A Psychiatrist’s Guide to Navigating the Digital World in Beverly Hills As a Double Board-Certified Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist serving the Beverly Hills community, I’ve dedicated my practice to understanding the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors that shape our well-being. Today, no social factor demands more attention and professional guidance than the ubiquitous presence of social media. Establishing a healthy relationship with Social Media and Mental Health is crucial for everyone. For children, adolescents, and even adults, social media has irrevocably changed the way we connect, perceive ourselves, and regulate our emotions. While these platforms can be powerful tools for connection and information, their design, optimized for engagement and dopamine release, has significant consequences for our internal harmony. My commitment is to provide personalized, evidence-based care, blending psychotherapy, medication management, and integrative approaches to help individuals find lasting healing. That healing often begins when patients recognize and

Being a teenager can feel like a rollercoaster, a time of big changes and even bigger emotions. Therefore, it’s crucial during these years to focus on your Teen Mental Wellness. Just like you take care of your physical body, caring for your mind is a key to navigating these challenges and living a happier, more stable life. This guide is for you, to help you understand what you might be feeling and to show you that there is a clear path toward feeling better. The Reality of Teen Mental Health You might hear a lot of talk about mental health, but what does it really mean? In essence, just like you have physical health, you also have mental health, and they are connected. Mental health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel, and act. As a result, when your mental health is struggling, it

Taking the first step toward seeking psychiatric care is a significant and brave decision. It’s a sign of strength, and consequently, a commitment to your mental well-being. Knowing what to expect during your first psychiatry appointment can, therefore, help alleviate some of these jitters and empower you to make the most of this crucial first visit. For those considering care in a premier location like Beverly Hills, this guide will be particularly useful, as it outlines the high standards of care you can anticipate. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, from preparing beforehand to understanding what happens in the room and what comes next. In addition, by the time you are done reading, you will be ready to walk into your appointment feeling informed and in control. The Importance of a Psychiatry Evaluation Psychiatry is a specialized field of medicine dedicated to mental health. The ultimate

Navigating a new diagnosis for your child can be an overwhelming experience. For many parents, hearing the words Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) brings a mix of emotions, from concern and confusion to a desire to learn everything possible to support their child. One of the first questions that often comes to mind is, “How many specific disorders are on the autism spectrum?” This blog post aims to be a guiding light, offering insights and a roadmap for helping your child not just cope, but truly thrive, beyond their diagnosis. Understanding the Autism Spectrum: How Many Disorders? Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and learns. It’s called a “spectrum” because the symptoms and their severity vary widely among individuals. Some children may have a mild form of the disorder, while others face more significant challenges. This unified diagnosis is important for

Traumatic events can deeply shake a child’s world. For example, an accident, a natural disaster, or abuse can leave a lasting imprint. While adults might recognize their own distress, children often express pain in less obvious ways. Consequently, it’s crucial for caregivers to understand the unique signs of trauma and its effects. Therefore, this guide will walk you through what PTSD in children looks like, its long-term impact, and how you can offer support. What is Trauma and Its Impact on Children Trauma is a deeply distressing experience. When a child endures a terrifying event, their brain goes into survival mode. This, in turn, is the natural “fight, flight, or freeze” response. However, if this response doesn’t resolve, a child may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. A child’s brain is still developing, making it vulnerable to trauma’s effects. As a result, the stress can impact their brain’s architecture, which affects their

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Eating disorders are serious conditions that affect millions of people, impacting their relationship with food, body image, and emotional well-being. These disorders can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, and they often begin in the teenage years or early 20s. Recognizing the Signs of eating disorders and understanding how to seek help is crucial for recovery. Common Types of Eating Disorders Three of the most common eating disorders are: Understanding the Signs of eating disorders Early recognition of the Signs of eating disorders is crucial for seeking timely help. The signs can vary, but here are some common indicators: Seeking Professional Help If you or

Sleep is an essential part of a teenager’s life, but it’s often undervalued. For example, as a parent in Beverly Hills, you might notice your teen staying up late to study, socialize, or play video games. While this may seem normal, chronic sleep deprivation can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being. In fact, the link between sleep problems and mental health in teens is a two-way street. Poor sleep can contribute to mental health issues, and conversely, existing mental health conditions can make it difficult to get a good night’s rest in Beverly Hills. This article is for every parent in Beverly Hills concerned about their teen’s mental health. How Sleep Deprivation Affects a Teen’s Mental Health To begin, a lack of sleep can lead to a variety of mental health challenges for adolescents in Beverly Hills. Here’s a closer look at the connection: Increased Risk

Anxiety in children is more than just the typical jitters before a test or a big game. When a child’s worry becomes so overwhelming that it disrupts their daily life, it can be a sign of an anxiety disorder. This condition is a real and common psychiatric challenge that affects a significant number of young people, impacting their school performance, social life, and overall well-being. As we see in many practices, including those in Beverly Hills, understanding and addressing this issue is crucial. Recognizing the Signs Anxiety in children can manifest in both physical and behavioral ways. It is important for parents and caregivers to recognize these signs as they are often more than simple mood swings or irritability. Physical Symptoms Behavioral Signs Frequent headaches or stomachaches Social isolation or avoidance of activities they once enjoyed A racing heart Irrational fears or persistent worry about unlikely catastrophes Fatigue Hyper-vigilance Restlessness

When a child or teen struggles with depression, it can be an incredibly challenging and isolating experience for both them and their parents. Depression is a serious, but treatable, medical condition that can affect how a person feels, thinks, and acts. Furthermore, it’s more than just a passing mood; it’s a persistent change in behavior and emotional state that can significantly disrupt their daily life. Recognizing the Signs of Depression in Children The signs of depression in children and teens can differ from those in adults. For example, rather than persistent sadness, it may manifest as irritability, anger, or even physical complaints like headaches and stomachaches. Other common signs include: If you notice these changes in your child’s behavior, especially if they are occurring frequently and for more than two weeks, it’s a good idea to consider seeking professional support. Common Signs of Depression in Children Emotional & Behavioral Signs

ADHD: The Curses and Blessings of a Hyper-Activated Mind As a psychiatrist, I often speak with parents who are navigating the complex journey of raising a child with ADHD. The initial diagnosis can feel overwhelming, filled with a sense of anxiety and a long list of concerns. The term itself, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, focuses on what’s “wrong”—the “deficit,” the “disorder.” But what if we challenge that narrative? What if we see your child’s brain not as broken, but as a uniquely wired engine that needs a different kind of fuel and a different kind of map? This isn’t about ignoring the challenges. The struggles are very real. But by understanding both the curses and the blessings, we can empower our children to not only manage their challenges but also to harness their incredible strengths. The Curses: Understanding the Daily Battles You’ve likely seen these battles firsthand. For parents of children with

A Message from Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, Beverly Hills Psychiatry As a psychiatrist double board-certified in adult and child & adolescent psychiatry, I’ve spent my career getting to know the human mind at every stage of life. Our Beverly Hills psychiatric practice is always looking for new ways to deepen the care we offer—and one of the most fascinating and promising developments right now is Artificial Intelligence (AI). While AI is making waves across many industries, healthcare is one area where its impact could truly change lives. In child and adolescent mental health, we’re just starting to explore its potential. There’s so much to be hopeful about—but also important ethical questions we need to tackle thoughtfully. The Transformative Promise of AI in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry The landscape of child and adolescent mental health is challenging, marked by a growing demand for services that often outstrips the available resources, even in