Second Opinion in Psychiatry: When to Seek One?
Navigating the world of mental health can sometimes feel like trying to read a map in the dark. You know where you want to go—a place of stability, peace, and happiness—but the route isn’t always clear. As a psychiatrist, I have walked this path with countless individuals. I know that finding the right diagnosis and […]
The Danger of Self-Diagnosing Mental Illness on TikTok
We have all been there. It’s late at night, and you are lying in bed, the blue light of your phone illuminating the room. You tell yourself, “Just five more minutes,” but an hour later, you are still scrolling through your “For You” page on TikTok. Suddenly, a video pops up. A creator looks directly […]
Separation Anxiety in Older Children and Teens
In my practice, I frequently meet parents who are confused and worried. They often tell me, “Dr. Tashkandi, my child was fine in elementary school, but now that they are in high school, they panic whenever I leave the house.” It is a common misconception that separation anxiety is strictly a toddler issue. While we […]
Managing Bipolar Disorder Without Losing Your Creativity
As a psychiatrist, one of the most common fears I hear when a new patient sits in my chair isn’t about the diagnosis itself. It isn’t even about the stigma. The deepest, most heartfelt worry comes from my patients who are artists, writers, musicians, and entrepreneurs. They look at me and ask, “Dr. Tashkandi, if […]
Identifying Learning Disabilities vs. ADHD in School-Aged Kids
As a professional in the field of psychology, I have sat across from countless concerned parents who all share a similar story. They tell me their child is bright, curious, and capable, yet for some reason, they are hitting a wall at school. The report cards come back with comments like “needs to focus more” […]
Medication vs. Therapy for Depression: Which is Right for You?
Deciding to seek help for your mental health is one of the bravest steps you can take. However, once you make that choice, you are often met with a confusing fork in the road. Should you sit on a couch and talk about your feelings, or should you take a pill to balance your brain […]
The Benefits of Family Therapy for Adolescent Behavioral Issues
As a mental health professional who has spent years working with families, I have seen firsthand how challenging the teenage years can be. One day, your child is asking you for help with their homework, and the next, it feels like you are living with a stranger who speaks a different language. If you are […]
Gender Dysphoria: Supporting Your Child’s Journey
As a mental health professional, I have sat across from many parents who love their children deeply but feel completely lost when the topic of gender identity arises. If your child has told you they are questioning their gender, or if you have noticed signs of gender dysphoria, it is normal to feel a mix […]
Trauma-Informed Care: Why It Matters for Your Treatment
Welcome. If you are reading this, you are likely taking the first, brave step toward understanding your own mental health or helping a loved one navigate theirs. I am Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, and today I want to talk to you about a concept that is absolutely central to my practice and philosophy: Trauma-Informed Care. In […]
OCD in Children: It’s Not Just About Being Tidy
As a medical professional, I often hear parents say things like, “My child is so organized, they must have a little OCD.” It is usually said with a chuckle, referring to a color-coded bookshelf or a perfectly made bed. While I understand that these comments are rarely meant to be harmful, they highlight a massive […]