Impulse Control Disorders: Kleptomania and Pyromania
As a mental health professional, I often sit with patients who feel like they are fighting a battle inside their own minds. They describe an overwhelming wave of tension—an itch that absolutely must be scratched—even when they know the consequences could be difficult. If you or someone you love is navigating this feeling, I want […]
Fear of Flying (Aviophobia): Treatment Strategies
As Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, I have sat across from many individuals who tell me that the very idea of stepping onto an airplane makes their heart race and their palms sweat. If you are reading this, chances are you or someone you care about struggles with aviophobia, commonly known as the fear of flying. I […]
Alcohol Use Disorder: High-Functioning Alcoholism
When most people imagine someone struggling with alcohol, a specific, often stereotypical image comes to mind. We might picture someone whose life is visibly falling apart—perhaps they have lost their job, their relationships are in shambles, or their health has clearly deteriorated. However, in my practice, I frequently encounter a very different reality. I meet […]
Co-Dependency in Parent-Child Relationships
As Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, I have sat across from countless individuals who love their parents deeply but feel suffocated by that very same love. It is a complex emotional landscape to navigate. You might feel guilty for wanting space, or perhaps you feel responsible for your parent’s happiness. If this resonates with you, we need […]
Psychosis in Young Adults: Early Warning Signs
As a psychiatrist, I have sat across from many young adults and their worried families. There is often a palpable sense of confusion and fear in the room. They describe changes in personality, strange new habits, or a sudden drop in grades, and they want to know what is happening. One of the most misunderstood […]
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 […]