Category Archives: Beverly Reader, MD

What Is Mindfulness?

Posted on October 9, 2012 by Beverly Reader, MD

Kindness towards the self – letting go of judging and bringing compassion to one’s experiences – is an essential element of mindfulness practice.  Mindfulness involves cultivating a kind, non-judging awareness towards yourself and what you experience – in this moment. … Read More »

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When Should Medications Be Used?

Posted on January 31, 2012 by Beverly Reader, MD

How does a psychiatrist (or any health professional, for that matter) decide whether medications should be used to treat a psychiatric disorder? It can be a hard call, and multiple factors can come into play in the decision-making process. Clinicians … Read More »

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Side Effects of Stimulants

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Beverly Reader, MD

Stimulants are frequently used for a number of medical purposes. Although they are primarily used for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), stimulant medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) are used for different conditions, … Read More »

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Antidepressant Warnings in Children and Young Adults

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Beverly Reader, MD

In May 2007, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed new warnings about the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and young adults who take antidepressant medications. Known as a “black box warning,” it states that antidepressants increase … Read More »

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Treatment of Postpartum Depression

Posted on August 8, 2011 by Beverly Reader, MD

There are various treatments available for postpartum depression. Medications used include antidepressants and anxioytics (meds used to help treat anxiety).   The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft) tend to be among the most common … Read More »

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Postpartum Psychosis

Posted on July 25, 2011 by Beverly Reader, MD

Even rarer than postpartum depression is postpartum psychosis. This is considered to be a psychiatric emergency that only 0.1-0.2% of women will suffer from it, following delivery. It is likely that this psychosis stems from a form of bipolar disorder.  … Read More »

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Incidence of Postpartum Depression

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Beverly Reader, MD

After childbirth 40-80% of women experience postpartum blues (also known as the baby blues). This will start days after delivery and resolves within 2 weeks.  Some of the symptoms of the baby blues are mild but often rapid mood swings, … Read More »

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