To effectively manage the outcomes of emotional problems, mental health disorders and difficult periods, it is important to find the psychiatry service that will meet your needs. Psychiatrists obtain an undergraduate degree, a medical degree (M.D. for medical doctor) during four years of medical school, and then at least four years of training as a psychiatrist. Beyond training, both Dr. Thompson and Dr. Bilbrey have extensive clinical experience with a wide array of patient challenges. This makes it possible for us to offer a wide range of psychiatry services to our patients.

Depression

Over 300 million people are affected annually by depression, making it one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. At Thompson Psychiatry, Inc., we are committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to those who struggle with depression.

What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that can affect the entire body, including the brain. It can negatively alter the way you think, behave, and feel. It may be defined as persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and unrest that last longer than a few weeks.

There are so many causes of depression, which is why it is important to work with a licensed professional when seeking treatment. In many cases, depression can stem from a disconnection of values, relationships, or other aspects of life. In other cases, it may be due to the lack of certain neurotransmitters within the brain that are responsible for feelings of joy, motivation, and affection.

Symptoms
Anyone can feel sad or even depressed at times. However, depression is a more intense feeling compared to the normal feelings of sadness. Depression is a mental illness that has a wide range of symptoms which can make it difficult to manage and maintain a good quality of life. They can impact a person’s ability to function, maintain relationships, keep commitments, or complete tasks.

Symptoms vary from person to person and appear during the night and day. Common symptoms or signs of depression include:

  • A feeling of ongoing sadness, anxiety, or “emptiness”
  • Aches or body pain such as migraines, cramps, or digestive problems
  • Changes in appetite
  • Decreased energy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling inadequate
  • Inability to make decisions
  • Loss of interest
  • Low self-esteem
  • Thoughts of suicide or death
  • Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

Treatment
Often depression cannot be managed or treated alone. If you or a loved one has begun to show signs or symptoms of depression, seek help.

Fortunately, depression can be treated, and you can find relief from symptoms and improve your quality of life.

At Thompson Psychiatry, Inc., we offer individual and group therapies, behavioral therapy, medication, consultation services, and will work with you to customize a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Treatment can vary from therapy, lifestyle changes, stress management, prescription medication such as antidepressants, acupuncture, and other forms of therapies such as electrotherapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation. One unique treatment option for depression we offer is ketamine infusion therapy.

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Anxiety

Anxiety disorders impact over 40 million people every year within the U.S. Though everyone may experience anxiety from time to time, anxiety disorders cause persistent stress or unease about even daily situations such as socializing with others, driving, or work. Left untreated, anxiety can significantly impact ones’ quality of life and ability to participate in activities that they used to enjoy.

What is anxiety?
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by strong feelings of tension, worry, physical changes such as an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with anxiety disorders have constant intrusive thoughts or concerns.

Anxiety disorders come in a variety of forms from general anxiety to more specific conditions such as social anxiety or panic disorders. Anxiety develops from several compounding factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Many patients who are diagnosed with anxiety may also have co-occurring illnesses such as substance abuse, depression, or other mental health conditions.

Symptoms
Common symptoms of anxiety include:

  • Nervousness, restlessness, and feeling like you cannot relax
  • Feelings of danger, panic, and dread
  • Rapid heart rate and breathing or hyperventilation
  • Increased or heavy sweating
  • Muscle twitching or trembling
  • Weakness or lethargy
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Insomnia
  • Digestive problems
  • Avoidant behavior
  • Obsessions about certain ideas

Treatment
At Thompson Psychiatry, Inc., we tailor each treatment plan to the individual needs of the patient. We will carefully go over any symptoms you are experiencing, your medical history, and any other relevant factors such as life events and behaviors.

Common treatments for anxiety include individual or group therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and other various therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or electroconvulsive therapy.

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Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings with significant emotional highs and lows. Both ends of the spectrum cause severe symptoms that can be difficult to manage.

It is a chronic mental health condition that does not have a cure, but the management of symptoms is possible.

There are various types of bipolar disorder that can affect each person differently. Some may experience symptoms frequently, while others may only have some symptoms once or twice a year.

Symptoms
The main symptom associated with bipolar disorder is chronic mood swings. During periods of extreme high or mania, the person may feel invincible leading to the engagement of risky behaviors. In episodes of extreme lows or depression, the individual may feel an overwhelming sense of despair or disinterest.

Other symptoms associated with bipolar disorder are often a result of the influence of the mood swings. These symptoms can become aggravated by co-occurring conditions such as substance abuse or other health conditions as substance abuse, depression, or other mental health conditions.

Treatment
Though there is no cure, the condition is treatable. Treatment focuses on learning how to manage mood swings and symptoms. Gaining a better understanding of your triggers will help you to respond better to your own emotions. Other forms of treatment include medication, individual or group counseling, behavioral therapies, and lifestyle changes.

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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a mental health condition in which people experience unreasonable thoughts or fears known as obsessions, that lead to compulsions or repetitive behaviors to alleviate the anxiety associated with the obsessions.

If you have OCD and try to ignore your obsessions, you may experience increased anxiety as a result.

OCD revolves around a particular concern. For example, if the concern is becoming sick, you may obsessively wash your hands or avoid touching public surfaces. This can significantly interfere with a person’s daily activities and social interactions impacting various areas of life.

Symptoms
If you have OCD, you may have specific routines that can take up large amounts of time to relieve your anxiety. Common signs of OCD include:

  • Constant feelings of anxiety
  • Repetition of words and actions
  • Ordering and arranging
  • Excessive agitation or stress

Treatment
If you have OCD, your compulsions or repetitive actions may consume the majority of your day and interfere with your ability to participate in routine activities such as work or spending time with friends or loved ones.

Through an innovative and multi-disciplinary approach, we can help you to retake control of your life. We will customize a treatment plan that suits your lifestyle and needs. Common forms of treatment include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mediation, counseling, group and individual therapy, and support and education programs.

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Postpartum Depression

Kirsten Thompson, MD helps women from throughout west Los Angeles recover from intrapartum and postpartum depression with effective and compassionate psychiatric care from her practice located in Brentwood, California. She also provides reproductive psychiatry consultations for women planning pregnancy.

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ADHD

Kirsten Thompson, MD provides diagnoses and treatment for adult patients who suffer from ADHD. Patients from throughout Los Angeles come to her psychiatric practice in Brentwood, California for treatment.

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Insomnia

When patients suffer from prolonged insomnia that affects their day to day lives, Thompson Psychiatry provides effective psychiatric care to help manage the disorder. She treats patients from her office in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California.

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Psycho Oncology

There are many mental and emotional ramifications of living with and fighting cancer. Kirsten Thompson, MD helps cancer patients and survivors with psycho oncology services at her practice in Brentwood, Los Angeles, California.

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