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Your Family Psychiatrist is a trusted resource for individuals searching for mental health answers. Our articles help you understand mental illness, substance abuse treatment, and what to expect when working with licensed mental health professionals. 

Anger Management Assessment in Houston

10/27/2020

13 Comments

 
Anger Management Treatment
If you need an anger management assessment, this is not something you can do at home. A professional assessment needs a clinical interview. A healthcare provider will interview you in person (or by phone). Only then might you discover your diagnosis or potential causes of the anger.

Ideally you should find a psychiatrist who will make the assessment, diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan. After you are assessed, they will recommend the best course of treatment or trained professionals for assistance.
​

Anger Management Classes Online


There are plenty of people giving out anger management classes online, and to hook new students they offer free assessments. You can take these free tests, but there is often something they are trying to get you to purchase afterwards.  These self-assessment tools are often not helpful.

The kind of questions you’ll get from these tests are situational questions. A situation is first presented: someone accidentally spilled their drink on you, children are noisy, traffic is holding you up, and so on. 

You are asked “How do you feel?”, or what would be your typical reaction to that situation. You could say you don’t feel angry in the least, you’re a little annoyed, you feel angry, you feel very angry or you feel furious. 

How would you react? Are you still able to be polite, would you ask for help, or will you take action on your own? Would your action be physical or would you be satisfied with a snide remark. 

Finally, you’ll have to guess how long this incident will linger in your thoughts. Will you forget immediately, or keep thinking about it for hours afterwards? Will it bother you for more than a day? 

Assessment for Self Improvement

If you feel you get angry too often and it has become a problem that disrupts your life, you should consider an evaluation with a psychiatrist that has spent years of training for this type of problem.

Anger issues can fall under impulse control disorders that are difficult to manage on your own.   Other common causes can include anxiety, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and depression.

If you have other issues aside from anger management, especially alcohol or substance abuse, it is a mountain of a burden to handle on your own. You will want to start building a treatment team to help manage your symptoms synergistically.  This may include a psychiatrist, primary care doctor, counselor, and support groups.  It is important to find support, even if it’s just help from an online support group.  Online support groups are becoming more common since Covid-19 began. 

anger assessment and alcohol Houston

Assessment for Someone You Know

If you suspect someone you know has anger issues, you should be supportive by helping them establish care by trained medical professionals.

If it happens only once, it could be an isolated incident. Frequent outbursts should prompt an assessment.  Escalating substance use, alcohol, isolating, and hitting things are definite red flags.  Observe for isolation and self-harm, which is self-violence.  Studies show that women are more likely to self-harm and become verbally aggressive when compared to men.  Men are more likely to be physically aggressive and cause harm to others.  All types of aggression are a concern and a form of violence. 
​
If you believe yourself to be in danger, take care of your safety first.  It does not matter if the other person has a mental illness or not, your safety is the primary goal.  Then you can begin planning and looking for ideal mental health physicians in your area.
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Premature Ejaculation Causes & Treatment

10/20/2020

17 Comments

 
Houston premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common sexual health concerns for men, yet it is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed due to embarrassment or misinformation. If you've ever searched for terms like "premature ejaculation doctors near me," you're not alone. This condition affects men of all ages and backgrounds, and thankfully, it is highly treatable.

In this article, we’ll explore what premature ejaculation is, how it's diagnosed, what causes it, and the most effective treatment options available today. We'll also review several key statistics to help you better understand just how common this issue is and why there is absolutely no shame in getting help.

How Common is Premature Ejaculation?
Research from BMC Urology shows that between 4% and 39% of men will experience premature ejaculation at some point in their lives. That’s a wide range, but it reflects how common and variable the condition can be. A meta-analysis published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine reported an average global prevalence of 30%.

Despite how common it is, only a fraction of those affected seek professional help. Embarrassment, stigma, or confusion about what “normal” sexual performance looks like can keep men from speaking up. Premature ejaculation isn’t a moral failure or a lack of control. It’s a medical condition, often with psychological or biological roots, and it can be treated.

