Dr. Frank starts by explaining exactly what anxiety is and the symptoms of anxiety. She helps listeners to understand how anxiety is treated touching on both medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Frank also addresses the other types of anxiety like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias.

She talks about how anxiety disorders can affect daily living and how to start a conversation with your doctor. She recommends “…I certainly encourage people if they have questions to start with their family doctor. And if symptoms persist and rob you of pleasure of your life then to seek more answers because you want to find someone who will help you live your life to the fullest.” If you or someone you know is suffering from anxiety, this program is a must-listen.

Dr. Anzia begins by helping listeners to understand what depression is, and what the difference is between simple sadness and depression. She talks about the symptoms and triggers of depression and how those symptoms vary. Dr. Anzia also touches on untreated depression, how most people with major depression never seek treatment, or the diagnosis is missed when visiting with their primary care physician.

Dr. Anzia goes on to speak of the various treatments for depression. She talks about the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. Dr Anzia then discusses the various medication used to treat depression, how they work and the side effects that are often associated with antidepressants. Getting support if you have depression or providing support for loved ones is an important part of treatment and Dr. Anzia shares resources and tips for support. If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, this program is a must-listen.

The presence of depression not only contributes to feelings of distress, but it interferes with the ability to make lifestyle changes and to follow medical recommendations with ease. Dr. Lebowitz begins by explaining why there is a need for concern and why patients should be evaluated if they display signs of depression. She goes on to explain what the risk factors are and how depression is diagnosed and screened. Because there are various treatment options for treating depression, Dr. Lebowitz speaks in detail about ways to cope through lifestyle changes, medication and other interventions to minimize stress after a cardiac event or cardiac surgery.

Depression in cardiac patients is still relatively unknown to the general public. In the fall of 2008, the American Heart Association recognized that depression is a risk factor in individuals with coronary heart disease in an effort to raise awareness. If you have heart disease, or have noticed these symptoms in someone you know with heart problems, listen now to learn more about this prevalent condition.

Dr. Hinshaw offers his perspective on whether ADHD should be considered a blessing or a curse. He explains the negative effects of ADHD, but stresses that proper treatment can help channel high energy to good use. Dr. Hinshaw helps listeners to understand understand the different manifestations of this condition depending on gender and type, genetic factors and medical and behavioral treatment options. Finally, he answers listener questions about ADHD and bipolar disorder, effects of medication, and keeping ADHD kids busy when they’re not at school.

Dr. Patterson and Blake give suggestions for how parents can support their children with ADHD. Both experts stress the importance of giving kids with ADHD positive feedback and answers listener questions about behavior issues.

Kids, adolescents and adults with ADHD have problems at work and school, problems in relationships, and they can be impulsive. Listen to this program to learn more about ADHD and how you can improve symptoms to help yourself or a loved one to be successful.

One in three people at some point in their life will suffer from anxiety or depression. Bob, a Seattle patient and former corporate executive, joins the program to share his story of struggling with depression and anxiety. As a successful businessman and family man, Bob secretly experienced tremendous suffering and shame associated with his illness for many years. Often mental illness is viewed in our society as a character flaw, which can lead patients already suffering to feel even more shame. Both Bob and the doctors stress that one’s ability to manage stress, anxiety and depression has nothing to do with character. It is often the strongest person who is finally able to ask for help.

Learn about the importance of having a “stress plan” and helpful coping strategies that can identify and eliminate stressors. Dr. Chao and Dr. McGough also address some of the methods people use to self-medicate, such as alcohol, and why these actually exacerbate the problem. They discuss activities, such as physical exercise, that patients can do on their own, as well as different classes of medications available. The key is first asking for help and then working with your provider to find a treatment plan that is best suited for you. It is possible to find relief and lead a full life!

Featured in this program are several guests: Gary Stobbe, M.D., a neurologist specializing in autism and Medical Director and Founder of the Autism Spectrum Treatment and Research Center (ASTAR); Lauri Perry, mother of 9-year-old Clark who has autism; And Brenne Schario, mother of two children with autism and Executive Director at Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) of Washington.

