Blog Archive

When many people think of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), an image of an embattled and shell-shocked soldier pops into their minds. But this image only paints a fraction of the overall picture when it comes to this trauma-related mental health issue. Consider this — about 70% of adults in the...

Everyone worries from time to time and some level of anxiety is normal. Anxiety can be general and non-specific or can be externally driven. For example, anxiety can take center stage for long spells like when you have lost a job or if you have been diagnosed with a health...

You are late for work, again, because you had to run back to your house to make sure you turned something off. Maybe this has become a daily routine, and you find yourself double and triple-checking. Or, you are unable to go out and make new friends because of your...

You have watched, feeling helpless, as your loved one struggles with a substance use disorder. It can be a tough thing to witness. Now, there is a ray of hope. Your loved one is taking steps to get sober, and you want to know the best way to support their...

You may notice that your low moods seem to have a cycle — perhaps once a month if you have a monthly menstrual cycle or maybe your moods seem to ride a more seasonal wave. Depression, in all its many forms, is one of the most common mental health issues in...

Under the best of circumstances, holidays can be tricky. Perhaps you’re the one playing host and you have a mountain of things to do to get ready. Or, maybe there’s some tension in the family that always flares up around the holidays. Now throw in an underlying anxiety or mood...

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with children and adolescents, and that’s because the average age of diagnosis is around seven. Many of these children grow up to be adults with ADHD — around the globe, there are about 366 million adults living with ADHD, which is more than the...

Sifting through the maze of medical insurance options can feel like a monumental task, especially when factoring in coverage for mental health services. For too long, discussions around healthcare have marginalized mental wellness, treating it as less critical than physical health. Yet statistics paint a dire picture: one out of...

More than one in five Americans lives with a mental health issue. This is just an estimate, as many of those who are suffering are not properly diagnosed. Even more people with metal health conditions never receive the care that they need. In other cases, someone might have received a...

Every day has become a balancing act in which your professional self puts on a confident and competent front that hides the turmoil inside or at home. If you are dealing with a mental health issue or a substance use disorder, there is only so long you can hide the...

You may double-check that the doors and windows are locked, or you might like things in a certain order — and people close to you are giving you a hard time about your “OCD.” For the nearly 3.1 million adults in the United States who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in...

More than one-third of adults in the United States are not getting enough sleep, which is defined as 7-9 hours a night. While daytime grogginess is certainly one significant effect of insomnia, a chronic lack of sleep can also raise your risk of a host of issues that range from cardiovascular disease...

When dealing with the complexities of the brain, mental health issues rarely fit into tidy boxes that are easy to identify and treat. This is especially true of bipolar disorder, which affects nearly 3% of adults in the United States. This extremely complicated, and often misdiagnosed mental health issue, can...

If you suspect your loved one may have developed an opioid addiction, is overusing prescribed pain medications, or is abusing heroin or fentanyl, we want you to know that your concern is not misplaced.  There is a good reason why opioid use was declared a Public Health Emergency in 2017...

Sometimes, before you even open your eyes in the morning, you feel your anxiety start to creep in and you dread spending yet another day in its grips. It might be helpful to know that you’re not alone — anxiety disorders affect more than 40 million adults in the United...

Each year in the United States, approximately 21 million people have at least one major depressive episode. Of this number, about nine million people are treating the issue with medications, a third of them unsuccessfully, as they have treatment-resistant depression. Our goal with sharing these numbers is not only to demonstrate how prevalent depression...

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a complex mental health condition for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that it’s become part of our vernacular. OCD has become a verb, an adjective, and a description for someone who likes tidy surroundings or who washes their hands a...

There are good reasons that people refer to a substance use disorder as a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. The mental and physical tolls that addiction and alcohol and drug dependence can have are numerous and range from depression and anxiety to serious health issues like liver disease...

You may have had a DUI, a failed workplace drug test, a suspicion of impairment, a complaint or allegation made, or you might have voluntarily sought treatment and are trying to return to work or want to be able to continue to work. When working in healthcare and other safety-sensitive...

In order to begin your journey into aviation or in order to maintain your career, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that you undergo a psychiatric evaluation and possibly a human intervention motivation study (HIMS) psychiatric evaluation. As you read through the letter you received, you are understandably overwhelmed, possibly...

Maybe you started taking medications to stop a downward spiral in your mental health, or during a period where things were dramatically different in your life or several doctors have started medications and now you cannot even remember why you are taking each of them or if they are working....

