Blog Archive

Anxiety disorders 一 a group of mental health conditions including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and posttraumatic stress disorder 一 are the most common mental health disorders, according to the World Health Organization. Anxiety can create a strong feeling of nervousness, but that’s not the only way...

While ketamine therapy is well-known for its ability to help with treatment-resistant depression, it isn’t just for depression. Its healing potential extends beyond just one condition.  In fact, Dr. Hadi Estakhri and our team at Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health in Newport Beach, California, offer ketamine therapy to help with...

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) creates cycles of obsessive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors that can quickly take a toll on your quality of life. Unfortunately, misconceptions about OCD can sometimes prevent people from reaching out for the help they need. Misconceptions about OCD, or any mental health conditions for that matter, can...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often associated with childhood, but it can (and does) persist into adulthood. In fact, an estimated 366 million adults around the globe have ADHD. Many children who are diagnosed and treated as children (or teens) grow into adulthood with managed ADHD and thrive. That...

Depression is a common mental health condition that can affect people of all ages, including young adults.  About half of young adults report living with depression, and unfortunately, as many as 36% self-reported that their treatment needs are unmet. Other studies indicate that the actual numbers may be much higher...

Are you considering ketamine therapy for depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Dr. Hadi Estakhri offers ketamine therapy — either intravenous ketamine or a nasal spray called Spravato® — here at Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health in Newport Beach, California. While ketamine therapy offers potential benefits for a variety...

Are you struggling with hard-to-treat depression? Treatment-resistant depression is nothing short of frustrating, but ketamine therapy might be the solution you've been looking for. Ketamine therapy for depression involves the administration of a carefully monitored dose of ketamine 一 a dissociative anesthetic 一 to alleviate depressive symptoms and provide rapid...

Even though the terms "addiction" and "substance dependence" are related, there are slight differences between the two.  Double board-certified in both addiction psychiatry and general psychiatry, Dr. Hadi Estakhri at Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health in Newport Beach, California, knows firsthand the importance of distinguishing the nuances between addiction and substance dependence.  Continue reading...

Most conversations about mental health focus on one condition at a time whether that’s depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. The truth, however, is that mental health is rarely so simple.  Many people face the challenge of dealing with multiple mental health conditions simultaneously. When you have multiple mental health conditions at one...

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can profoundly affect your quality of life. For those who have it, an estimated 82.9% experience severe impairment, while 17.1% experience moderate impairment. If you suspect your spouse has bipolar disorder, you may spot the signs and difficulties associated with the condition,...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with children, but it can persist into adulthood, affecting various aspects of life. Managing ADHD can be challenging, especially for adult women who often face unique circumstances and responsibilities. In this blog, Dr. Hadi Estakhri, a board-certified psychiatrist at Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health in Newport...

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects an estimated 24 million people globally. It’s characterized by a range of symptoms that can significantly impact a person's life, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.  While many people with schizophrenia receive a diagnosis and the appropriate treatment, as many as 33% of all cases may go...

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that results from experiencing trauma and affects 5% of the population at any given time. PTSD can manifest in many ways, including night terrors, depression, avoidance, heightened reactions, and anger. Regardless of which PTSD symptoms you struggle with, there’s no denying that PTSD...

Dual diagnosis is a term used when a person has a mental illness (such as anxiety or depression) and an addiction (such as a substance use disorder) at the same time. Understanding what dual diagnosis treatment is and how it shapes your treatment plan is essential for anyone struggling with...

Addiction treatment and recovery can help give new life to those struggling with substance use disorder and other addictions. At Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Hadi Estakhri offers many treatments to help your loved one begin their journey toward recovery.  If your loved one is struggling with addiction, you may...

There are many types of depression: major depressive disorder, bipolar depression, seasonal affective disorder, and postpartum depression — just to name a few. All of these can profoundly affect your life, but nothing’s quite as frustrating as when you’re going to therapy and taking medication but not feeling any better. You may...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic mental health condition that affects both children and adults. While it’s notorious for causing hyperactivity, that’s just one aspect of ADHD. It impacts your emotions, behaviors, and executive function skills, such as planning, organizing, and task initiation.  At Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health in Newport...

Just like physical health conditions can be genetic, so can mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. Knowing which mental health disorders have strong genetic ties can help you assess your risk factors 一 and shape an action plan to support your mental wellness. Below, Dr. Hadi Estakhri discusses four mental health disorders that...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder well-known for its cycles of intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors. Left untreated, OCD can impact your quality of life and make it hard to function at work or school.  The good news is that OCD responds well to treatment, which often includes medication...