It is through sharing stories that people can connect in a community – this is what Trusera does. Their new "One Video" Series offers powerful stories from those who have ‘been there.’ Lauri Perry is featured there along with many others. You can seek comfort in their words or join the discussion and offer your own words to comfort others.

A more sedentary lifestyle due to internet and television, a lack of opportunities for physical education in schools and processed foods packed with calories have been a few of the contributors to this obesity epidemic. Listen as Dr. Slusser discusses the Fit for Healthy Weight Program, and the approach taken not only to balance intake and output but also to address some of the emotional issues that arise for overweight children. This includes looking at children’s friendships, family dynamics and sleep patterns.

A multidisciplinary team that includes a physical therapist, dietician, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, psychologist and even a bariatric surgeon at times, work together to help develop personal strategies for children to incorporate more exercise and healthy eating into their lives. Learn how keeping a daily log, setting attainable goals, and above all, making it fun has helped numerous children gain control of their lives. Dr. Slusser discusses the “5-2-1-0 Blastoff” approach that gives both kids and parents an easy mechanism to remember keys to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It’s not about finding a quick fix—it’s about helping children adopt a lifestyle they can maintain.

February 2010: The British Medical Journal, the Lancet, has retracted a study they previously published in 1998 claiming a connection between childhood common vaccinations and an increase in autism. Many follow-up studies debunked the initial findings. However, many parents of autistic children still continue to believe there is a connection. The following Patient Power program discusses this controversy.

Autism is a frequently debated topic in the media, and still more questions than answers remain. Why does this illness remain so mysterious? What treatments are effective? Will my child outgrow this disorder? These are just a few of the many questions that arise, when discussing this controversial topic.

In this Patient Power program, several issues are addressed surrounding autism that are of great concern to parents and families around the world with renowned expert, Dr. Joel Bregman. Dr. Bregman is medical director of The Fay J. Lindner Center for Autism at North Shore-LIJ Health System. Learn more about this developmental disorder and the controversy behind certain issues like: alternative immunizations, numerous medicine therapies, increase in autism numbers, autism discrimination and how parents can be proactive in their children’s care. Dr. Bregman also touches on the possibility of autism at a later age, effective behavioral approaches and current research studies showing promise. Find about all these things and more in a thought-provoking program for you and the entire family.

While this developmental disorder is a somewhat sensitive issue for some parents, Alisa Minkin – a mother of six, joins this program to discuss how her daughters autism diagnosis changed everything. As a baby, Rebecca did not grow or gain weight properly, and was very floppy with her movements. She was taken to numerous doctors, but the Minkin’s were never able to get a medical diagnosis for Rebecca’s problems. At first, Rebecca appeared to be catching up to her peers , but despite years of therapy and social skills lessons, as she got older, the gap between her and her peers kept widening. Rebecca was officially diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of nine. Listen to Mrs. Minkin share how the diagnosis was so important in helping Rebecca get appropriate support, treatment and education. Fortunately, organizations like the Asperger Syndrome and High- Functioning Autism Association proved to be quite resourceful and supportive to the Minkin family. In Alisa’s own words – “I can't emphasize enough how important early intervention and accurate diagnosis is for autism spectrum disorders.”

The discussion begins with Dr. Reinecke pointing out the signs and symptoms of depression. Most everyone is sad or down at some point in their life, but it’s important to differentiate depression from transient sadness. He explains how to know when to be worried and which threats should be paid close attention to. Dr. Reinecke addresses treatments for depression, including medications such as Prozac; the significance of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT); and the benefits of therapy.

This important discussion about an unfortunate, growing trend is one every parent should hear. Dr. Reinecke stresses the need for parental involvement to help your child or loved one through these difficult adolescent years. He also talks about resources available for depressed children and teens, why he thinks teen suicide is on the rise, and the future of depression treatment and research. If you fear that you or someone you know is depressed, this program is sure to provide you with a wealth of valuable information.

