expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Ruchira S. Densert, MD

Psychiatrist

Dr. Ruchira Densert is a psychiatrist practicing in San Diego, CA. Dr. Densert is a medical doctor specializing in the care of mental health patients. As a psychiatrist, Dr. Densert diagnoses and treats mental illnesses. Dr. Densert may treat patients through a variety of methods including medications, psychotherapy or talk therapy, psychosocial interventions and more, depending on each individual case. Different medications that a psychiatrist might prescribe include antidepressants, antipsychotic mediations, mood stabilizers, stimulants, sedatives and hypnotics. Dr. Densert treats conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, insomnia, ADD and other mental illnesses.
27 years Experience
Dr. Ruchira S. Densert, MD
  • San Diego, California
  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
  • Accepting new patients

Does my son need to go through some kind of counselling during my divorce proceedings?

Yes, individual and family sessions will help him adjust better with this separation and reduce the risk of long term adjustment difficulties. He will also learn to communicate READ MORE
Yes, individual and family sessions will help him adjust better with this separation and reduce the risk of long term adjustment difficulties. He will also learn to communicate better with therapy.

My husband’s death has left my son shattered. How can I help him cope with the loss?

Hello, I am so sorry to hear about your tragic and unexpected loss. Your son misses his dad a lot and if he is waking up at night that means this is impacting his sleep. I recommend READ MORE
Hello, I am so sorry to hear about your tragic and unexpected loss. Your son misses his dad a lot and if he is waking up at night that means this is impacting his sleep. I recommend finding a child psychologist in your area who specializes with grief and loss to help your son cope with this very significant loss. I would also recommend that you see someone on your own for support as well. There should be family visits as well to help you and your son better communicate feelings and emotions. Best wishes for you and your family.

Antidepressants and fibromyalgia

Hello, duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor which is an antidepressant and has been widely used for pain management. I would consult with your READ MORE
Hello, duloxetine (Cymbalta) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor which is an antidepressant and has been widely used for pain management. I would consult with your provider who is currently managing your Wellbutrin to see how to best approach changing/adding any additional antidepressants. Thank you.

What is the reason for constant negative feelings in my daughter?

I recommend having an open conversation with her to see if there is anything specific that is going on in her life that may be affecting her. If there is a family history of depression READ MORE
I recommend having an open conversation with her to see if there is anything specific that is going on in her life that may be affecting her. If there is a family history of depression or other mental illness then I would also discuss with her possibility of depression. Asking her about her moods, motivation, sleep, appetite and especially safety (thoughts of hurting herself or suicide) are some of the questions you can start with and then help her to seek further evaluation and treatment.

Is the need for having sex everyday abnormal?

Different women have different levels of sex drive which can also be influenced by hormone levels. You should start with your primary care provider or GYN if you are concerned READ MORE
Different women have different levels of sex drive which can also be influenced by hormone levels. You should start with your primary care provider or GYN if you are concerned about your sex drive.

Can antidepressants cause low BP?

Antidepressants can have varied side effects depending on which one. I recommend reaching out to his prescribing medical provider and address your concerns as well as have him READ MORE
Antidepressants can have varied side effects depending on which one. I recommend reaching out to his prescribing medical provider and address your concerns as well as have him be evaluated by his primary care provider for other causes.

I feel negative most of the time. Is it a sign to be worried about?

You may be experiencing clinical depression if you are feeling sad most of the times and have negative thoughts. I recommend further evaluation via your primary care or a mental READ MORE
You may be experiencing clinical depression if you are feeling sad most of the times and have negative thoughts. I recommend further evaluation via your primary care or a mental health provider immediately.

Is it okay to drink when taking antidepressants?

I recommend that you discuss potential risks of drinking when taking antidepressants further with you prescribing provider.

Is binge eating a sign of depression?

She may be binge eating due to various reasons. Atypical depression can present with increased appetite or she may be overeating to manage her stress. I recommend having her evaluated READ MORE
She may be binge eating due to various reasons. Atypical depression can present with increased appetite or she may be overeating to manage her stress. I recommend having her evaluated by her primary care provider first for a medical check up and then request a referral for additional evaluation by a mental health provider as needed.

