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 […]
Selective Mutism: Helping the Child Who Won’t Speak
Understanding the Silence: It’s Not Just Shyness Imagine a child who is the life of the party at home. They tell jokes, sing loud songs, and boss their siblings around with confidence. But the moment they step into a classroom or a grocery store, that same child completely freezes. Their facial expression goes blank, their […]
Screen Addiction: Setting Boundaries for Digital Natives
As a medical professional, I often sit down with concerned parents who feel like they are losing a battle in their own living rooms. They tell me about silent dinners where every face is illuminated by a blue glow, or arguments that erupt the moment a Wi-Fi router is unplugged. If you are reading this, […]
Derealization and Depersonalization: When Reality Feels Fake
Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like the person staring back wasn’t actually you? Or perhaps you have walked down a familiar street, but everything around you looked flat, two-dimensional, or like a movie set? As Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, I often hear my patients describe these exact sensations. They usually come into […]
Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling) in Teens: Treatment Options
As Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, I have worked with many families navigating the complex challenges of adolescence. The teenage years are a whirlwind of physical changes, social pressures, and academic demands. When you add a condition like Trichotillomania into the mix, it can feel overwhelming for both the teen and their parents. However, I am here […]
Gifted Kid Burnout: When High Potential Leads to Crash
You might remember it clearly. In elementary school, everything was easy. You didn’t have to study for spelling tests to get a perfect score. You finished your math worksheets while the other kids were still writing their names. Teachers praised you, parents bragged about you, and you were given a label that would stick with […]
Adderall vs. Ritalin: Understanding ADHD Medications
Hello, I am Dr. Peyman Tashkandi. In my practice, one of the most common conversations I have with patients and parents revolves around the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. It is a journey that can feel overwhelming at first, but I am here to guide you through it. When you or a […]