Intravenous (IV) ketamine therapy is well-known for its role in addressing treatment-resistant depression, but that’s not the only condition treated with ketamine. Ketamine therapy, which includes IV therapy and nasal sprays, can also alleviate symptoms of anxiety disorders.  If you have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 一 a type of anxiety 一 you might wonder...

About 280 million people suffer from depression throughout the world. There are many types of mood disorders that can lead to depressive episodes, including: major depression, postpartum depression, and bipolar disorder.  Regardless of which condition you have, depressive episodes can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, and worthlessness. Depression can also cause...

Alcohol use disorder, often referred to as alcoholism or alcohol abuse, ranges from mild dependence to severe addiction. While any form of alcohol use disorder can impact the quality of your life, the mild cases can contribute to high-functioning alcoholism, which makes it harder to pinpoint.  Because it’s not always...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as primarily a mental health condition that affects children, but the reality is both children and adults can have ADHD. The average age when most people receive an ADHD diagnosis is seven, so it’s easy to understand why it’s often mistaken as a...

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health disorder that affects how you think and perceive reality. Psychiatric symptoms, such as hallucinations, hearing voices, delusions, and catatonia, can have a profound effect on your quality of life and ability to function independently.  Not surprisingly, those with schizophrenia (or who have a loved...

Schizophrenia is a rare disorder in which your brain interprets reality differently, leading to hallucinations and delusions. Left untreated, schizophrenia can make it hard to function independently, but the right treatment 一 especially the right medication 一 can help you live the life you want. At Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health in Newport...

Depression is the leading cause of disability in people under the age of 44, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Approximately 16.1 million American adults struggle with depression in a given year. Lifestyle modifications, talk therapy, and medication are three pillars of depression treatment, but those aren’t...

Ketamine dates back to the 1950s when researchers started to study the analgesic effects of this compound. The drug was also used as a military anesthetic in the 1970s as well as a veterinary anesthetic. More recently, ketamine has been used to treat patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, and...

Since the U.S. Department of Human and Health Services (HHS) has started to fight the opioid addiction crisis, there has been a 4.1% reduction in drug overdose deaths and a 142% increase in patients receiving medication-assisted treatment. Currently, the HHS estimates that 1.27 million Americans receive medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Suboxone...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that leads to intrusive thoughts and fears that lead to ritualistic behaviors. The obsessions and compulsions can interfere with your ability to function at both home and work. While untreated obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can compromise the quality of your life, the right...

Did you know attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder 一 more often referred to as ADHD 一 affects 6.1 million children? It’s a common disorder, and it’s one that can impact your child’s school and home life. ADHD can make it hard for your child to focus, make decisions, and stay organized. Children...

Transcranial magnetic stimulation 一 often referred to as TMS 一 is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that harnesses the power of magnetic energy pulses to stimulate neurotransmitter activity in the parts of your brain that regulate your mood. In particular, TMS treatment provides improvement for those who haven’t found relief through...

Ketamine was first used in Belgium in the 1960s, and just 10 years later, the FDA approved ketamine for use as an anesthetic. One of the main advantages of ketamine as an anesthetic is that it doesn’t slow your heart rate or breathing rate. Ketamine continues to serve many purposes...

Depression is the leading cause of disability in the world, with over 264 million people suffering from depression. Here at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California, board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Hadi Estakhri offers customized treatments to relieve depression symptoms.  Depression profoundly impacts anyone who has it, but it...

Schizophrenia is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions ― but it’s one that we treat here at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California. Dr. Hadi Estakhr wants to spread awareness about schizophrenia and how the right treatment can make all the difference.  Below are five...

Although 23.5 million Americans are currently addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, only 10% of them receive the treatment they need. Because many people believe the (false) notion that addiction is a matter of willpower, embarrassment and frustration can prevent them from getting the help they need.  The reality is that...

Here at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach, California, we’re here for you when you need mental health care, whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or another mental health condition. But we also want to help you establish lifestyle changes that support your overall wellness.  May is...

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by panic attacks. Panic attacks aren’t limited to psychological distress; rather, panic attacks cause both physical and psychological distress. About 13% of people experience at least one attack in their lifetime. Here at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health in Newport Beach,...

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a first-line antidepressant drug. They increase serotonin levels by stopping neurons from reabsorbing serotonin. Unfortunately, not everyone responds the same to medications and can experience side effects. The good news is, SSRIs are just one option for treating depression. If you’re looking for alternative...

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an innovative, non-invasive treatment that relies on magnetic energy to stimulate neurotransmitter activity in specific regions of your brain that regulate your mood. TMS treatments are used as an alternative treatment for depression, including treatment-resistant depression — and TMS is available at Allied Psychiatry and...

