiet. Too quiet. For years, your days were filled with school runs, sports practices, messy rooms, and the constant hum of family life. Now, you walk past a bedroom that stays clean, and the silence feels heavy. As Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, I have spoken with many parents who feel a sudden, sharp […]
Managing Anger Issues in Adolescents

As parents, we often find ourselves looking back at photos of our children when they were toddlers, remembering the days when a “tantrum” meant crying over a broken cracker. Those days were exhausting, but they were simple. Fast forward a decade, and the dynamic shifts entirely. Now, you might be walking on eggshells, afraid that […]
Adoption and Attachment Issues in Children

Bringing a child into your family through adoption is one of the most profound acts of love and commitment a person can make. It is a journey filled with incredible highs, but it also comes with unique challenges that biological families might not face. In my practice, I have sat with many parents who feel […]
Preparing Your Teen for College: A Mental Health Checklist

Sending a child off to college is one of the biggest milestones in a parent’s life. It is a moment filled with immense pride, a little bit of sadness, and usually, a lot of worrying. As a psychiatrist, I see this transition from both sides. I see the teenagers who are excited but anxious about […]
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 […]