Adult Conditions

About 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness in America with the incidence increasing every year. Investing in your mental health can not only improve your quality of life but may also reduce your risk of many medical conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Dr. Guinan has dedicated years of specialized training to properly evaluate and successfully treat adult mental health issues using an integrated and evidence-based approach. Below are some of her areas of clinical expertise. 

 

Depression

Persistent sadness, loss of interest in things you once enjoyed, low energy, and changes in sleep and appetite are just some of the symptoms of depression. There are a number of factors that can contribute to symptoms of depression, and a personalized treatment plan is essential.  Dr. Guinan takes the time to collect a thorough medical and psychiatric history while considering how lifestyle, genetics, and stress may be playing a role in symptoms. A combination of lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, therapy, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceutical medications may be recommended for treatment.

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Anxiety

Anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias are the most common mental illness in the United States. Anxiety is very treatable but requires a consideration of stressors, genetic factors, diet, and personality when developing a treatment plan. While there are no specific labs that can test for anxiety, screening for potential medical contributors is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Guinan has extensive experience in the evaluation and treatment of anxiety disorders and can help reduce symptoms leading to improved function and quality of life. 

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Bipolar Disorder

Also known as manic depressive disorder, bipolar disorder can be a debilitating condition characterized by episodes of increased energy, distractibility, grandiosity, and decreased need for sleep with an elevated or sometimes irritable mood, with or without intermittent episodes of depression. The severity of these symptoms can range but typically respond to a combination of pharmaceutical medications with or without psychotherapy. 

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Also known as "OCD", obsessive compulsive disorder is a very treatable but often missed diagnosis. It's characterized by unwanted intrusive thoughts ("obsessions") with or without repetitive or ritualized behaviors ("compulsions") completed to decrease distress. Dr. Guinan has treated many cases of adult OCD and is well-qualified to recommend both medication management and therapy strategies for treatment of this condition.

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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Witnessing or personally living through a traumatic experience can have a lasting negative impact on a person's mental health. Re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoiding things that remind you of the event, feeling constantly on edge with an easy startle response, and experiencing an overall decline in mood can be symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder or "PTSD". Dr. Guinan is able to diagnose PTSD and may recommend specialized therapies and possibly medications to help reduce symptoms. 

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Psychotic Disorders

Symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia, can arise from a number of mental and medical conditions. A thorough evaluation with a trained professional is critical for proper diagnosis and treatment of psychotic symptoms. Dr. Guinan recognizes the importance of determining the main factors contributing to psychosis and can determine if treatment with antipsychotic medication is appropriate.