psychology services Summerville, SC
To effectively manage the outcomes of emotional problems, mental disorders and difficult periods, it is important to find the psychiatry service that will meet your needs. Every psychiatrist is required to complete an undergraduate degree program as well as get the necessary clinical experience. It is only after successful completion that they are allowed to specialize in an area of their choice. At James Fox, MD, we have some of the best psychiatrists in different areas of specialization. This makes it possible for us to offer a wide range of psychiatry services to our patients.

TMS

If you experience symptoms of depression or bipolar disorder, advanced treatment options are available at the office of psychiatrist James Fox, MD, in Summerville, South Carona. He and his expert team offer transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to diminish symptoms and restore your quality of life. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Fox over the phone or online to learn more about TMS.

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Depression

Over 300 million people are affected annually by depression, making it one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. At James Fox, MD, we are committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to those who struggle with depression.

What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that can affect the entire body, including the brain. It can negatively alter the way you think, behave, and feel. It may be defined as persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and unrest that last longer than a few weeks.

There are so many causes of depression, which is why it is important to work with a licensed professional when seeking treatment. In many cases, depression can stem from a disconnection of values, relationships, or other aspects of life. In other cases, it may be due to the lack of certain neurotransmitters within the brain that are responsible for feelings of joy, motivation, and affection.

Symptoms
Anyone can feel sad or even depressed at times. However, depression is a more intense feeling compared to the normal feelings of sadness. Depression is a mental illness that has a wide range of symptoms which can make it difficult to manage and maintain a good quality of life. They can impact a person’s ability to function, maintain relationships, keep commitments, or complete tasks.

Symptoms vary from person to person and appear during the night and day. Common symptoms or signs of depression include:

  • A feeling of ongoing sadness, anxiety, or “emptiness”
  • Aches or body pain such as migraines, cramps, or digestive problems
  • Changes in appetite
  • Decreased energy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling inadequate
  • Inability to make decisions
  • Loss of interest
  • Low self-esteem
  • Thoughts of suicide or death
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

Treatment
Often depression cannot be managed or treated alone. If you or a loved one has begun to show signs or symptoms of depression, seek help.

Fortunately, depression can be treated, and you can find relief from symptoms and improve your quality of life.

At James Fox, MD, we offer individual and group therapies, behavioral therapy, medication, consultation services, and will work with you to customize a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Treatment can vary from therapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, prescription medication such as antidepressants, acupuncture, and other forms of therapies such as electrotherapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation. One unique treatment option for depression we offer is ketamine infusion therapy.

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Bipolar Disorder Summerville, SC

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings with significant emotional highs and lows. Both ends of the spectrum cause severe symptoms that can be difficult to manage.

It is a chronic mental health condition that does not have a cure, but the management of symptoms is possible.

There are various types of bipolar disorder that can affect each person differently. Some may experience symptoms frequently, while others may only have some symptoms once or twice a year.

Symptoms
The main symptom associated with bipolar disorder is chronic mood swings. During periods of extreme high or mania, the person may feel invincible leading to the engagement of risky behaviors. In episodes of extreme lows or depression, the individual may feel an overwhelming sense of despair or disinterest.

Other symptoms associated with bipolar disorder are often a result of the influence of the mood swings. These symptoms can become aggravated by co-occurring conditions such as substance abuse or other health conditions as substance abuse, depression, or other mental health conditions.

Treatment
Though there is no cure, the condition is treatable. Treatment focuses on learning how to manage mood swings and symptoms. Gaining a better understanding of your triggers will help you to respond better to your own emotions. Other forms of treatment include medication, individual or group counseling, behavioral therapies, and lifestyle changes.

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Anxiety

Anxiety disorders impact over 40 million people every year within the U.S. Though everyone may experience anxiety from time to time, anxiety disorders cause persistent stress or unease about even daily situations such as socializing with others, driving, or work. Left untreated, anxiety can significantly impact ones’ quality of life and ability to participate in activities that they used to enjoy.

What is anxiety?
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by strong feelings of tension, worry, physical changes such as an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with anxiety disorders have constant intrusive thoughts or concerns.

Anxiety disorders come in a variety of forms from general anxiety to more specific conditions such as social anxiety or panic disorders. Anxiety develops from several compounding factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Many patients who are diagnosed with anxiety may also have co-occurring illnesses such as substance abuse, depression, or other mental health conditions.

Symptoms
Common symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Nervousness, restlessness, and feeling like you cannot relax
  • Feelings of danger, panic, and dread
  • Rapid heart rate and breathing or hyperventilation
  • Increased or heavy sweating
  • Muscle twitching or trembling
  • Weakness or lethargy
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Insomnia
  • Digestive problems
  • Avoidant behavior
  • Obsessions about certain ideas

Treatment
At James Fox, MD, we tailor each treatment plan to the individual needs of the patient. We will carefully go over any symptoms you are experiencing, your medical history, and any other relevant factors such as life events and behaviors.

Common treatments for anxiety include individual or group therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and other various therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or electroconvulsive therapy.

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