Children, Adolescents, and Adults suffering from:

ADHD:  Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a chronic condition including attention difficulty, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. It is very common, with more than 3 million US cases per year. Treatment for ADHD can help, especially with medication. Chronic ADHD can last for years or be lifelong and requires a medical diagnosis. ADHD often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood. It may contribute to low self-esteem, troubled relationships, and difficulty at school or work. ADHD Symptoms include limited attention and hyperactivity.

Anxiety: (including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)  Anxiety is a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks. A panic attack is the abrupt onset of intense fear or discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes and includes at least four of the following symptoms: Palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate. Sweating. Trembling or shaking. Sensations of shortness of breath or smothering. OCD is common, with more than 200,000 US cases per year. OCD is characterized by excessive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions).OCD often centers on themes such as a fear of germs or the need to arrange objects in a specific manner. Symptoms usually begin gradually and vary throughout life. Treatment includes talk therapy, medications, or both.

Depression:  Clinical or major depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life. It is very common, with more than 3 million US cases per year. Possible causes include a combination of biological, psychological, and social sources of distress. Increasingly, research suggests these factors may cause changes in brain function, including altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain. The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterizes major depression can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms. These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. Depression can also be associated with thoughts of suicide. The mainstay of treatment is usually medication, talk therapy, or a combination of the two. Increasingly, research suggests these treatments may normalize brain changes associated with depression.

Sleep Disorders:  Changes in sleeping patterns or habits that can negatively affect health. Examples of sleep disorder include:

• Restless legs syndrome: A condition characterized by a nearly irresistible urge to move the legs, typically in the evenings.
• Jet lag: A sleep disorder that can affect those who travel quickly across multiple time zones.
• Narcolepsy: A chronic sleep disorder that causes overwhelming daytime drowsiness.
• Night terror
• Sleepwalking: The act of getting up and walking around while asleep.
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Intermittent airflow blockage during sleep.
• Insomnia
• Persistent problems falling and staying asleep.

Both therapy and medication are used for treatment of the above sleep disorders.

Substance abuse/addictions:  Addiction is a brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences.

Alcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that interferes with day-to-day activities. It is very common, with more than 3 million US cases per year. Alcoholism can last for years or be lifelong. Symptoms include a failure to fulfill major work, school, or home responsibilities, legal or social problems, or drinking in situations that are dangerous, such as while driving. Treatment may include support groups, counseling, or medications to prevent relapse.

Marijuana abuse:  Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States.1 Its use is widespread among young people. Marijuana overactivates parts of the brain that contain the highest number of these receptors. This causes the “high” that people feel. Other effects include:

• altered senses (for example, seeing brighter colors)
• altered sense of time
• changes in mood
• impaired body movement
• difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
• impaired memory
• hallucinations (when taken in high doses)
• delusions (when taken in high doses)
• psychosis (when taken in high doses)

Marijuana also affects brain development. When people begin using marijuana as teenagers, the drug may impair thinking, memory, and learning functions and affect how the brain builds connections between the areas necessary for these functions.

Opioid addiction and dependence:  It is a physical and psychological reliance on opioids, a substance found in certain prescription pain medications and illegal drugs like heroin. Opioid abuse is common, with more than 200,000 US cases per year. Opioids are prescribed to treat pain. With prolonged use, pain-relieving effects may lessen and pain can become worse. In addition, the body can develop dependence. Opioid dependence causes withdrawal symptoms, which makes it difficult to stop taking them. Addiction occurs when dependence interferes with daily life. Taking more than the prescribed amount or using illegal opioids like heroin may result in death.

Symptoms of addiction include uncontrollable cravings and inability to control opioid use even though it’s having negative effects on personal relationships or finances.  Treatment varies but may include discontinuing the drug. Medications such as suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) can help alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal and cravings. Pairing medication with support programs generally has the most success.

Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autism:  It is a serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact. It is common, with more than 200,000 US cases per year. Autism spectrum disorder impacts the nervous system. The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely. Common symptoms include difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors. Early recognition, as well as behavioral, educational, and family therapies may reduce symptoms and support development and learning.

PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:  It is a disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. It is very common, with more than 3 million US cases per year The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions.

Symptoms may include nightmares or unwanted memories of the trauma, avoidance of situations that bring back memories of the trauma, heightened reactions, anxiety, or depressed mood. Treatment includes different types of trauma-focused psychotherapy as well as medications to manage symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder:  Also called manic depression, is a disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. It is very common, with more than 3 million US cases per year The exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t known, but a combination of genetics, environment, and altered brain structure and chemistry may play a role. Manic episodes may include symptoms such as high energy, reduced need for sleep, and loss of touch with reality. Depressive episodes may include symptoms such as low energy, low motivation, and loss of interest in daily activities. Mood episodes last days to months at a time and may also be associated with suicidal thoughts. Treatment is usually lifelong and often involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

Eating Disorders:  (such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder) Eating Disorders are characterized by irregular eating habits.

Anorexia is an eating disorder causing people to obsess about weight and what they eat. It is common with More than 200,000 US cases per year. Anorexia is characterized by a distorted body image, with an unwarranted fear of being overweight. Symptoms include trying to maintain a below-normal weight through starvation or too much exercise. Medical treatment may be needed to restore normal weight. Talk therapy can help with self-esteem and behavior changes.

Bulimia is a serious eating disorder marked by binging, followed by methods to avoid weight gain. It is Common, with more than 200,000 US cases per year. Bulimia is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People with this condition binge eat. They then take steps to avoid weight gain. Most commonly, this means vomiting (purging). But it can also mean excessive exercising or fasting. Treatments include counseling, medications, and nutrition education.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is a severe, life-threatening, and treatable eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food (often very quickly and to the point of discomfort); a feeling of a loss of control during the binge; experiencing shame, distress or guilt afterwards; and not regularly using unhealthy compensatory measures (e.g., purging) to counter the binge eating. It is the most common eating disorder in the United States.

Intellectual Disability:  (previously referred to as mental retardation) It indicates a below average intelligence and set of life skills present before age 18. It is Very common, with more than 3 million US cases per year. Intellectual function can be measured with an IQ test to detect below-average intelligence. The main symptom is difficulty thinking and understanding. Life skills that can be impacted include certain conceptual, social, and practical skills. Special education and behavioral therapy can help a person live to his or her fullest.

Schizophrenia:  It is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. It is Common, with more than 200,000 US cases per year.  The exact cause of schizophrenia isn’t known, but a combination of genetics, environment, and altered brain chemistry and structure may play a role.  Schizophrenia is characterized by thoughts or experiences that seem out of touch with reality, disorganized speech or behavior, and decreased participation in daily activities. Difficulty with concentration and memory may also be present.  Treatment is usually lifelong and often involves a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and coordinated specialty care services.

Any other psychiatric disorders
Dr Rasheed also provides education and support for the families of those dealing with the above issues.