Specialties
Mindful Medicine brings extensive expertise and experience to a broad spectrum of mental health and behavioral disorders. Below we provide a brief overview of some of the most common conditions and our approaches to successfully treating them.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder can affect children, adolescents, and adults alike. It can cause trouble concentrating and focusing. When properly treated patients can have dramatic improvement in their daily lives. Work and school performances can improve. Patients will also notice that their relationships with others will be easier and more fulfilling. At Mindful Medicine we can work with patients and their families to safely treat ADHD symptoms and the symptoms associated with it.
Anxiety
Anxiety is often seen with depression. Individuals can feel afraid, worried, and have trouble concentrating. Physical symptoms such as shaking, shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain, and dizziness can occur. These are often described as “panic attacks.” Working with your psychiatrist to carefully choose a medication can provide significant and often immediate relief of symptoms. At Mindful Medicine we understand that the connection between mind and body is strong. We also believe that combining medication with other modalities such as psychotherapy is the best way to beat anxiety.
Bipolar
Bipolar Disorder is often misunderstood. It is characterized by the presence of manic symptoms that have occurred at some point in a person’s life. Proper diagnosis is critical to ensure treatment is properly geared to the patient. At Mindful Medicine careful attention is paid to properly assessing and identifying key symptoms that are specific to individuals with Bipolar Disorder. Patients will get the opportunity to clear up misconceptions, address target symptoms, stabilize their mood, and live a happy and fulfilled life.
Depression
Depression is a common issue affecting millions of people worldwide. It is often in response to life stressors. It can affect many aspects of life including sleep, energy, concentration, appetite and more. If not properly treated individuals can develop hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. At Mindful Medicine nothing is more important than helping our patients feel happy, safe, and fulfilled in their daily lives. Everyone has the right to be happy and enjoy what life brings forth. Through advances in psychopharmacology depression can often improve. Combine this with the benefits of individual psychotherapy and the improvement can be life changing.
Eating Disorders
This includes but is not limited to Anorexia, Bulimia, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and Binge Eating Disorder. Unfortunately, individuals with eating disorders will often not seek treatment. In addition, they can have other struggles with self-esteem and depression which can take over the focus of treatment. At Mindful Medicine we can treat the depression and anxiety associated with these eating disorders. More importantly we stay focused on the specific individual needs that are unique to patients with eating disorders.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is also often associated with anxiety and depression. Patients will have troubling thoughts or “obsessions” which in turn can cause specific behaviors, rituals or “compulsions.” Individuals with OCD often have great insight into their symptoms. At Mindful Medicine we engage our patients in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in addition to medications specifically indicated to treat OCD.
Post-Partum Depression
Pregnancy and childbirth create a complex series of physiologic and emotional events. The physical and emotional toll placed on new moms can be immense. Some may experience post-partum “blues.” Other may experience full post-partum depression. Depression after pregnancy can be very difficult to understand and cope with. At Mindful Medicine we want all new mothers who have these struggles to know that help is here. Postpartum depression can be treated, and happiness is achievable. Enduring pregnancy and raising a newborn can be difficult enough. Doing this with depression should no longer be an option. If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum depression, please call us to see how we can help.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a complex mental disorder that occurs when someone experiences some form of tragic life experience. It can cause nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, trouble concentrating and much more. At Mindful Medicine we understand the symptoms and challenges that are specific to PTSD. Dr. Barness has spent time treating PTSD for United States Veterans and has had success treating a wide variety of patients who struggle with this disorder.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a complex disorder that causes patients to have psychotic symptoms. These symptoms include hallucinations and troubling beliefs. Although no exact cure has yet to be identified, symptoms can often be controlled with appropriate medications. The medications used to treat psychosis are often complex and require proper monitoring. At Mindful Medicine we are more than qualified to evaluate, monitor and treat patients with these unique struggles. We also believe that working closely with the families of patients with Schizophrenia can be a vital part of successful treatment.
Substance Addiction
Treating substance abuse is a challenging and crucial part of achieving improved mental health. Many people consider the topic of drugs to be taboo and as a result a stigma often occurs. At Mindful Medicine we believe that honest and caring diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders can have life changing results. The goal is to eliminate the barrier that substances create on the user. Medications are available to help with a variety problems associated with addiction.
Note: Mindful Medicine does not have the ability to prescribe Suboxone at this time.