What Is Premature Ejaculation (PE)?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines PE as:
“Persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal stimulation before, on, or shortly after penetration and before the person wishes it, over which the sufferer has little or no voluntary control.”

It’s important to note that occasional early ejaculation is common and not always a problem. To meet diagnostic criteria for PE, the issue must be ongoing, unwanted, and cause distress.

IELT: Measuring Ejaculation Time
Doctors often use the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), the time from vaginal penetration to ejaculation, as a diagnostic tool. While the IELT is not used in every case, it helps quantify the issue:
  • Definite PE: Ejaculation in less than 1 minute
  • Probable PE: Ejaculation between 1 to 1.5 minutes
  • Normal range: The average IELT is about 5 to 6 minutes, though preferences and satisfaction vary widely.

Importantly, PE is not solely defined by time. Some men may last several minutes but still feel they lose control too early for their satisfaction. That’s why subjective distress and a lack of control are key parts of the diagnosis.

Why Is PE Hard to Define?
Sexual satisfaction is deeply personal, so defining PE is more complicated than just timing a stopwatch. Some couples may prefer shorter intimacy, while others desire longer intercourse. What matters most is whether the man can control his ejaculation to meet his own and his partner’s expectations.

Doctors typically look for:
  • Ongoing early ejaculation over at least six months
  • Distress or frustration from the individual or their partner
  • Lack of control over ejaculation

What Causes Premature Ejaculation?
PE is caused by a combination of psychological and biological factors. In many cases, both play a role.

Psychological Causes:
  • Performance anxiety: Fear of disappointing a partner can trigger premature release.
  • Depression or generalized anxiety disorder
  • Low self-esteem or a history of shame related to sexuality
  • Stress from work, relationships, or life events
  • Relationship difficulties that reduce trust or communication
  • Cultural or religious guilt around sex

Biological Causes:
  • Abnormal serotonin levels in the brain (serotonin helps delay ejaculation)
  • Hypersensitivity of the penis
  • Prostatitis or other genital inflammation
  • Erectile dysfunction (ED), which can create a rush to climax before losing an erection
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Genetic predisposition in some cases

Diagnosis: What to Expect from Your Doctor
If you decide to speak with a psychiatrist or sexual health doctor about PE, you’ll be asked several questions. While it might feel uncomfortable at first, remember that these professionals talk about this every day. Their goal is to understand the issue and help you find the right treatment.

Typical questions include:
  • How long does it typically take you to ejaculate during intercourse?
  • Does the same thing happen during masturbation?
  • Do you experience PE with all partners or only some?
  • How long has the issue been going on?
  • How does PE affect your confidence, relationships, and emotional health?
  • Have you ever had sexual experiences without PE?
  • What makes it better or worse?

A physical exam may also be done to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Treatment Options for Premature Ejaculation
There is no single cure for PE, but there are several highly effective treatments, often used in combination. The right choice depends on your symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences.

1. Behavioral Techniques
These include methods designed to train your body to delay ejaculation over time. Common techniques include:
  • Start-stop method: During sexual activity or masturbation, stop stimulation just before ejaculation, wait for the urge to fade, then resume.
  • Squeeze technique: Apply pressure to the head of the penis when ejaculation feels imminent to reduce arousal and delay climax.
  • Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels): Strengthening pelvic muscles can give better control during sex.

These techniques require practice and patience, but many men report significant improvements within a few weeks.

2. Psychotherapy
Mental health professionals like psychiatrists, psychologists, or sex therapists can help uncover underlying emotional causes of PE. Therapy may include:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address anxiety and self-defeating thoughts
  • Relationship counseling to improve communication and sexual compatibility
  • Mindfulness techniques to increase awareness and reduce performance pressure

Studies have shown that CBT combined with behavioral exercises can be more effective than either alone.

