Educational articles on mental health, wellness, and psychiatric care — written and reviewed by board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Rana Kaleemullah, MD.
Recent articles
SLS Psychiatry Now Accepts Curative Insurance in Texas — SLS Psychiatry now participates with eligible Curative health plans for adult psychiatric care, effective June 1, 2026. Both providers are active. Here is what Curative members need to know before scheduling.
Lisdexamfetamine vs. Adderall: Which Is Better for ADHD? — Lisdexamfetamine and Adderall both treat ADHD but work differently. A psychiatrist explains which lasts longer, which has lower abuse risk, and who each medication is best for.
How to Get LSAT Testing Accommodations: What Documentation You Need — If ADHD, anxiety, or another condition makes a strictly timed exam measure your stamina more than your ability, the LSAT offers accommodations like extended time — but only with the right documentation. Here is what LSAC looks for, how the process works, and where a psychiatric evaluation fits in.
The Neurodiversity Paradigm: What It Means for Mental Health Care — Neurodiversity reframes conditions like ADHD and autism as natural variations in how brains are wired rather than defects to be fixed. Here is what the paradigm actually claims, where it helps, where it gets misread, and how a psychiatrist holds it alongside real treatment.
Switching From Adderall to Vyvanse (or Back): What to Expect — Starting on one stimulant and switching to the other is one of the most common adjustments in adult ADHD treatment. Here is how the switch actually works — washout, dose conversion, the first two weeks, and when switching is not the real answer.
My ADHD Medication Stopped Working: Tolerance, Causes, and What to Do — When a stimulant that used to help suddenly feels like it is not working, true tolerance is only one possibility — and often not the most likely one. Here is how a psychiatrist sorts out what is actually going on, and what helps.
Stimulants vs Non-Stimulants for Adult ADHD: Strattera, Qelbree, and More — Stimulants are first-line for adult ADHD, but they are not the only option. Here is an honest look at non-stimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree) — how they differ, who they suit, and how a psychiatrist chooses.
What Telehealth Psychiatry Can and Can't Treat — Virtual psychiatry visits work well for most outpatient psychiatric care — but not all of it. Here is an honest breakdown of what telehealth can handle, what is borderline, and when in-person care is the right call.
Lexapro vs. Zoloft for Anxiety: Which Is Better? — Lexapro vs. Zoloft for anxiety: a psychiatrist's side-by-side comparison of side effects, drug interactions, pregnancy safety, and which is the better first choice.
Through the Looking Glass: How Dystopian TV Shows Affect Your Mental Health — Black Mirror, The Handmaid's Tale, Squid Game — dystopian television is some of the most gripping, talked-about content being made. But what does a steady diet of bleak, high-stakes storytelling do to your mind? A psychiatrist's honest look at when it helps, when it harms, and how to watch wisely.
Why High-Performing Professionals Burn Out Early — And When to Seek Help — Doctors, executives, attorneys, and other high achievers can look successful on the outside while privately feeling exhausted, anxious, unfocused, or ready to walk away. Burnout, depression, anxiety, and adult ADHD all contribute — and each calls for a different response.
Health Anxiety and OCD: When Worry About Illness Takes Over — Everyone worries about their health occasionally. But when the worry becomes constant, consuming, and impossible to reassure away, it may be a sign of health anxiety or OCD — two conditions that overlap more than most people realize.
Signs You Need to See a Psychiatrist — Many people wonder when everyday stress crosses the line into something that warrants professional help. Recognizing the signs that you may benefit from seeing a psychiatrist is the first step toward getting the right support.
ADHD in Adults: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment — ADHD is not just a childhood condition. Millions of adults live with undiagnosed ADHD, often attributing their struggles with focus, organization, and impulsivity to personal failings rather than a treatable neurodevelopmental disorder.
Anxiety vs. Depression: How to Tell the Difference — Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health conditions in the United States, and they frequently overlap. Understanding the differences — and the similarities — can help you seek the right kind of help.
What to Expect at Your First Psychiatry Appointment — Scheduling your first appointment with a psychiatrist can feel daunting, especially if you are not sure what the process involves. Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and help you get the most from your visit.
Postpartum Depression: Symptoms, Causes, and When to Get Help — Having a baby is a major life transition, and it is normal to experience a range of emotions afterward. But when sadness, anxiety, or overwhelm persist beyond the first two weeks, it may be postpartum depression — a common and treatable condition.
Telehealth Psychiatry in Texas: How It Works — Telehealth has transformed access to psychiatric care across Texas, allowing patients in cities large and small to receive evaluations and medication management from their own home. Here is what you need to know about virtual psychiatry visits in Texas.
How Long Do Antidepressants Take to Work? — One of the most common questions patients ask when starting an antidepressant is how long it will take to feel better. The answer depends on the type of medication, the condition being treated, and individual factors — but understanding the general timeline can help set realistic expectations.
ADHD Medication for Adults: What to Know Before Starting — If you have been diagnosed with ADHD as an adult — or suspect you may have it — you likely have questions about medication. Understanding the types of ADHD medications, how they work, and what to expect can help you make an informed decision with your psychiatrist.
How Insomnia Affects Your Mental Health — Sleep and mental health are deeply interconnected. Chronic insomnia does not just leave you tired — it significantly increases your risk for depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions, and it can make existing conditions harder to treat.
Burnout vs. Depression: How to Tell the Difference — Burnout vs. depression: a psychiatrist explains how to tell them apart, why the difference matters for treatment, and what actually helps each one.
Psychiatrist vs Therapist: Which Do You Need? — When you decide to seek mental health support, one of the first questions is whether to see a psychiatrist or a therapist. They serve different roles, and understanding those differences helps you find the right starting point for your care.
Perimenopause and Mental Health: The Anxiety Connection — Many women in their 40s and early 50s experience a sudden onset or worsening of anxiety, mood swings, insomnia, and irritability — often without understanding why. The cause is frequently perimenopause, the transitional years before menopause when estrogen levels fluctuate and eventually decline.
ADHD in Women: Why It Often Goes Undiagnosed — ADHD in women is significantly underdiagnosed. Research has historically focused on hyperactive boys, leaving many girls and women unrecognized for years or decades. Understanding how ADHD presents differently in women is key to getting the right diagnosis.
How to Find the Right Psychiatrist Near You — Finding the right psychiatrist can feel overwhelming, especially if you have never seen one before. Knowing what to look for, what questions to ask, and what red flags to watch for can make the process more manageable.
Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: What's the Difference? — Panic attacks are clinically defined; anxiety attacks are not — but both can be disabling. A psychiatrist explains what each one means, how they differ, and when to seek care.
Perimenopause Mood Symptoms: When to See a Psychiatrist vs. an OB/GYN — Anxiety, depression, irritability, brain fog, and insomnia in your 40s and early 50s often have a hormonal driver — and patients commonly get bounced between OB/GYN and psychiatry without a clear plan. Here is how the handoff actually works, and when each kind of clinician helps most.
Buspar vs. Zoloft for Anxiety: How They Work and How to Choose — Buspar (buspirone) and Zoloft (sertraline) are both used for anxiety, but they work differently, suit different types of anxiety, and have very different side effect profiles. Here is how a psychiatrist thinks through the choice.
Effexor vs. Lexapro for Depression and Anxiety: SNRI vs. SSRI — Effexor (venlafaxine) is an SNRI; Lexapro (escitalopram) is an SSRI. Both treat depression and anxiety, but they have different mechanisms, different side effect profiles, and Effexor carries a more significant discontinuation syndrome. Here is how psychiatrists choose between them.