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Douglas Severance

Bio

Dr. Severance, a Sharecare Editorial Advisory Board member, is a family practice physician with a private medical practice in San Ramon, California. He is board certified by both the American Board of Family Medicine and the American Board of Addiction Medicine. He has been medical director for several detoxification and rehabilitation programs, both inpatient and outpatient, since the 1980's, and has practiced family medicine since 1979.

Education:
• MD: Loma Linda University

Residency:
• Glendale Adventist Medical Center

Internship:
• Glendale Adventist Medical Center

Certification:
• American Board of Family Practice
• American Board of Addiction Medicine
• American Society of Addiction Medicine

Specialties:

  • family medicine

Location:

Activity

  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How does ADHD affect teenagers?
    Teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) usually have less trouble with hyperactivity symptoms, but they may have more trouble staying on top of schoolwork and being more independent. Teens with ADHD may have low self-esteem and feel that people just do not understand them. They...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How does ADHD affect teenagers' school performance?

    Teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face unique problems related to their performance at school. Research shows that ADHD symptoms like poor school performance may worsen due to normal teenage concerns. This may include the demands of friends, family, and school, as well as

    ...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Do teenagers with ADHD take more risks than other teens?

    Teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to take risks than teens without ADHD. For example, teen drivers with ADHD are four times as likely to have an accident than their peers without ADHD. Teens with ADHD are also more likely to smoke cigarettes and abuse alcohol

    ...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    What social skills interventions help teenagers?
    Teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and poor social skills often benefit from group therapy with other teens with ADHD. They can discuss their problems with other group members in a supportive environment.

    Teens with ADHD can also benefit from social skills training classes....  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Why is it difficult to diagnose ADHD in teens?
    Teens don’t always show the same attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms as younger children, which can make diagnosis difficult. For example, teens may not be hyperactive, but they may have problems with organization and long-term planning that did not matter when they were younger....  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How can school teachers help teenagers with ADHD?
    Teachers of teenagers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) need to follow specific routines. These can improve teens’ focus, learning, and retention of information. Parents should stay in close contact with all teachers and school officials to monitor their children's progress. School...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How do I know if I need treatment for adult ADHD?
    Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can include many behaviors that affect daily functioning, such as restlessness, impulsiveness, unstable personal relationships, and an inability to focus and complete tasks. Treatment can help with many of these behaviors by improving co...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    What are different kinds of support groups for adults with ADHD?
    Support groups for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can vary by what needs exist for different groups, including family, spousal, friends, coworker, or professional support groups. Different support groups may use different formats for meetings, including open discussions, regularly...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Does smoking during pregnancy cause ADHD?
    Studies suggest that women who smoke during pregnancy may have children who develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Other ADHD risk factors related to pregnancy may include premature delivery, very low birth weight, and brain injuries at birt+P122h.  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Why do people with schizophrenia move in weird ways?
    People with schizophrenia may move in strange ways due to side effects from their medications. If a person is having an active psychotic episode, remember that she is not aware of reality and may begin talking or moving in ways that don't make sense to you. Try to stay calm, do not try to...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Why do people with schizophrenia talk in weird ways?
    Many people with schizophrenia have trouble communicating. This is due to several factors:

    • - People with schizophrenia often have trouble distinguishing between what is real and what is not. This may cause them to act or speak in ways that do not make sense to other people.
    • - People
    ...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Why do people with schizophrenia feel paranoid?
    People with schizophrenia feel paranoid at times because they have trouble believing others and knowing what is real. Paranoia is a type of delusion, which are thoughts and feelings that are not based in reality. Paranoid thoughts and feelings are a common problem for people with schizophrenia,...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Do people with schizophrenia smoke cigarettes more than the average person?
    People with schizophrenia are more likely to have addiction problems than most people, and nicotine is their most preferred drug of choice. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, while 25% to 30% of people smoke cigarettes, the rate of smoking in people with schizophrenia is...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    What is drug and alcohol treatment for people with schizophrenia?
    Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction can be important for people with schizophrenia. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with schizophrenia have a higher chance of being addicted to alcohol or drugs than the average person. In fact, substance abuse is the most...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    What are the symptoms of schizoid personality disorder?
    Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by several symptoms, including social isolation and reduced emotional expression. People with this personality disorder often find it hard to talk to others and make friends. They appear to lack a strong desire to form intimate relationships,...  Full Post