3. Medication Options
While no drug is FDA-approved specifically for PE, several medications are used off-label with strong evidence:
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
    Antidepressants like paroxetine, sertraline, and fluoxetine have been shown to increase ejaculation time by 2 to 10 times. They can be taken daily or "on demand" before sex.
  • Topical anesthetics
    Creams or sprays like lidocaine-prilocaine numb the penis slightly to reduce sensitivity. These can be effective for many men but may reduce pleasure or cause numbness in partners.
  • Dapoxetine (available in some countries, not FDA-approved in the U.S.)
    A short-acting SSRI designed specifically for PE, available in Europe and parts of Asia.

**Always consult your psychiatrist or physician before starting any medication, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications or supplements.

Combining Treatment Methods
The best outcomes often come from a combined approach:
Behavioral therapy + Counseling + Medication = Better control and satisfaction.

Studies show that up to 90% of men with PE can improve significantly with proper treatment. A 2021 review in Sexual Medicine Reviews concluded that “most patients with premature ejaculation achieve significant improvement when therapy is personalized.”

Why Talk to a Psychiatrist?
Many people are surprised to learn that psychiatrists, not just urologists, can treat premature ejaculation. Psychiatrists have medical training and expertise in mental health, making them well-equipped to address the emotional and biological components of PE. They can also prescribe medications and are experts in SSRI's.  

The Emotional Impact of PE
It’s not just a physical issue. Men with PE often experience:
  • Low self-esteem
  • Avoidance of relationships
  • Relationship stress
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Reduced quality of life

One survey found that nearly 80% of men with PE reported significant distress related to the condition. It doesn’t have to stay that way.

Conclusion
Premature ejaculation is common, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of. Whether your symptoms are new or long-standing, help is available. The first step is speaking with a qualified professional who understands the condition and can guide you to effective solutions.

You’re not alone and you don’t have to figure this out on your own.

If you're searching for “Houston premature ejaculation doctors” or a compassionate psychiatrist near you, contact Your Family Psychiatrist. Our clinic offers discreet, effective care for men dealing with PE and other mental health concerns.
Premature Ejaculation Treatment Houston
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Guide to Trichotillomania OCD

10/13/2020

7 Comments

 
Trichotillomania OCD Houston
Trichotillomania is an OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) in which a patient has an endless urge to pull their hair from somewhere on the body. Most people use their hands to remove their hair while others use instruments such as tweezers. People with Trichotillomania feel restless or uncomfortable until they pull their hair out.  

Trichotillomania is common among adolescents. In most cases, it starts the same time as puberty. 

Those with Trichotillomania may develop bald patches as a result of pulling their hair. In the case of balding, patients result in using scarves, false hair/eyelashes, and hats.  In instances where hair loss cannot be covered, most with trichotillomania will keep away from social gatherings. In the end, the patients suffer from low self-esteem and embarrassment. 

In other instances, sufferers chew the hair they pull from their bodies. Although the disease is curable, some people suffer from the condition all their life if they do not seek treatment. 
​
Patients tend to isolate themselves due to the shame associated with balding. If the balding is pronounced, friends and relatives will start to talk about it. If you are beginning to isolate yourself or just can't stop, it is time to seek help. 

Causes of Trichotillomania OC

​The three leading causes include:
  • An obsessive-compulsive disorder mainly caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain
  • Stress and anxiety- some people use it to deal with stress and anxiety
  • Hormonal level changes during puberty

Risk Factors ​

  • The condition is common among people of ages 10 to 13
  • High level of stress could trigger the disease
  • People with OCD, anxiety, or depression 
​

Symptoms of Trichotillomania OCD

  • The sufferer finds relief after they pull their hair
  • Hair loss as a result of hair pulling
  • Unexplainable urge to pull out one's hair
  • Uncontrollable tension when you resist to, or, before you pull out the hair
  • Hair loss unaccounted for by any dermatological conditions 
  • Swallowing hair, cutting it into pieces or, playing with hair that has been pulled out 
​

