Most marriages simply need some coaching, encouragement, a bit of interpretation, and accountability.  Marriage therapy works because I am not a part of you, and am not on either person’s side.  I am able to be objective, unlike friends and family.  When commitment is not an issue, progress is fast in marital therapy.  Very small changes make significant differences.  When commitment is an issue, hope is lifesaving.  One session will help you decide if marital therapy can help you.

 How do you know when you’re depressed?

 Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when feeling down lasts more than two weeks and you begin to feel despair or numbness, depression may be a concern. The lows of depression make it difficult to function and enjoy life like you once did. Depression causes you to lack meaning and purpose in your life as you isolate yourself from those around you. You may feel stuck, not being able to lift yourself up by your bootstraps. You are not alone.

 
When is worry considered anxiety?

 
Worry is something we all do.  Worry that takes over and makes life seem like more of a chore, is anxiety.  Anxiety may rob you of peace and joy.  It may take up a lot of time.  It may cause your ability to work to diminish or be sluggish.  Anxiety can interfere with sleep, eating habits, patience, and even your health.  Anxiety is not necessary, and can be helped.  Life is worth living and can be filled with peace and joy.  If you are living with anxiety, give yourself a gift and get some help.

PSYCHOLOGISTS VS PSYCHIATRISTS

What is the difference between Psychologists and Psychiatrists?

 Many people are confused about the differences in psychologists and psychiatrists.  The simple answer is that psychiatrists are medical doctors and have been to medical school, while psychologists are trained in graduate school to practice psychology.  Psychiatrists go to four years of general medical school like all other MDs.  They then specialize in psychiatry with an extra year or two of training.  Many psychiatrists specialize in medication management for psychiatric medications.  Some also do therapy.

 
Psychologists go to graduate school to earn a Ph.D. or doctorate of philosophy.  This training can last from 6-10 years, and sometimes longer.  Following the years of coursework, they will write a dissertation (somewhere between a major research study and a book), and do a year of Internship (full-time work in the field of psychology for little pay), and a year of post-doctoral training.  Often it is an Internship year or the dissertation that will cause the degree to take longer for some.  Many times, a doctoral degree in psychology will be preceeded by a two year Masters degree.

 
Usually, psychologists do not prescribe medication, but will work in conjunction with your medical doctor, sometimes a psychiatrist, to manage your medication issues.  Psychologists are skilled in helping clients deal with emotional issues and mental illnesses, diagnosis, family problems, and assessment (testing).

 
Dr. Karla Austin is a licensed Psychologist and a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Texas.  She obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education from Lubbock Christian College, a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Abilene Christian University and her doctorate from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas.  Her doctorate is a Ph.D. (Doctorate of Philosophy)  in Counseling Psychology.

 
Dr. Karla Austin did her dissertation on Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and it’s incidence with depression, anxiety, chemical dependency, and personality disorders.  Her year of Internship was at the men’s federal prison in Fort Worth, the Federal Medical Center of Fort Worth.  One day a week was spent in the ICU and NICU at  Childrens Hospital in Dallas and Presbyterian Hospital’s children’s ICU.

 
ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

 How do I know if my child/spouse has ADHD?

 ADHD is a diagnosis that requires careful consideration by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or pediatrician.  It does not always require formal testing, though some degree of assessment that gathers information from teachers and parents is often part of diagnosis.

 Some advertisements on the radio indicate that any child who wiggles or can’t pay attention well enough is likely ADHD and should be evaluated with expensive tests.  While wiggly could be a part of hyperactivity, it is also part of being a child.  Many complain that ADHD is overdiagnosed or that it simply doesn’t exist at all.  ADHD is a real issue and includes both benefits and frustrations.  It is important for a professional to help differentiate between normal and ADHD.

 
It is also true that there are different looks to those with ADHD.  While some are hyperactive and impulsive, others may appear absent minded or lost in another world.  Some may struggle with academics, while others are just organizationally challenged.  Often, those with ADHD are very bright. 

What is ADHD or ADD?

 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has changed over the years.  First, we called it hyperactivity, and did not recognize the inattentive aspect alone.  Then, we designated it as either ADD or ADHD depending on whether or not hyperactivity is involved.  Currently, it is always called ADHD, and specified as “Predominantly Inattentive type”, “Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type”, or “Combined Type”.

 
ADHD, according to current criteria, must be evident before a child is seven years old.  If ADHD symptoms did not appear until after age seven, it is likely another explanation exists.  Often, depression or anxiety may be misinterpreted at ADHD.  Bipolar disorder is also sometimes confused with ADHD.  It is important that a qualified professional evaluate someone for the diagnosis of ADHD in order to rule out other similar disorders as well as to help with detecting possible comorbid disorders.  Comorbid disorders is what we call it when more than one disorder exists at a time.  Common comorbid disorders to ADHD are depression and anxiety.  In adults, sometimes substance abuse or personality disorders are comorbid as well.

My dissertation looked at Adult ADHD and comorbid disorders including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and personality disorders.  My finding concluded that while ADHD can exist alone, without comorbidity, it also is sometimes accompanied with another disorder such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, or substance abuse.  It is likely that life with undetected and untreated ADHD may leave an individual with ADHD feeling bad, wrong, stupid, and often in trouble.  Such self esteem can easily lead to self medicating with alcohol or drugs, depression, or anxiety.  Early diagnosis and treatment are important in avoiding the development of comorbid disorders.

 How do you treat ADHD?

 Treatment for ADHD depends on how the individual is being affected.  If functional in school or at work, and self esteem is not being sacrificed, no medication may be needed.  If problems at work or school are what brings the diagnosis to light, medication may be necessary if change is to happen.  Research tells us the best treatment for ADHD includes medication, and usually stimulant medication.  While therapy can help with comfort, expectations, relationships, and lifestyle, only medication will alleviate the “disquiet” of the mind.  Stimulant medication may be the only thing standing between your child and success in school, or yourself and success at work.  When managed appropriately, ADHD can be much more of a blessing than a curse.