The number of people affected by depression in the United States is eye-opening — 8.4% of adults (about 21 million people) have had at least one major depressive episode. These numbers don’t reflect those who have had undiagnosed or unreported depression, so the rate is likely even higher. If you’re reading this,...

Everyone is anxious from time to time, but anxiety disorders escalate this worry to levels that can make it difficult to function. If it seems like your anxiety has hijacked your life, you’re not alone — anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the United States, affecting...

When the world was forced to shut down two years ago, health care providers rose to the challenge and adjusted the way they delivered their services. While telemedicine was certainly in existence before the global pandemic, the practice increased 38 times over pre-COVID levels. In his private practice, Dr. Matthew...

The anatomy of the human body is well studied and fairly well understood, which makes treating physical ailments and diseases straightforward with the right imaging or lab results in hand. The human mind, however, is a different matter. Some call the study of the brain the final frontier of medicine....

Some of the very attributes that may draw you to life in Alaska, namely the remoteness, can also present hurdles in terms of your mental health. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, addiction, or other mental health issues, help is just a phone call...

It has been two very long years since COVID-19 first upended our lives, and it continues to wreak havoc across the world. The fallout of this global health crisis continues to reveal itself as studies show that our collective mental health has taken a massive hit thanks to the fear,...

You’ve struggled with insomnia for years and now you’re experiencing symptoms of depression. Or, perhaps your anxiety levels are at an all-time high and getting a good night’s rest seems impossible as your mind races. These two scenarios illustrate the extremely close relationship between sleep and mental health, which is...

It’s hard to avoid the barrage of sights and sounds that signal the coming holidays, and you may find your stress levels rising with each Christmas song you hear or menorah you see on display.  Holidays can be minefields for those who struggle with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or substance...

Once thought to be a temporary childhood problem, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is now better understood as an issue that affects both children and adults. Undiagnosed and untreated, ADHD disrupts your life by making it difficult to succeed in school, maintain a job, nurture a relationship, and run a household....

Covid-19 has closed many businesses, including the medical offices of most psychiatrists. The good news is that secure video platforms allow you to meet with a psychiatrist, face to face and nearly like you are meeting with them in the office. I am a psychiatrist who specializes in general and...

When looking for a psychiatrist, you have the option to choose between in-network and out-of-network providers. In-network psychiatrists have negotiated a contracted rate with your health insurance company; as a result, they are typically more affordable than out-of-network psychiatrist. However, there are many benefits to consider for seeing an out-of-network...

Many patients who first call my office have never considered looking outside of their insurance network to find a psychiatrist. Many patients assume it will be easier and less expensive to see an in-network psychiatrist, but quickly learned that’s often not the case. It can be very hard to find...

As an addiction psychiatrist, I work with patients in all stages of recovery. For those in early recovery, staying sober can be hard. Former drinking buddies (the people), old haunts (the places) and old habits like using alcohol and/or drugs to escape, cope or provide reward (the things) are hard...

It is estimated that 10% to 14% of the U.S. population is addicted to drugs or alcohol. Many of those affected, including nearly 20% of all alcoholics, do not fit the stereotypical image of an addict — they are able to maintain their job, they may have spouses and children, and often...

Do you love a person with bipolar disorder? Do you suffer from this mental health condition yourself? If so, you likely have found that navigating relationships can be a roller coaster ride. For those who suffer from bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic depression, the cycle of mood fluctuations may...

By Matthew Goldenberg, D.O., and Greg Skipper, M.D.   Doctors with substance use disorders need help finding their way back to health and to the safe practice of their profession. As they are professionals working in safety sensitive positions, how that help is given matters. Twenty-plus years ago, doctors suspected...

Stress is not all bad. In fact, research indicates that occasional episodes of stress can actually act as a performance enhancer, boosting focus and alertness. However, if stress levels get too high or become chronic, the result can be detrimental. For example, chronic exposure to stress can increase the risk...

As a psychiatrist and mental health expert, with a private practice in Santa Monica, CA, I treat diagnose and treatment many patients with ADHD and ADD. Some patients come to my office with a previous diagnosis of ADHD and want to start or continue treatment. Other patients come to my...

By Matthew Goldenberg D.O.  Addiction Psychiatrist    One of the first questions I am often asked by prospective patients is, “Do you take my insurance”? The quick answer is no, I do not accept any insurance in my private practice. However, that does not mean patients cannot use their insurance...

This article was originally published in the SCPS Newsletter, April 2017. In the March 17th, 2017 edition of Psychiatric News there is a story that hopefully caught the attention of many of my colleagues. On page 14 is the story of our colleague Greg Miday M.D. who took his own life...