How should a person requiring psychiatric help be approached?

Have a honest conversation with him and express how concerned you are about his emotional well-being. Let him know that it is better to seek help early so it doesn't worsen and READ MORE
Have a honest conversation with him and express how concerned you are about his emotional well-being. Let him know that it is better to seek help early so it doesn't worsen and start impacting other areas of life. It is also good to help him overcome the stigma of seeking help.

Is there any medication to cure OCD?

Yes, FDA has approved medications for OCD and there are non-medication approaches to help with OCD as well such as therapy. I recommend that your sister seek psychiatric consultation READ MORE
Yes, FDA has approved medications for OCD and there are non-medication approaches to help with OCD as well such as therapy. I recommend that your sister seek psychiatric consultation to discuss her treatment options.

Is depression a sign of madness?

If your brother is showing signs and symptoms of depression, I recommend encouraging him to seek help as soon as possible. He can start with his primary care provider or directly READ MORE
If your brother is showing signs and symptoms of depression, I recommend encouraging him to seek help as soon as possible. He can start with his primary care provider or directly request a referral to see a mental health provider.

Is bipolar disorder hereditary?

Family history of bipolar disorder does predispose you and your brother at risk of potentially having a bipolar disorder. It is a good idea to learn more about signs and symptoms READ MORE
Family history of bipolar disorder does predispose you and your brother at risk of potentially having a bipolar disorder. It is a good idea to learn more about signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder and seek evaluation and treatment as soon as possible if there are any concerns of you or your brother experiencing any of the symptoms. You can also take steps to reduce your risk such as abstaining from alcohol or drug use, learning positive coping skills, reducing stress etc...

What causes mental fatigue?

Mental fatigue can be a result of either a physical or mental health condition. I recommend starting with a full medical check up and lab work with your primary care doctor to READ MORE
Mental fatigue can be a result of either a physical or mental health condition. I recommend starting with a full medical check up and lab work with your primary care doctor to rule out any medical causes and if it persists request a referral for a psychiatrist to assess if this is related to depression, anxiety or other psychiatric causes.

What is the best way to handle a loved one with an alcohol problem?

If he doesn't see his alcohol use as a problem, I recommend starting with a primary care visit where he can be fully evaluated, including a full physical exam and lab tests. I READ MORE
If he doesn't see his alcohol use as a problem, I recommend starting with a primary care visit where he can be fully evaluated, including a full physical exam and lab tests. I would encourage him to then get a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist for additional support. You can also look up your local outpatient rehabs for additional help.

My daughter is going through a divorce. Should she get psychiatric counselling?

Yes, I agree with you and would encourage her to seek counseling to address the impact of this traumatic relationship and abrupt ending of her relationship. It is better to seek READ MORE
Yes, I agree with you and would encourage her to seek counseling to address the impact of this traumatic relationship and abrupt ending of her relationship. It is better to seek help now to prevent subsequent issues such as depression or anxiety.

Is there a difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists can prescribe medications and do therapy as well. Psychologists are able to administer detailed psychological testing and conduct therapy.

I am suddenly binge eating. Is it a mental disorder?

I recommend starting with your primary care provider for a full medical check up and labs first. After a medical evaluation, if symptoms of binge eating persist, then yes, I would READ MORE
I recommend starting with your primary care provider for a full medical check up and labs first. After a medical evaluation, if symptoms of binge eating persist, then yes, I would recommend obtaining a psychiatric consultation for a full evaluation.

I think I started binge eating. Is it a mental disorder?

The symptoms described suggest a Binge Eating Disorder. I recommend starting with your primary care provider and request a consultation with a mental health provider for additional READ MORE
The symptoms described suggest a Binge Eating Disorder. I recommend starting with your primary care provider and request a consultation with a mental health provider for additional evaluation as well as with a nutritionist. It is best not to ignore these symptoms as it can worsen rapidly and persist to become chronic.

Vivid daydreams

See my earlier response to your email.