David A Gross, MD, DLFAPA, PA

As reviewed in a past article, the field of Psychiatry is unique among medical specialties. At present, medical technology has yet to provide adequate imaging or laboratory testing that would allow for more objective assessment of a patient’s symptoms and concerns. A person with chest pain, fatigue and a racing heartbeat can rest assured that a carefully designed testing protocol will clarify the nature of the problem. Cardiac enzymes, electrocardiogram, chest x-ray and even cardiac catheterization will provide objective evidence…

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The biological field consists of not just our brain but the body systems that ultimately influence brain function such as the cardiovascular, endocrine, pulmonary and gastrointestinal. As an example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can reduce the availability of oxygen to the brain and consequently alter brain function. A simple experiment decades ago demonstrated that the use of a portable oxygen generator can significantly increase the IQ of a person suffering from COPD. This same individual would subsequently experience less…

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Congratulations! You have finally decided to reach out and seek help for your emotional difficulties. I know that this was not an easy decision. Despite all of our 21stcentury know-how many of us still believe that psychiatric disorders reflect personal weakness and a failure of free will. As discussed in past discussions, the first step in treatment is obtaining the proper diagnosis. You are then faced with a most important decision; should you pursue psychiatric medication or embark on a…

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Of all the medical specialties, Psychiatry may be the most unique. For the most part, the science base of other medical specialties has been well established for decades. Sure, there are ongoing advances and sophistication in diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in these specialties but the core science has remained essentially unchanged. For example, if I was a practicing endocrinologist, the clinical history and physical examination that I would pursue is rather straightforward and easily quantifiable. To add further scientific credence…

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I thought that it would be helpful to jot down some of my thoughts and observations about the field of Psychiatry after almost 40 years of manning the front lines.  My field is one of the most unique medical disciplines. Unlike other specialists, psychiatrists cannot rely on objective laboratory tests or radiologic imagery to help with diagnosis and treatment planning. Psychiatrists have to rely exclusively on our patients’ subjective report and our subjective observations of how our patient presents their…

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