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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:
    What is the prognosis for atrial fibrillation (AF)?
    The prognosis is positive for those with atrial fibrillation. If you continue with good medical care, you can live a normal, active life and do the things you enjoy. Here are some tips to live well with atrial fibrillation:
    • Keep your doctor's appointments. Let your doctor know if you have
    ...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How can I be an advocate for my child with ADHD at school?
    Your child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) needs you to be a strong advocate at school. Keep an up-to-date record of all information about your child. Important documents to include are all evaluations of your child and any documents about earlier treatment and placements....  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    If I have ADHD, how can I improve my functioning at work?
    To manage attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) issues at work, it is important to identify any ADHD work challenges that affect productivity and then determine strategies for improvement. Issues may include lack of concentration, meeting deadlines, difficulty in completing assi...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    What is multimodal treatment for ADHD?
    Multiple therapies exist to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The National Institute of Mental Health Multimodal Treatment Study of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder showed that medication alone and medication combined with behavioral therapies were the best...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    What is sensory integration training for ADHD?
    Multiple studies suggest that sensory integration (SI) dysfunction may be associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). SI dysfunction is a condition in which the brain is overloaded by too many sensory messages. As a result, people are unable to respond normally to sensory messages....  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    What are the complications of atrial fibrillation?
    Two very serious complications of atrial fibrillation include heart failure and stroke. With atrial fibrillation, the heartbeat is rapid. Over time, this causes the heart to work too hard. When the heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of the body, it results in heart failure, a serious...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    We just moved and my child is acting in strange ways; does he have ADHD?
    Most kids act out when undergoing a life change or transition. A move to a new home or another city is a major stressor for kids. The excitement of the move can cause the child to act differently at home and at school. While attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) behaviors are ongoing,...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Are there natural ways to treat atrial fibrillation?
    Yes, there are natural (non-medical) ways to prevent atrial fibrillation, particularly by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Taking positive lifestyle steps to keep your blood pressure low and your blood glucose levels balanced are also important to preventing atrial fibrillation....  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How is heart failure due to atrial fibrillation treated?
    Heart failure is a very serious chronic condition. If you are diagnosed with heart failure, your doctor will monitor your heart closely and make sure it is functioning normally. Your doctor may do an echocardiogram periodically to see how efficiently your heart is pumping blood. This ultrasound...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Do adults with ADHD commonly have mood disorders?
    More than half of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have other mood disorders. Sometimes, the symptoms of mental health problems, such as depression or anxiety, can mimic the behaviors of ADHD. Having ADHD with another mood disorder can make it difficult for a ph...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    What is Concerta?
    Methylphenidate is a medication used to treat various symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). There are multiple capsules and tablets available. Concerta is the long-acting, extended-release tablet form of methylphenidate. Specifically, these medications treat problems with f...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    How do beta blockers help control atrial fibrillation?
    Beta blockers are sometimes prescribed to help control the rapid heartbeat of atrial fibrillation. These medications are used to treat high blood pressure and work by stopping the harmful effects of adrenaline on the heart. Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and with reduced...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    Does ADHD affect teenagers' self-esteem?
    Many teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also struggle with low self-esteem. The problems they have with schoolwork and social skills can make teens with ADHD think that they are stupid, worthless, and incapable of improving. These beliefs can undermine their confidence and...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    What medication do doctors prescribe for schizophrenic children?
    As of 2008, only two drugs had been approved by the FDA to treat schizophrenia in young people: risperidone and aripiprazole. However, doctors for years have been prescribing a number of antipsychotic medications to treat schizophrenia in children and adolescents. The practice of prescribing...  Full Post
  • Douglas Severance
    Douglas Severance answered:
    What does hyperactivity mean in ADHD?
    Many people feel hyper after drinking a large amount of caffeine. Others feel hyper when they are going on an exciting vacation, playing sports, or visiting with a fun group of friends. However, for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), hyperactivity is more than that. Hype...  Full Post