Mental Health Specialist
Kishwar Shareef MD, PC
Internist located in Randolph, NJ
More than half of Americans are diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime. Board-certified internist Kishwar Shareef MD, PC, in Randolph, New Jersey, offers appropriate diagnosis and treatment options if you’re concerned about a mental illness like depression, anxiety, or attention deficit disorder (ADD). Take a step for your mental health today by calling or booking a consultation online.
Mental Health Q & A
What are mental health conditions?
Mental health issues affect your mood, thoughts, and behavior. Mental health problems can come and go or persist for months or even years.
Common mental health conditions include:
- Depression
- Attention deficit disorder
- Anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Substance abuse disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
Mental health problems are common. For example, nearly 20 million Americans suffer from depression.
What are the signs of depression?
Depression produces symptoms that may interfere with your everyday life — and even put your life at risk. Signs of depression include:
- Feelings of sadness
- Overeating or loss of appetite
- Tiredness
- Insomnia
- Feeling hopeless, irritable, anxious, or guilty
- Suicidal thoughts
Depression is a brain disorder that runs in families and is influenced by environmental and psychological factors. If you’re worried about depression, Dr. Shareef has experience diagnosing the condition, so you get the care you need.
What is ADD?
Attention deficit disorder (ADD), also known as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is a behavioral condition affecting your attention and ability to focus. The disorder affects your performance at school and work and can harm your relationships with family and friends.
You may experience the following symptoms with ADD:
- Difficulty holding still
- Talking nonstop
- Trouble paying attention
- Forgetfulness
- Inability to remain on schedule
- Difficulty following instructions
- Failing to complete tasks
- Making rash decisions
If you experience some of these signs, see Dr. Shareef for diagnosis and treatment.
Is anxiety a mental health problem?
Although a moderate amount of anxiety is normal before stressful activities like taking an important test, for some people, anxiety is a persistent condition that worsens over time.
Anxiety can produce physical symptoms, such as chest pain. You may begin to avoid certain activities or even be afraid to leave home, which may be signs of an anxiety disorder. Types of anxiety disorders include:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
If you think you have anxiety, Dr. Shareef recommends a mental health screening.
What happens during a mental health screening?
During a mental health screening, Dr. Shareef may perform a physical exam. She asks questions about your mood, feelings, behaviors, and other symptoms.
In some cases, she recommends a blood test. A blood test can rule out a physical problem, such as thyroid disease, which may cause your mental health symptoms.
How are mental health issues treated?
Depending on your diagnosis, Dr. Shareef refers you to a mental health specialist for treatment. In some cases, she prescribes medications to help ease your symptoms.
Don’t delay in getting care for a mental health issue. Call today or book a consultation online with Kishwar Shareef MD, PC.