Medications

Genetic testing is becoming a growing topic in mental health care. Many people wonder if their genes can reveal insights about psychiatric conditions or guide treatment. This post unpacks what genetic testing in psychiatry means, how it works, and what it can realistically offer today. Understanding these points helps patients, families, and clinicians make informed decisions about using genetic information in mental health. 🌐 www.dualmindspsychiatry.com  | 📞 508-233-8354 |

Anxiety disorders affect millions worldwide, often disrupting daily life and well-being. Many seek relief through medications, but the choices can be confusing. Two main categories of anti-anxiety drugs are benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines. Alongside these, integrative psychiatry offers alternative approaches, including supplements, to support anxiety management. This article explores these options, helping you understand their differences, uses, and how they fit into

Many people hesitate to seek psychiatric care because they believe it automatically means starting medications. This worry is common among men, frontline workers, parents, college students, high-achieving professionals, and older adults. Concerns about stigma, self-reliance, or the impact on careers and family responsibilities often make reaching out feel risky. Yet, psychiatric care does not always require medication. There are many ways to support mental health that focus o

Stimulant medications are a common treatment for ADHD and sometimes prescribed for individuals with co-occurring autism. These medications can improve focus and executive functioning, but their effects on neurodivergent brains are complex . When combined with other drugs like antihistamines, the interaction may affect sensory processing, emotional regulation, and autonomic nervous system function in unexpected ways. Understanding these interactions helps support better treatm

Mood disorders affect millions of people worldwide, often causing intense emotional swings that disrupt daily life. Mood stabilizers play a crucial role in managing these conditions, helping individuals achieve a more balanced emotional state. This post unpacks what mood stabilizers are, how they work, and what you should know if you or someone you care about is considering them. What Are Mood Stabilizers? Mood stabilizers are a class of medications designed to help control m

Dopamine often gets attention as the brain’s “feel-good” chemical, linked to pleasure, motivation, and reward. Many believe that having more dopamine means feeling better or being more motivated. Yet, recent research shows that when dopamine is released matters more than how much is released. This insight changes how we understand brain function, habits, and even mental health. Understanding the timing of dopamine release helps explain why some experiences feel rewarding and

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed antidepressants that many pregnant individuals take to manage depression and anxiety. While these medications can be crucial for maternal mental health, emerging research suggests that exposure to SSRIs in the womb may influence the developing brain in ways we are only beginning to understand. This post explores how prenatal SSRI exposure might rewire brain circuits, what this means for brain development

Genetic differences can influence how our bodies process nutrients and respond to medications. One such genetic variation involves the MTHFR gene, which plays a crucial role in folic acid metabolism. This mutation can affect not only folic acid absorption but also how individuals respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a common class of antidepressants. Understanding this connection can help patients and healthcare providers make more informed decisions ab