Behavioral Therapy

In addition to the many physical treatments available at Family Care Torrance, our doctors also specialize in treatment of the mind, through our behavioral treatment services. Many different people are affected by behavioral disorders, several of who are not aware that their feelings, thoughts or actions can be classified as a disorder that has many effective treatment options available. Our behavioral treatments help patients of all ages feel better as they partake in their everyday activities.

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition among children in preschool and early school years that involves trouble paying attention and controlling behavior. ADHD affects approximately two million children in the US.
ADHD is classified by symptoms of inattention and of hyperactivity/impulsiveness. A child with six or more symptoms from each category lasting for at least six months at home and at school may be diagnosed with ADHD. These symptoms include:

• Easily Distracted
• Constantly Forgeting and Squirming
• Interrupts Others
• Doesn't Follow Instructions Properly
• Forgetful and Misplaces Things
• Doesn't Finish Tasks
• Makes careless Mistakes
• Runs or Climbs in Inappropriate Situations
• Feeling restless
• Constantly Talking
• Seems To Not Listen When Spoken To
• Has Difficulty Playing Quietly

ADHD occurs as a result of altered brain function and anatomy. Scientists believe that neurotransmitters in the brains of people with ADHD are not used properly. Heredity and environmental factors may also play a role.Treatment for ADHD usually includes therapy, medication or a combination of both. The best treatment method is still under debate. However, most people benefit from a combination of therapy and medication. Symptoms of ADHD may subside as children get older, but many people also suffer during adulthood. Some patients may also be diagnosed with this condition as adults, although most were originally diagnosed as children.It is important for children to see their doctor on a regular basis and continue effective treatment methods if they suffer from ADHD.

Diagnosis

Your doctor at Family Care Torrance can diagnose gonorrhea by taking a sample of cells from the affected area, or through a urine test that can identify bacteria within the urethra. During testing, you may be screened for other STDs as well, since having gonorrhea often increases your risk for developing other sexually transmitted infections.

Depression

While everybody feels sad or blue every once in a while, many people suffer from an actual medical condition, known as depression, that affects their lives on a daily basis. Depression is characterized by constant feelings of sadness or emptiness, and may be triggered by certain events or co-exist with other illnesses.
There are several different depressive disorders, but major depressive disorder is the most common. Symptoms of major depression include:

• Feeling Sad or Hopeless
• Loss of Interest in Normal Activities
• Crying Spells
• Trouble Sleeping
• Trouble Concentrating
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Aches and Pains
• Suicidal Thoughts

Like other psychological disorders, the cause of depression is not specifically known, but is believed to be a combination of genetic, biological and environmental factors. Depression often occurs with other illnesses including anxiety disorders, substance abuse, heart disease, stroke and cancer.Although depression can be a serious condition, it is highly treatable. It is important to talk to a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms to help prevent the condition from worsening. Treatment of depression typically includes medication and psychotherapy. Following effective treatment methods can help make depression a manageable and much less dangerous condition.

Stress

Stress is often a part of our everyday lives, appearing as feelings of anxiety, worry and frustration as a reaction to certain events occurring in our lives. Long-term stress develops over time as a result of family conflicts, health issues, major life changes and other issues and may be more cause for concern, as long-term stress can lead to severe health problems.
For many patients, stress can lead to symptoms that affect your ability to perform your normal activities, including:

• Sadness
• Excessive Crying
• Anxiety
• Desperation
• Trouble Sleeping
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Poor Performance
  at School or Work

While nearly everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives, certain people may have more difficulty handling stress than others, resulting in conditions such as acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and others. These conditions may cause short-term or chronic symptoms of anxiety, detachment and more after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event.
Stress management at Family Care Torrance aims to identify the cause of your stress and develop customized methods to reduce your stress and allow you to maintain your quality of life. This can be done through cognitive behavioral therapy sessions with one of our experienced doctors, which helps patients become aware of individual stressors and learn to better manage their response to stress. Biofeedback and hypnosis are used to help some patients deal with stress as well. Certain medications may also be prescribed to treat stress disorders.