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often thought of as a mental health illness that causes hyperactivity or fidgeting. While ADHD can lead to hyperactivity, that’s far from the only symptom of ADHD. One type of ADHD — predominantly inattentive ADHD — doesn’t even present with hyperactivity. It’s possible to...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterized by recurrent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and fears that lead to ritualistic behaviors (compulsions). While it’s normal to experience intrusive thoughts or double-check things once in a while, the difference with OCD is that you’re compelled to do certain behaviors as a way...

Even though the holiday season is regarded as a time of togetherness and love, many people experience holiday blues. While some sources of sadness may come from being separated from loved ones during holidays, the American Psychological Association issued a survey to unearth other common causes of strain on your...

Addiction affects nearly 23.5 million Americans, but unfortunately, only 11% of those people receive the treatment they need.  The good news is that you don’t have to travel on this journey alone. Here at Allied Psychiatry and Mental Health, Dr. Hadi Estakhri is trained in addiction psychiatry and is double-board...

Therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication are three tried-and-true depression treatments. Many people find that a combination of these treatments is enough to ease their symptoms. However, for some people, that’s not the case. As many as 15% of people don’t respond to antidepressants, and 40% only receive partial relief. If...

Stress is your body’s reaction to a potentially dangerous event or a demand, according to the medical encyclopedia of the US National Library of Medicine. This means stress isn’t necessarily good or bad. For example, some levels of stress can be a good thing if it motivates you to flee...

Bipolar disorder impacts 2.8% of adults each year, according to the National Institutes of Mental Health. Of those individuals, an estimated 82.9% experience extreme disruptions to their daily life. Bipolar is characterized by shifts in mood that alternate between depressive episodes and manic episodes.  Both the depressive and the manic...

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, impacts 9.4% of children. That’s about 6.1 million kids! Untreated ADHD can greatly influence your child’s success in school. That's why it's important to have your child evaluated for ADHD if they...

According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, between 12-13% of American adults experience phobias at some point in their lives. The stats are much higher for adolescents, with an estimated 19% experiencing phobias.  Because a phobia can negatively impact your quality of life, Dr. Hadi Estakhri at Allied Psychiatry...

According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, almost 17 million Americans suffered from major depression in 2017. Of those 17 million, 11 million also experienced depression with severe impairment.  Functional impairments can impact your ability to socialize and sustain yourself financially. A major depressive episode can reduce your quality...

Depression is sometimes dubbed an invisible disease. But the reality is, depression is a very common mental health disorder. The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 265 million people suffer from depression. Depression can cause feelings of sadness, changes to sleeping and eating habits, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts....

One of the most painful things a family can go through is addiction. Rest assured, there are plenty of resources to help your loved one get the treatment he or she needs. Caring is the first step. Learn how to take that next crucial step, to approach your loved one...

Some 17 million Americans suffer from depression, a mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, far beyond just being “sad.” It’s a common condition, but it can be a serious one. Depression can make it impossible to enjoy your life and participate in work, school, or social...

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that occurs after a person has been through a traumatic event. It can result from personal trauma, such as war, natural disasters, or abuse. You can also suffer PTSD after witnessing a shocking or tragic situation.  It’s common for people to go...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious condition that can interfere with your ability to get through even the simplest everyday tasks. OCD is a disorder with a neurological basis, affecting about 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 kids in the United States. OCD is an anxiety disorder in...

Do you frequently struggle to pay attention? Do you often forget things or have difficulty finishing tasks at work? You may think of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as an issue that’s diagnosed in children, but adults can have it too – and it can greatly interfere with your ability...

If you have struggled with addiction or have an addict in your family, you probably know that most people don’t understand the way addiction works. Many people think a person’s tendency toward becoming addicted is simply associated with willpower, rather than with the many risk factors that can make a...

There are different types of bipolar disorder that differ in the severity of manic or depressive episodes. When manic, you may feel energized and elated. When depressed, you may feel sad or tired, and you may lose interest in activities you once enjoyed.  Despite being on this emotional rollercoaster, some...

Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that can lead to a lifetime of disability if not managed properly with medication. While it is prevalent in both men and women, schizophrenia has an earlier onset in men. The age of onset in men and women It’s hard to pinpoint the exact...

Everyone experiences stress and anxiety from time to time. On its own, this isn’t a very pleasant thing, and how you handle it is key. Learning how to deal with tension and any kind of stress is important for your mental and physical health. But how do you know when...

When you think about depression, you probably imagine someone feeling sad or listless for long periods of time. But depression has a variety of symptoms, some of which you might not intuitively associate with a depressed mood. The NIH estimates that 16.2 million U.S. adults experience at least one major...