Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder characterized by a combination of several problems, including difficulty focusing, impulsive behavior, and inability to complete tasks. Symptoms can occur in all ages, and typically begin in childhood. Dr. Sones is a psychiatrist highly trained in alleviating the symptoms of ADHD using stimulant medications (for example, Adderall and Ritalin) and other methods.

Alcohol use disorder (sometimes called alcoholism) is characterized by a pattern of alcohol use that may put a patient’s mental or physical health at risk or cause other problems. Dr. Sones provides a non-judgmental, welcoming, and trusting environment for patients who wish to visit his Santa Monica, California office seeking help treating alcohol use disorder.

Adjustment disorders are emotional or behavioral reactions to stressful experiences in an individual’s life. Stress, grief, and depression are common following difficult periods in our lives. Dr. Sones is a psychiatrist who treats patients with adjustment disorders from his office in Los Angeles, California.

Anxiety is the most mental health condition in the country, affecting over 1 in 5 people. Anxiety disorders can cause persistent stress, worry, and unease about daily situations. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, and others. Patients from all different backgrounds and lifestyles visit the office of Dr. Sones to get treatment for anxiety. Dr. Sones carefully reviews symptoms you are experiencing, your medical and psychiatric history, life events, and behavioral factors to come to a treatment plan that fits each individual.

Autism spectrum disorder (previously sometimes referred to as Asperger’s syndrome) is a condition related to brain development that affects how individuals socialize, communicate, and interact. Autism spectrum disorder is best treated with a comprehensive team involving behavioral, educational, and family therapies that support development and learning. Dr. Sones treats patients with autism as a close collaborator with the individual’s family and treatment team.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by cycles of extreme mood changes, including periods of feeling joyful, excited, and happy, as well as periods of sadness and depression. There are many types of bipolar disorder, and it is sometimes called “bipolar spectrum disorder” or “manic-depressive disorder.” Dr. Sones is an expert in the treatment of bipolar disorder, utilizing the different therapeutic interventions available.

Borderline personality disorder is an illness that involves a constellation of symptoms, including severe mood changes, up-and-down relationships with family and friends, feeling disconnected from oneself, feelings of emptiness, and other symptoms. The treatment of borderline personality disorder involves careful review and appreciation for the individual’s upbringing, life circumstances, and stressors.

Delusional disorder is an illness characterized by delusions, or strongly held beliefs, without the other symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, disorganized speech, or disorganized behavior. Patients may feel exploited, concerned with the trustworthiness of friends or loved ones, or bear grudges for long periods of time. Dr. Sones is an expert in the treatment of delusional disorders and similar disorders and sees patients from around the country in his Los Angeles, California office and via telehealth.

Depression (also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression) is an illness that can affect all areas of an individual’s functioning. Individuals with depression may feel low mood, changes in their appetite or sleep, fatigue, poor energy, isolation, guilt, difficulty concentrating, or thoughts of suicide. Depression severity is wide-ranging; at its most severe, depression can cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities such as work, school, or social activities. If you or a loved one is suffering from depression. Dr. Sones will help you understand the roots of your symptoms and tailor a treatment program personalized to you.

Dissociative disorders involve a disconnection between thoughts, memories, and identity. Individuals suffering from dissociative disorders often involuntarily escape reality in ways that can impair functioning. They are often a response to severe stress or trauma. Dr. Sones treats patients with dissociative disorders from his psychiatry office in Los Angeles, California.

Generalized anxiety disorder causes people to worry frequently in ways that impair their day-to-day lives. Worries can be related to health, finances, family, or work and can be difficult to control without treatment. Areas in the brain that control fear and anxiety are commonly affected in Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and symptoms can include fatigue, trouble focusing, difficulty relaxing, tense muscles, headaches, and others. Dr. Sones will help you understand your anxiety and treat it with a variety of methods, including medications (if indicated), therapy, relaxation methods, and lifestyle changes.