In this Patient Power program featured on ihealth, Dr. Howard Farkas joins host Andrew Schorr to discuss an innovative approach to help patients identify the most common patterns of thinking and behavior that lead to emotional eating and then learning how to change them. Dr. Farkas speaks about the importance of maintaining balance and emphasizes issues of self-restraint, self-indulgence and self-control. He goes into detail about the behavioral factors associated with overeating and the effects of stress. Overeating is an addiction, just like drugs or alcohol, and sometimes in the process of regaining control, one addiction is replaced with another.

You’ll hear about how to deal with cravings, how to combat your triggers and why seeking a psychological counselor is key to changing your life permanently. Dr. Farkas speaks candidly about his methods and the best way to change behaviors associated with emotional eating. You can download slides to follow along during the broadcast here.

About 40 percent of Americans age 85 and older have clinically diagnosable Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s has a strong genetic component, but changing your lifestyle can greatly reduce its likelihood. Physical exercise, mental activity such as solving puzzles and word games, and avoiding smoking and bad foods can push back its onset. Some memory loss is a normal part of getting older, and something as simple as a B-12 vitamin deficiency can cause memory loss. For serious cases of dementia, it can be difficult to switch roles and to act as a caregiver for your parents. It is important to establish a durable power of attorney and draw up an updated will while they still have their mental faculties. The Alzheimer’s Association can help you deal with legal issues and offer support for caregivers.

Dr. McDonald is Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry at Emory University and Director of Emory’s Fuqua Center for Late-Life Depression. In this program, he answers questions from listeners. Susan asks for advice about her 78-year-old father, who has expressed thoughts of suicide since his wife passed away. Beatrice writes in to ask about her mother who has Alzheimer’s, yet refuses to go to a nursing facility. Hear how best to care for aging loved ones suffering from late-life disorders.

Dr. Gura begins by telling her experience with anorexia starting at the age of 14, but she was officially diagnosed and began treatment at age 19. She talks about her own struggles with relapse and triggers she is now aware of. Dr. Gura goes on to discuss the influences of the media on body image and just how much this affects culture and society.

You’ll hear about the psychological effects of eating disorders, including the guilt and shame often associated with this type of behavior and the emotional effects. Dr. Gura talks about her struggles with teaching her own daughter healthy habits. In addition to a wealth of guidance, Dr. Gura provides the audience with a variety of support and resources available to teens, adults and elderly with eating disorders.

Nina wrote the book because, as she puts it, ?we can't live in our therapist's office.? In this program she talks about the major causes of depression, and then lists tools that we can use to help steady ourselves, gain insight or work through depressive thoughts on our own. Some of the topics include ways to deal with loss or disappointment, ways to overcome anger and tips for parents dealing with their kids. She also discusses ways to remind yourself that nobody is perfect, an impossible standard. Andrew talks about his own experiences with therapy and gives anecdotes showing amazing ways in which people have overcome their problems. Nina and Andrew both talk about de-stigmatizing therapy and medication, showing that it?s nothing to be ashamed of.

Nina?s tips for coping are not to take the place of therapy. Instead, they?re meant as a way to continue working with yourself on the things that you've been dealing with in therapy, so you don't feel like you've been abandoned when your therapist is not there. It?s important to have a toolbox with you to help you take more power. Listen to this webcast to hear Nina Danielson give a preview of her book, explain some of the underlying causes of depression, give tips for dealing with depression and real events and tell inspiring stories about real improvements.

Dr. Sachs and Andrew go into detail about how to get help for bipolar and its related condition. Dr. Sachs differentiates it from normal fluctuations in mood. He also discusses important things to think about when your friend or family member is diagnosed. For instance, he explains the benefits of behavior therapy, family therapy or other therapy in conjunction with medications. Dr. Sachs also discusses a recent study showing that more bipolar patients die of other conditions, such as heart disease and obesity, than those in other populations. He explores what this study means for you or your loved one, and what steps you can take to ensure bipolar patients stay healthy.

People with bipolar disorder are at higher risk for heart disease, obesity, cancer, and stroke. Listen to this show find out why staying healthy is essential for bipolar patients, and concrete ways to deal with health and interpersonal problems even when you begin to feel irritable. Andrew Schorr tells us why advocating for better treatment from your doctor can not only improve your life, but how it can save your life.