  It is often very hard for someone who is struggling with addiction or mental illness to reach out for help. Sometimes there is significant denial. In other cases, shame, guilt, a feeling of low self-worth or even depression can make it seem impossible to get help. When you have...

Happy (almost) New Year! I hope everyone is having a fulfilling and restful holiday season. I am very excited to share a recent research article, on which I was first author, that was published in The American Journal on Addictions. As marijuana (cannabis) is now the most commonly used illicit drug in...

By Julia Merrill NP and Matthew Goldenberg D.O.  Thoughts of being better off dead and even suicidal thoughts can happen to anyone for a number of reasons. These types of thoughts can be fleeting; however, when they become more frequent or more intense and difficult to cast away, it can...

Articles: General Addiction Topics:1)What My Experience Working With Veterans can Teach us about Trauma, PTSD and Addiction2) The Most Dangerous Drugs in the U.S.3) Do Alcohol and Drugs Make You More Creative?Alcohol 4) Alcohol Kills!5) Do you drink too much?Marijuana6) How does Marijuana Affect the Body?7) Should you smoke marijuana?8) Should You Smoke Marijuana? Part IIHallucinogens9) Psychedelic Treatment of Addiction:...

Articles:1) Huffington Post: Part 1: Do You Have Adult ADHD? A Psychiatrist Explains How You Can Tell2) Part Two: How a Psychiatrist Diagnoses and Treats ADHD in Adults3) Medscape: Part III: Overcoming the Challenges of Diagnosing and Treating ADHD in AdultsScreening Tools: 1) Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist  Huffington Post:...

We often recognize individuals for being pioneers and visionaries that are far ahead of their time. Others receive recognition for acting selflessly for the betterment of others. Some people are distinguished for being mavericks and going against the grain. My father, Stanley B. Goldenberg, deserves to be recognized for exhibiting...

Hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday weekend,I just found out about a new national tradition that I wanted to share with everyone and I hope you will participate!It is well known that unused and unneeded prescription medication that is kept around the house is one of the leading...

                                                         Hope everyone’s year is off to a healthy start!I want to dedicate this post to two questions I often get asked when...

                                                         Today is the 37th annual Great American Smokeout, which is held on the third Thursday of November by the American Cancer Society....

I hope you found the previous post on Marijuana and Quality of Life useful. I have very much enjoyed the feedback and discussion it has prompted.One of the core reasons I started this blog is that I believe in the importance of having an open dialogue about behavioral health and...

Thank you to everyone who provided such great feedback about the Mind Matters blog and my last entry on smoking cessation! It is truly your comments and questions that will fuel the discussion and direction of this blog. One common question I have received and often get asked by my patients...

I am very honored that my article on Smoking and Smoking Cessation was selected and has been published in the most recent edition of The Residents' Journal. Each opportunity to share and highlight the negative impacts of smoking and the positive effects of smoking cessation treatments is a step in...

I want to thank one of my most loyal blog followers, my mom!, for sending me an article via LAtimes.com. I want to share my thoughts on the article. You can find a link to the full text at the bottom of my post. As I have discussed on this...

                                                            I came across an interesting article from nytimes.com. It discusses the dangers of overdose and potential risk of abuse of the...

Jenny McCarthy: endorsing E-Cigarettes and against vaccines....I have been getting a lot of questions about e-cigarettes. The two most common are: 1) Are they safe? and 2) Can they help me quit smoking?I discussed one of the risks of e-cigarettes in my last post regarding the toxicity of e-liquid. Overall,...

My wife brought a really interesting new product to my attention. I want to begin by thanking her for sharing it with me... because now I can share it with you! Link to the article, with a 2 min video about the product: here.One of the hardest things about quitting...

                                              I am very excited to share an article that I wrote for the American Journal of Psychiatry Residents' Journal. They previously published my article on Smoking Cessation this...

                                                      While I recognized my Father’s efforts to help his customers quit smoking with my first Tip of My Cap award, this time I want...

I hope everyone had a healthy and happy New Year's, I want to start off 2014 with a post to answer a question posed to me by a good friend. His question was very timely, as of yesterday, Colorado became the first state to legalize 'marijuana retail stores.' Like many Americans, my friend...

                                               One of most enjoyable aspects of starting this blog has been the feedback that I have received. There was a lot of interest regarding my January post...

                                            Unless you have been living under a rock for the past few years, you have undoubtedly heard that there is an ongoing debate regarding Marijuana's legal status and use...

