Kennedy Psychiatric Blog
Evidence-based articles on anxiety, depression, ADHD, insomnia, PTSD, and executive burnout. Written and reviewed by Dr. Nigel Kennedy, MBBS, PhD.
Is Emotional Dysregulation One of the Most Disruptive Parts of Adult ADHD? What It Can Look Like
For many adults with ADHD, yes. Emotions tend to hit faster, feel louder, and take longer to settle, which can strain work and relationships.
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Is ADHD a Learning Disability?
No, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder of executive function, not a learning disability. A NYC psychiatrist explains the difference, the overlap, and why it matters.
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Is ADHD Genetic?
Yes, ADHD is one of the most heritable conditions in psychiatry, around 70 to 80 percent. A NYC psychiatrist with a PhD in neurogenetics explains what that means.
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What Is ADHD Paralysis?
ADHD paralysis is task paralysis from executive dysfunction and overload. A NYC psychiatrist explains what it is, why it happens, and how it differs from depression.
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How to Tell ADHD and Anxiety Apart in Adults
ADHD and anxiety look alike but run on different engines. A NYC psychiatrist explains the core difference, why misdiagnosis is risky, and how the two are told apart.
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Can Anxiety Cause Dizziness?
Yes, anxiety can cause dizziness, but medical causes must be ruled out first. A NYC psychiatrist explains the mechanism, PPPD, warning signs, and when to worry.
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Is Anxiety a Mood Disorder?
No, anxiety is not a mood disorder. The DSM-5 classifies them separately. A NYC psychiatrist explains the difference, the overlap, and why it changes treatment.
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Can Anxiety Cause Weight Loss?
Yes, anxiety can cause weight loss, but medical causes must be ruled out first. A NYC psychiatrist explains the mechanism, the warning signs, and when to worry.
Read article →Can Anxiety Cause Headaches?
Yes, anxiety drives tension headaches and can worsen migraines, but red-flag headaches need medical workup first. A NYC psychiatrist explains the mechanism and when to worry.
Read article →ADD vs ADHD: What's the Difference?
There is no clinical difference. ADD is an outdated term for what is now called ADHD. A NYC psychiatrist explains the three presentations and why the right term matters.
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What Is CBT-I and How Is It Different From Regular Therapy?
CBT-I is the gold-standard structured treatment for chronic insomnia. A NYC psychiatrist explains what it is and how it differs from regular therapy.
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Does ADHD Get Worse With Age?
ADHD does not get worse biologically, but functional impairment often grows in adulthood. A NYC psychiatrist explains why, and when worsening is something else.
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Why Does Coffee Make Some People With ADHD Tired?
In the ADHD brain, stimulants like caffeine can calm rather than energize. A NYC psychiatrist explains the dopamine mechanism, and why it is not an ADHD test.
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Can Depression Cause Memory Loss or Brain Fog?
Yes, depression causes brain fog and memory problems, often reversible with treatment. A NYC psychiatrist explains pseudodementia and why depression is treated first.
Read article →How to Break the Cycle of Morning Anxiety: Why Cortisol Spikes at Wake-Up and What to Do
Morning anxiety is usually the cortisol awakening response landing on an anxious nervous system. A NYC psychiatrist explains why it spikes at wake-up and how to break the cycle.
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When Does Depression Require a Psychiatrist vs a Therapist?
See a psychiatrist for depression when it is severe, treatment-resistant, or involves suicidal thoughts. A NYC psychiatrist explains the decision and the safety net.
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How Long Does Insomnia Treatment Take?
CBT-I typically produces results in 4 to 8 weeks. A NYC psychiatrist explains the timeline, the clinical role of medication, and the management of secondary insomnia.
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Psychiatrist vs Therapist for Anxiety: When to See Each
See a psychiatrist for anxiety when symptoms are severe, treatment-resistant, or medication may be needed. A NYC psychiatrist explains the decision tree.
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Depression vs Burnout: How to Tell the Difference
Burnout is an occupational state; depression is a clinical diagnosis. A psychiatrist explains the symptom differences and when burnout has crossed into depression.
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Can Burnout Lead to Depression?
Yes, sustained, unaddressed burnout may act as a significant risk factor for the development of clinical depression. A NYC psychiatrist explains the mechanism, warning signs, and why early intervention matters.
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Depression in High-Performing Professionals
Yes, depression in high-performing professionals looks different. It hides behind performance. A NYC psychiatrist explains the signs and why screening matters.
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How Long Does It Take to Recover From Burnout? A Realistic Timeline by Severity
How long burnout recovery takes, by severity: mild in 4 to 12 weeks, moderate in 3 to 6 months, severe in a year or more. A NYC psychiatrist explains what sets the clock.
Read article →Is Anxiety a Disability? ADA, FMLA, and SSDI Rules for 2026
Yes, anxiety can be a disability when it substantially limits a major life activity. See how the ADA, FMLA, and SSDI each define it and what documentation you need.
Read article →Understanding Anxiety in High-Pressure Careers
High-performing professionals often experience anxiety differently. Learn the signs, triggers, and evidence-based strategies for managing anxiety while maintaining peak performance.
Read article →When to See a Psychiatrist vs. a Therapist
Understanding the difference between psychiatrists and therapists can help you get the right care. Here is a clear breakdown of when each type of provider is the best fit.
Read article →ADHD in Adults: What Professionals Need to Know
Adult ADHD is widely underdiagnosed, especially in high-achieving individuals. Learn how ADHD presents in professionals and what treatment options are available.
Read article →How Long Will I Need Psychiatric Medication?
Duration of psychiatric medication depends on diagnosis, symptom severity, and individual stability. A NYC psychiatrist explains how treatment timelines and tapers are evaluated.
Read article →How Do Psychiatrists Use AI?
AI does not replace a psychiatrist's clinical judgment. A NYC psychiatrist explains how doctors use AI, why AI answers can mislead, and why your care runs through a highly trained, expert physician.
Read article →Can Work Stress Keep You From Sleeping?
Work-related stress frequently contributes to nighttime racing thoughts and sleep disruption. A NYC psychiatrist explains the stress-insomnia cycle and clinical evaluation.
Read article →Can Anxiety Cause Relationship Problems?
Persistent anxiety can contribute to relationship strain through irritability or frequent reassurance-seeking. A NYC psychiatrist explains the clinical evaluation process.
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What ADA Accommodations Can You Request for Anxiety at Work?
You can request flexible or remote scheduling, a quieter workspace, more breaks, and written instructions for anxiety under the ADA. A NYC psychiatrist explains what to ask for and how to get it documented.
Read article →Reviewed by Dr. Nigel Kennedy, MBBS, PhD
Board-Certified Psychiatrist | Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai
All articles published on this blog are reviewed by Dr. Kennedy for medical accuracy and clinical relevance. Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Have a Question for Dr. Kennedy?
If you have a question about a condition or treatment discussed on this blog, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, reach out directly.
Request a consultation online →This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Mental health conditions require individualized evaluation and treatment by a qualified healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 or go to your nearest emergency room.