Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology

about:	I practice general psychiatry and have special interests in panic/anxiety disorders, stress, and issues related to benzodiazepines and SSRI/SSNI antidepressants. It is my observation that most emotional problems are situational, often relating to relationship problems, work or coping with difficult other life circumstances. These circumstances are superimposed on a person’s temperaments and memories. Psychotherapy is the first line of treatment for these sorts of problems. I carefully consider the risks and benefits of prescribing medications to treat emotional problems. While medications can be enormously helpful, at times, they are not always needed for common problems and long term outcome for anxiety and mood disorders is generally better if medication use is minimized. The mind has an inherent flexibility and capacity for change that is best facilitated through an empathic psychotherapy. I have of a great deal of experience in helping people to appropriately stop taking benzodiazepines and antidepressants. SSRI antidepressant side effects and withdrawal are special interests of mine.
surviving panic disorder:	Book Info I have treated thousands of patients with panic disorder. I have also published original research relating panic disorder to abnormalities of bile flow that result in reflux-based sinusitus and heartburn. I have used this and other research to formulate a more precise conceptualization of panic disorder and practical treatment approaches.
ask me a question:	Send your specific questions to me here
contact:	Stuart Shipko, M.D. Psychiatry and Neurology 97 W. Bellevue Dr., Pasadena, CA 91105 phone: 626 577 8290 fax: 626-795-3527 e-mail: shipko@ix.netcom.com	home   publications   research   book