Dr. Rena Goodfriend-Leve, MD is a pediatric psychiatrist in Evanston, IL specializing in pediatric psychiatry. She graduated from Rush Medical College in 1990 and has 34 years of experience. Dr. Rena Goodfriend-Leve, MD is affiliated with NorthShore, Endeavor Health Medical Group and NORTH SHORE UNIVERSITY HEALTHSYSTEM FACULTY PRACTICE ASSOCIATES.
2650 Ridge Avenue Department of Psychiatry
Evanston, IL 60201
545 Lincoln Avenue Suite 4
Winnetka, IL 60093
909 Davis Street Suite 160
Evanston, IL 60201
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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.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in children. Nine percent of children in the USA have been diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms, which include hyperactivity and difficulty maintaining focus or paying attention, can last into adulthood for some patients. Boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed as girls, although experts don't know why this is.
There are three main types of ADHD:
When diagnosing ADHD, it is important to rule out other issues that may be causing the symptoms. Seizure disorders, hearing loss, anxiety, and domestic problems are some examples of problems that can cause behaviors similar to those seen with ADHD.
Treatment can include stimulant medications, behavioral therapy to teach patients ways to navigate their world and control symptoms better, and accommodations at school or work. A structured environment (with lots of organization and well-defined rules) seems to help most kids with ADHD function at their best.
ADHD is mainly thought of as a disorder that affects children, but symptoms can last into adulthood for a third to half of those diagnosed. In adults, ADHD has similar symptoms as when it is seen in children: impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus, being easily distracted, or a tendency to fidget. These symptoms can cause problems in a patient's careers and relationships. Additionally, adults with ADHD are at increased risk for substance abuse. Medications can be an important part of treatment for adults, as well as stress reduction techniques and organization skills training. Specialized ADHD coaches can help adults with ADHD manage their symptoms and succeed in all areas of their life.
Depression
Everyone knows what it feels like to get the blues once in a while. But depression is a serious illness that is more severe than a bad day and lasts much longer. Symptoms of depression stop a person from being able to function and enjoy daily activities for weeks or months at a time. It can happen to anyone, and it isn't something that people can control by force of will or "snap out of it."
Some common symptoms of depression include:
We don't yet know what causes depression, but it's thought that it is a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and social influences. Because of this, the most effective treatments for depression combine medication with psychotherapy. Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be extremely helpful in resolving the negative thoughts and feelings that come with depression. It gives patients new tools that they can use themselves to cope when their depression is making them feel down.
Some of the common medications used to treat depression include antidepressants such as SSRI's (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft) or atypical antidepressants (Cymbalta, Wellbutrin). It's important to remember that these medications have different effects on everybody, and no one medication works right for everyone. Patients may have to try a couple before finding the one that works just right for them. If the first medication they try doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about trying something else. In extreme cases where medication is not enough, electro-convulsive therapy and hospitalization may be the answer to keeping a severely depressed person safe.
Depression is a difficult illness to deal with, but it is more common than believed and there are many people who can help. With the right treatment, individuals with depression can get back to fully enjoying life again.
Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Rena Goodfriend-Leve, MD for Medicare patients.
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The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Rena Goodfriend-Leve, MD treated were depression.
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Dr. Rena Goodfriend-Leve, MD graduated from Rush Medical College in 1990. She completed residency at University of Chicago Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the Board Certification: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and has a state license in Illinois.
Medical School: Rush Medical College (1990)
Residency: University of Chicago Affiliated Hospitals (1994)
Board Certification: Board Certification: Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Licensed In: Illinois
Dr. Rena Goodfriend-Leve, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Rena Goodfriend-Leve, MD has an average of 1.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Rena Goodfriend-Leve, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Evanston, IL.
She has to be the worst psychiatrist on the North Shore. My child had a terrible reaction to a medicine she prescribed and went into crisis, so he went off it, and then a few months later--she prescribed it AGAIN. I don't think she ever checks her notes despite the fact that adolescents can become suicidal when given the medications she prescribed. She is careless and has no bedside manner. Avoid.
Dr. Rena Goodfriend-Leve specializes in pediatric psychiatry and practices in Winnetka, IL. Dr. Goodfriend-Leve has obtained a license to practice in Illinois.