I just got back from spending a few days advocating with the American Psychiatric Association (APA) on Capital Hill in Washington D.C. and want to share my thoughts on this amazing experience.I was joined by psychiatrists from across the country who traveled to the nations capital to promote mental health....

                                                    I have been hosting the American Psychiatric Association's #YourMH Twitter Chat for a few weeks now. The most common question I get asked is: “What...

I recently came across a great article written by Drs. Alexander and Olsen who are psychiatrists in the Maricopa County Healthcare System. The article is due to be run in the print version of Arizona Republic soon but is already available on the web. (Link is below.)Their article discusses a...

Happy Friday!I recently came across an article that got me thinking. We know that our jails and prisons are overcrowded, but how much of the burden on the system is from those with mental illness?The article I read explained that offenders who participated in a mental health court program were...

                                                      What is depression?What causes it?Those are common questions that I get asked every day. Some people erroneously attribute depression to weakness, lack of faith...

                                          Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Therefore, I am especially appreciative that the American Psychiatric Association and the editorial staff at Psychiatric News shared my article on Depression and Hope....

                                                                           “You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I...

I have continued to enjoy the feedback, suggestions and critical thought that my blog posts have sparked. I met up with some old friends this weekend and was pleasantly surprised to find that my articles and data have been the catalyst for many dinner table and water-cooler discussions. It seems...

Many patients come to my office because their mood has been “off” or they are worried they might be “bipolar.” Some of these patients are worried because their family or friends have told them that they might be “bipolar” and others are concerned because they have a relative with the...

Welcome back to the Mind Matters Blog! And Hello to new readers!One question that I received regarding my previous post “Doc, I Think I am Bipolar!” was “what treatment options are available for those who lack the time and finances to engage in weekly therapy”. This is a great question!...

It was really great to get so much feedback about my previous post regarding how marijuana impacts quality of life. Over the coming months I hope to share more of the research that is being published on that evolving topic on this blog.Sticking with the topic of addiction again, I...

photo credit: http://jojostruys.com/I just read an interesting article on the dangers of alcohol. Click here for the full article.While alcohol is not an illicit drug, it is well known to cause intoxication and can lead to dangerous situations like drinking and driving. Some of the statistics surprised me and might surprise...

In my Huffington Post article, “Part 1: Do You Have Adult ADHD? A Psychiatrist Explains How You Can Tell” (link pending publication), I described the most recent updates to the diagnostic criteria for adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These criteria can help individuals to better establish if their symptoms...

Over the past few months the focus of my articles has been on providing education and resources that anyone can use to improve their mental health. My goal with these articles is to increase hope and also to decrease the stigma associated with mental illness.I wrote about the importance of...

                                                       With “Celebrities” like Scott Disick and Brooke Mueller making the news for allegedly entering addiction programs that utilize Hallucinogens as treatment of addiction, it...

After spending the past 8 years in Arizona, I have moved back to my home town of Los Angeles, CA to begin a one year Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship through UCLA Health. I am honored and happy to join this esteemed team and to have the opportunity to work at various...

In Mad Men, characters often imbibed to spark their creativity.*Disclaimer: This was not an actual case, any similarities to actual patients is purely coincidental, this is a conglomeration of several typical cases I have seen.Rounding in the hospital this week, I met a patient facing a difficult dilemma. As he...

One of the most common questions my friends and family ask me about addiction is “What is the most dangerous drug?” There are certainly many metrics for quantifying the risks of drugs of abuse including commonly known measures such as morbidity and mortality. To me the mortality rate, or lethality...

One of the most common stories I hear from the Veterans I work with as part of my Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship is that their addictions spiraled out of control after a traumatic experience or a series of traumas. Whether they experienced trauma in basic training, during a deployment, in combat...

In my Huffington Post article, “Part 1: Do You Have Adult ADHD? A Psychiatrist Explains How You Can Tell” (link pending publication), I described the most recent updates to the diagnostic criteria for adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). These criteria can help individuals to better establish if their symptoms...

Around 100 Americans die from a drug overdose every day. [1] On April 29, 2014, at the age of 22, Dylan David Hunter was one of those souls. However, like each individual who dies of a drug overdose, he was much more than a statistic. He was a son, a brother, a...

I am very excited to share an original article written by a reader of my blog. Julia, a retired RN, reached out to me regarding her passion for helping veterans with PTSD. I share her desire to help our veterans and so I was eager to share her article with...

More than 60 million Americans struggle to get a good night sleep. [1] That translates to almost 1 in 3 American adults struggling with insomnia, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. [2]Insomnia is one of the most common complaints that my patients report. Some patients have trouble falling...