1. Home
  2. Expert
  3. Marilyn Bartolo Benoit

expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Marilyn Bartolo Benoit, M.D.

Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Marilyn Benoit practices Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in Washington, DC. Dr. Benoit evaluates patients throughout childhood and adolescence using many different procedures, in order to determine what treatments must be carried out in order to properly assess their symptoms. Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists are trained and certified to administer psychotherapy, medication, and many other means of treatment. Dr. Benoit seeks to improve each patients quality of life.
Learn More About Me
51 years Experience
Dr. Marilyn Bartolo Benoit, M.D.
  • Washington, DC
  • Georgetown Univ Sch of Med, Washington Dc
  • Accepting new patients

Can anxiety be fixed with medications?

Anxiety cannot be fixed. It can best be managed with a combination of medication and therapy. Marilyn Benoit MD

Topomax

Your prescribing doctor should be informed about what the pharmacist told you, and make a final decision. Clinical experience of your doctor is an important factor here. Marilyn READ MORE
Your prescribing doctor should be informed about what the pharmacist told you, and make a final decision. Clinical experience of your doctor is an important factor here. Marilyn Benoit MD

How do I know if I need medication for anxiety?

You will need to be evaluated by a mental health professional qualified to make such an assessment. While you may suspect that you need medication, that is not necessarily so. READ MORE
You will need to be evaluated by a mental health professional qualified to make such an assessment. While you may suspect that you need medication, that is not necessarily so. You may need psychotherapy alone. So get a referral asap. Marilyn Benoit MD

Should I see a psychiatrist for panic attacks?

Absolutely. Panic attacks can be well treated. Marilyn Benoit MD

Should you go to a psychiatrist for ADHD?

That is the best option if available. Otherwise, your pediatrician should be able to treat. In many cases of ADHD the psychiatrist is able to consider alternate or accompanying READ MORE
That is the best option if available. Otherwise, your pediatrician should be able to treat. In many cases of ADHD the psychiatrist is able to consider alternate or accompanying diagnoses, which is quite common. Marilyn Benoit MD

Can a psychiatrist help with bipolar?

Absolutely. But the results depend primarily on the Patient's cooperation. Important to engage close supporters, who could be family, friends, co- workers....as chosen by the patient. READ MORE
Absolutely. But the results depend primarily on the Patient's cooperation. Important to engage close supporters, who could be family, friends, co- workers....as chosen by the patient. Non prescribed drugs and alcohol should be eliminated. A healthy lifestyle of good nutrition and exercise and socialization are important. Marilyn Benoit MD

can i fast well taking lithium and lamotrigine

Not a good idea. Be sure to stay well hydrated. Marilyn Benoit MD

What do I have?

You should ask parents to have you see a licensed mental health professional ASAP! Your symptoms are very concerning.

Can I take antidepressants for stress?

No. There is no evidence for such an intervention. You should seek counsel from your primary care health provider regarding reliable stress management interventions, especially READ MORE
No. There is no evidence for such an intervention. You should seek counsel from your primary care health provider regarding reliable stress management interventions, especially non-pharmaceutical ones. Should a depression screening indicate the need for further assessment that should be done by a qualified mental health provider?

How to instantly snap out of depersonalization?

Using grounding techniques. Use as many senses as possible to get to reality. Touch five things and name them, smell two things, look at three things and name them, if someone READ MORE
Using grounding techniques. Use as many senses as possible to get to reality. Touch five things and name them, smell two things, look at three things and name them, if someone is with you and you feel safe with that person, ask them to give you a bear hug, deep breathe, and breathe out slowly paying attention going in and out of your lungs.

I think i have ocd

Your symptoms are suggestive of OCD. Please get a referral to a psychiatrist for an evaluation as soon as possible. Treatment can be helpful for most people.

OCD?

It is not unusual to have both depression and OCD. But please do not hesitate to seek out a professional evaluation to confirm your suspicion. And, yes, OCD can be treated with READ MORE
It is not unusual to have both depression and OCD. But please do not hesitate to seek out a professional evaluation to confirm your suspicion. And, yes, OCD can be treated with a combination of the appropriate medication(s) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Marilyn Benoit, M.D.

What are the benefits of using cognitive behavioral therapy versus using behavioral therapy?

I would not consider behavioral therapy since grief processing is a cognitive issue primarily. Behavioral activation may be helpful, again depending on the patient. Supportive READ MORE
I would not consider behavioral therapy since grief processing is a cognitive issue primarily. Behavioral activation may be helpful, again depending on the patient. Supportive psychodynamic psychotherapy ought to be considered.

Marilyn Benoit