Many patients suffer from insomnia that is remarkably impairing. Insomnia is frequently a symptom of another disorder, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep apnea, or other medical conditions. Dr. Sones is a psychiatrist and mental health expert who will undergo a careful and comprehensive evaluation to help understand the causes of, and the best treatment for, your insomnia. He sees patients with insomnia from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Brentwood, and all throughout California.

Mood disorders encompass a group of mental health conditions characterized by significant and often persistent disturbances in a person's emotional state. These disorders can lead to disruptions in daily functioning, relationships, and overall well-being, highlighting the important role that emotions play in our lives. Mood disorders include depression, bipolar disorder, dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder, cyclothymic disorder, seasonal affective disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and others. Dr. Sones is an expert in treating and assisting individuals with a wide variety of mood disorders.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety disorder that causes intrusive thoughts, fears, and worries and often involves the use of rituals to alleviate anxiety. Patients can suffer from disturbing and intrusive thoughts (often called obsessions) that may be beyond reasoning. OCD is caused by numerous factors, including genetics, brain anatomy, and environment, and is usually treated with a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

Panic disorder causes repeated and unexpected panic attacks, which are bouts of extreme and overwhelming fear that can make it hard to get along with your activities or day. During a panic attack, people can feel a number of symptoms, including sweating, heart racing, trembling, a fear of choking, upset stomach, dizziness, a fear of losing control, numbness, or chest pain that can feel like a heart attack. Dr. Sones is experienced in the psychiatric treatment of panic disorder and panic attacks.

Personality disorders can cause pervasive difficulty with thinking, functioning, and relating to others. There are many types of personality disorders that cause a variety of symptoms. Dr. Sones seeks to provide insight into personality styles and their origins with patients from his office in Santa Monica, California and via telehealth.

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by exposure to a traumatic event or events and resulting in intense, often debilitating symptoms. Patients may suffer from mood swings, severe anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and difficulty coping. Although the symptoms can be highly impairing, PTSD is a treatable illness with the right set of tools and interventions. Dr. Sones is an expert in the treatment of PTSD due to a wide variety of trauma or traumas.

Psychosis is a condition characterized by a disconnection from reality, often leading to a range of challenging thoughts, perceptions, emotions, and behaviors. Individuals experiencing psychosis may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not, which can lead to distorted beliefs, hallucinations, and delusions. Experiencing psychosis can be an incredibly scary and frustrating experience. Dr. Sones has extensive experience helping individuals manage psychosis to live happy and fulfilling lives.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of mood disorder characterized by recurring episodes of depression that typically occur during specific seasons, most commonly in the fall and winter months. People with SAD experience a noticeable change in their mood and behavior as the seasons change, with symptoms usually improving in the spring and summer. Dr. Sones helps individuals with treatment for SAD, including bright light therapy, psychotherapy, and pharmacologic treatments.

Schizoaffective disorder causes patients to have difficulty with symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, difficulty with thoughts and cognition, and difficulty separating what is real and what is not real, along with symptoms of a mood disorder, such a depression or mania. Untreated schizoaffective disorder can cause severe difficulty, unusual or bizarre behaviors, feeling sad, empty, or worthless, or periods of increased energy and decreased need for sleep. Schizoaffective disorder and psychotic disorders are of particular interest to Dr. Sones, and he has extensive experience in managing a complex array of psychotic disorders using medications, long-acting injectables, clozapine, psychotherapy, behavioral techniques, or other interventions as appropriate.

Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder that is characterized by several symptoms, often including hallucinations, difficulty with thoughts and cognition, difficulty separating what is real from what is not real, and trouble relating to others. The symptoms and management of schizophrenia can be tremendously stressful for patients and their families. Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders are of particular interest to Dr. Sones, and he has extensive experience in managing a complex array of psychotic disorders using medications, long-acting injectables, clozapine, psychotherapy, behavioral techniques, or other interventions as appropriate.

Substance use disorder is a medical disorder that affects patients’ behaviors, thinking, and mood and is caused by a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and emotional factors. Dr. Sones provides treatment for substance use disorders in an outpatient setting, with medications and psychotherapy, and can provide referrals if a higher level of care is needed.