Treatment for Trichotillomania OCD

Treatment of Trichotillomania OCD is not straight forward: some people try various strategies before they find one that helps them cope with the condition. There are two main treatment methods:
Medication
  • Medicines prescribed by your psychiatrist can help to relieve symptoms such as anxiety, any obsessive-compulsive symptoms, or depression.  
Behavioral treatments include:
  • Habit reversal therapy is a strategy that focuses on substituting hair pulling with other harmless activities. Patients focus on journaling and different techniques to curb the effects of hair pulling triggers. 
  • Therapy can be group, family, cognitive, or process-oriented therapy. Family therapies are useful if the patient is an adolescent or child. The treatment helps parents to understand their child and what they are going through and how to help manage the symptoms better. Process-oriented therapies focus on talks, which helps to identify the emotions behind the condition and triggers. Group therapy provides moral support from other people who have Trichotillomania OCD. 
  • Relaxation training helps individuals to relax their central nervous system to manage stress. In self-awareness training, people learn to track their hair pulling patterns. The training heightens an individual's awareness of when they pull hair and emotions that trigger hair removal. Deep breathing therapy can also be helpful.  
Trichotillomania is a DSM-5 mental health disorder, so you need to seek medical care for the disease to go away. ​
Trichotillomania Houston
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How To Help Someone With Depression?

10/4/2020

6 Comments

 
how to help someone with depression

Having someone close to you struggle with depression can be challenging.  You might find it difficult to empathize with the condition or feel that you are unprepared to help with your family member’s or friend’s depression. Your inability to assist may cause feelings of inadequacy with associated emotions such as frustration, anger, helplessness, guilt, and fear. 
​

However, your support and companionship could play a crucial role in the recovery of your loved one. Read on to know how can you can someone with depression. 

Be Aware of the Symptoms

Being aware of the symptoms of depression can allow you to recognize the disorder in your loved ones.  Hence, it’s important to be aware of the signs of depression.
​

It may be time to seek support if you notice the following symptoms in your loved one: 
  • Has lost interest in work
  • Lack of interest in hobbies and other activities he loved doing earlier
  • Prefers to be alone
  • Appears sad, angry, and irritable most of the times
  • Exhibits mood swings
  • Complains of vague aches and pains frequently 
  • Sleeps less or more than usual 
  • Eats less or more than usual
​

Encourage Seeking Medical Help for Depression

​You can advise your loved one to see a psychiatrist. If he or she is reluctant to see a psychiatrist, you can suggest visiting a family doctor for a general check-up. Consulting a psychiatrist and receiving appropriate treatment will help overcome the difficult emotions and enable faster recovery.

Offer Help

You can offer help by being supportive in finding a therapist. You may also accompany him or her to the first visit. For a person battling depression, it can be a huge help to have someone present while going to a doctor.
​

Follow Up with the Treatment

​Make sure your loved one is visiting the therapist regularly and engaging in treatment. Show  support and enquire kindly about progress and hurdles. 

You can also help make and keep appointments, stay on schedule with the treatment, and research other treatment options. 
​

Encourage Activities

One of the best ways to help your loved one living with depression is to re-introduce them to hobbies. You can also encourage him/her to attend social events. You can encourage or prompt fun activities such as having dinner or watching movies.
​

Exercises

Exercise for Depression
Exercises can help to support the recovery of patients with depression. Physical activities stimulate the release of some chemicals in the brain that improve moods and reduce negative thoughts such as stress and anxiety. 

You can invite your friends to accompany you to the gym or for a walk in the park. 

Safety
People with depression can have thoughts of suicide. While caring for your loved one with depression, be alert to notice the warning 
signs of suicidal tendencies.

It may exhibit as: 
  • Talking about dying, suicide, or harming oneself
  • Self-destructive actions
  • Expressing feelings of self-hate, worthlessness, and hopelessness 
  • Getting their affairs in order 
  • Seeking out weapons or pills
  • Saying goodbye

If you feel your loved one might be contemplating suicide, do not wait. Instead, talk openly to them and seek medical help immediately!
​

A Caring Attitude

A caring attitude can play a vital role in the recovery of your loved one. You can be their pillar of support. You can also seek the advice of a Houston psychiatrist to help someone overcome the symptoms so that they can live a healthy and happy life. 
​
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