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Dr. Ritu Ghai, MD is a pediatric psychiatrist in Dallas, TX specializing in pediatric psychiatry, psychiatry and general practice. She graduated from Brown University, Alpert Medical School in 2001 and has 23 years of experience. Dr. Ritu Ghai, MD is affiliated with Children's Health (Texas), Children's Health System, UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health Specialty Center Mockingbird 1.
1341 W Mockingbird Lane Suite 1200E
Dallas, TX 75247
1935 Medical District Drive
Dallas, TX 75235
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Anxiety
Anxiety is a generic name given to a variety of conditions characterized by unusual amounts of fear and worry, especially unrealistic fears and tension. People who suffer from anxiety often are aware that their fears are irrational, but that knowledge does not make the feeling of being scared and anxious go away. To qualify as anxiety, symptoms must last for 6 months or more and interfere with the way a person lives their daily life. Some cases may be mild, where, for example, a person simply avoids certain situations. Other cases can be severe enough to be disabling.
Some of the specific conditions covered under the general label of anxiety include:
Collectively, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issues diagnosed in the United States -- even more common than depression. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with anxiety, and it is extremely common for a person with anxiety to have another illness at the same time, such as depression, a physical illness, or substance abuse.
Treatment for anxiety usually involves medication and psychotherapy together. Medications used may include antidepressants (which also work for anxiety), anti-anxiety medications, or beta blockers (which can be used to control the physical symptoms of anxiety). Psychotherapy can be useful to teach patients new ways of thinking and reacting so that they can manage their feelings of worry and fear. Support groups can also be very effective for anxiety, and they can be a form of treatment themselves for social phobias. Stress management, relaxation techniques, and meditation all help reduce feelings of anxiety or of being out of control. Finally, having a strong support network of family and friends is an excellent way to help manage the difficulties of life with anxiety.
Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues, also referred to as mental health disorders or mental health illnesses, are a wide variety of conditions that impact behavior, emotion, and cognition. There are many different forms of mental health issues, some of which are acute (short-term), while others are chronic. Common mental health issues include:
No single cause of mental health issues exists. Multiple factors may increase one's risk for developing mental health issues, including but not limited to:
Mental health issues are typically diagnosed by a provider like a psychiatrist or a psychologist. These issues are diagnosed through psychological evaluation and talk therapy.
Mental health therapy can be an effective tool in supporting people who are struggling with unwanted feelings, behaviors, or difficult circumstances in their lives. Many forms of therapy are available, including specialized therapies tailored to particular disorders. For many issues, therapists help patients manage their conditions through talk therapy. Other treatments can include medication or stays at a psychiatric facility. Mental health therapy can help people with mental health issues improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, commonly referred to as "OCD," is a disorder characterized by patterns of unwelcome thoughts, ideas, or feelings (known as "obsessions") that may cause people to perform repetitive actions. For example, people with OCD may feel compelled to repeatedly wash their hands or to clean or to check on doors to confirm that they are indeed locked. These repetitive behaviors are often fueled by fears or strong beliefs about personal control and potential dangers. The compulsive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors associated with OCD can interfere with daily life and cause severe distress.
OCD frequently revolves around themes such as the fear of contracting germs or the fear of death. Common obsessions include:
These obsessions and compulsions often contribute to anxiety, depression, and recurring emotions of fear and disgust. People with OCD cannot "turn off" their patterns of thought or behavior, and thus must continually grapple with urges to behave or think in a certain way, as well as the emotions associated with these urges. Some OCD patients describe their entire life as revolving around their obsessions and compulsions and this can result in their missing out on important school and social activities, travel, and family time. The impact of OCD is extensive and can even make daily activities like drinking, reading, sleeping, and eating extremely difficult.
The obsessions manifest in compulsive behaviors that can have negative implications on one's life. Some examples of compulsive behaviors include, among others:
Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects adults, adolescents, and children. OCD has been observed in children as young as five or six years of age, usually through sensitivity issues, obsessions about dirt or germs, or repeated doubts. The cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder is unknown. However, a person's likelihood of developing the condition may be increased by a number of variables such as family history, stressful life events, and pre-existing mental health disorders.
OCD is diagnosed based on a patients' reported symptoms. For example, a pediatrician or child psychiatrist may ask children (or their parents) how often they wash their hands or experience behavioral urges. Psychiatrists will evaluate patients for other symptoms and may instruct patients to describe their mental processes, thought patterns, and previous traumatic experiences.
While there is no cure for OCD, treatment can greatly improve patients' functioning in daily routines and activities. A common treatment for OCD is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps patients identify negative patterns of thought and behavior and learn how to adjust them. Aversion therapy may also help those who have a fear of germs or contamination by forcing them to confront their fear and slowly overcome it. Many patients also benefit from counseling to address the anxiety, stress, and trauma that may accompany OCD. Other treatments for OCD include oral medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, which are antidepressants) to normalize levels of a brain chemical called serotonin, which may improve OCD symptoms. Medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) can help alleviate OCD-related behavioral urges, anxiety, and depression. Many OCD patients also find OCD support groups helpful to learn new coping strategies, to socialize, and to verbalize their emotions and experiences.
It is important to note that while OCD is a common mental health disorder, it is not a personality trait. The term "OCD" is sometimes used to informally describe someone having a tendency towards organization or orderliness. This usage is pervasive but inappropriate - OCD is a severe, life-altering condition. Some people with OCD who successfully manage their symptoms find that they may benefit from other traits that may be associated with OCD, such as high attention to detail and precision.
Dr. Ritu Ghai, MD graduated from Brown University, Alpert Medical School in 2001. She completed residency at Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology/Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and has a state license in Texas.
Medical School: Brown University, Alpert Medical School (2001)
Residency: Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital (2004)
Board Certification: American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology/Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Licensed In: Texas
Dr. Ritu Ghai, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Dr. Ritu Ghai is a Dallas, TX physician who specializes in general practice and pediatric psychiatry. These areas are among her clinical interests: community health issues, medical education, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Her hospital/clinic affiliations include Children's Health (Texas) and UT Southwestern Medical Center. According to Yext, Dr. Ghai is currently accepting new patients at her office in Dallas, TX. She obtained her medical school training at Brown University, Alpert Medical School and performed her residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital and a hospital affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College. She has received the following distinctions: Travel grant recipient; American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; and Award for Academic Excellence.