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Dr. Nancy Johnson Warren, PHD

Psychologist

Dr. Nancy Warren is a psychologist practicing in Houston, TX. Dr. Warren specializes in the treatment of health mental problems, and helps people to cope with their mental illnesses. As a psychologist, Dr. Warren evaluates and treats patients through a variety of methods, most typically being psychotherapy or talk therapy. Patients usually visit Dr. Warren because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or anger for a significant period of time and are seeking help. Psychologists may perform a variety of exams and assessments to diagnose a mental condition.
Learn More About Me
46 years Experience
Dr. Nancy Johnson Warren, PHD
  • Charleston, South Carolina
  • St. Louis University
  • Accepting new patients

How can I help my child with panic attacks?

You can help your child a lot; but first take her to a Child Psychologist (PhD , with specialization in Children) who is trained in working with kids who have anxiety, If the treatment READ MORE
You can help your child a lot; but first take her to a Child Psychologist (PhD , with specialization in Children) who is trained in working with kids who have anxiety, If the treatment is done right, the therapist will engage you in things you can do at home to help her practice how to deal with anxiety. And practice situations that you can gradually enter that will help her to build her skills and gain confidence. =20 Also, significant life events might be playing into the situation, such as bullying at school, life changes, marital stress, loss of friends, new sibling, new school, etc. The pandemic made many things harder for kids coming back to =E2=80=9Cnormal=E2=80=9D, and things may have changed, such as friend groups, for her than before, Some medication MIGHT be indicated, if her anxiety is very severe, but this is NOT a first option. Start with psychological treatment, behavioral skills, and then if that does not work, ask for a second opinion.=20 Nancy J Warren, PhD

How can I help my child with behavior problems?

Consult with a child Psychologist (rather than a psychiatrist). Medical professionals are too quick to give medications when working with parents and children to find ways to handle READ MORE
Consult with a child Psychologist (rather than a psychiatrist). Medical professionals are too quick to give medications when working with parents and children to find ways to handle behavioral problems is a better approach. Behavior problems can be signs of stress, emotional turmoil, or other learning problems, so I advise that you NOT treat the problem like you are training a dog. Try to understand your child's state of mind, and also learn to set boundaries and say no, have rules when necessary. Also, I recommend Claudia Gold's book Keeping your Childs's Mind in Mind. I hope this is helpful.

is anxiety causing me to become nauseous and throw up

Yes, Anxiety can cause nausea and other GI symptoms. Since you have not found that medical tests and blood work has yielded help. Please do consider a psychologist who can help READ MORE
Yes, Anxiety can cause nausea and other GI symptoms. Since you have not found that medical tests and blood work has yielded help. Please do consider a psychologist who can help you with anxiety. What are you anxious about? Do you have any ideas or hunches about that?? =20

Best of luck
Nancy Warren, PhD

Psychiatrist won’t taper me off my medication?

I am not an MD, so I cannot answer questions about medications. If you have insomnia consider adding CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia). Ask your team about finding READ MORE
I am not an MD, so I cannot answer questions about medications. If you have insomnia consider adding CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia). Ask your team about finding a practitioner in your area for this mode of treatment. It is proven to help patients with insomnia.

Nancy J. Warren, PhD

What factor causes antisocial disorder?

It is likely not just one factor. Some research suggests that it might be genetic, other information also points to a history of trauma or adverse childhood events. Sometimes READ MORE
It is likely not just one factor. Some research suggests that it might be genetic, other information also points to a history of trauma or adverse childhood events. Sometimes folks who begin to use drugs at a very early age do not develop empathy or connection to others in a normal way.

I was prescribed Adderall when I was 12, could I get it again at 22?

If you have access to your records or can reach out to your old physician, you can get a new prescription. The doctor will need to see you in person, in order to prescribe a stimulant. READ MORE
If you have access to your records or can reach out to your old physician, you can get a new prescription. The doctor will need to see you in person, in order to prescribe a stimulant. There is a risk of abuse, so doctors are more cautious about this medication now.

If you need to see a new doctor and do not have records, you may need an evaluation, to see if you still need the medication. There are some newer medications that have fewer side effects which you might prefer now.

Nancy J. Warren, PhD

Tapering off diazepam?

My input would be to say that the taper must be very very gradual. Diazepam is habit forming. You might benefit from a different type of medication that is not an “anxiolytic”. READ MORE
My input would be to say that the taper must be very very gradual. Diazepam is habit forming. You might benefit from a different type of medication that is not an “anxiolytic”. You might also benefit from psychotherapy that is focused on anxiety skills.

Please discuss this with your prescriber. I am not an MD.

Nancy J Warren, PhD

Does tapering of diazapan cause worsening anxiety?

Stopping Diazepam can cause rebound anxiety because your body has developed tolerance to the medication. That is the risk of taking that medication- it causes a physical dependency READ MORE
Stopping Diazepam can cause rebound anxiety because your body has developed tolerance to the medication. That is the risk of taking that medication- it causes a physical dependency (addiction). Taper very slowly and only under the supervision of your prescriber. There are other non-addicting anxiety medications, so ask if you can switch to one of these.

Good luck
Nancy J Warren, PhD

Stress causing shakes?

Please have him see his PCP or a cardiologist. His blood pressure should not be going so high so often. Hopefully, they can give him some relief. Grief can result in something READ MORE
Please have him see his PCP or a cardiologist. His blood pressure should not be going so high so often. Hopefully, they can give him some relief. Grief can result in something called “broken heart syndrome “ so he might benefit from grief counseling as well. You are right, he needs support but also be sure to give him medically checked out.

Anxiety medication that doesn’t cause sexual dysfunction or weight gain?

Please consult with a psychiatrist for the answer to your questions. I am not an MD, I have a Ph.D., and can answer questions about types of psychotherapy that might be helpful READ MORE
Please consult with a psychiatrist for the answer to your questions. I am not an MD, I have a Ph.D., and can answer questions about types of psychotherapy that might be helpful for panic attacks.

Can you do psychoanalysis on yourself?

Psychoanalysis is designed to help you to see beyond what you are consciously aware of, to help you understand your blind spots. So it's not really a do-it-yourself type of process. READ MORE
Psychoanalysis is designed to help you to see beyond what you are consciously aware of, to help you understand your blind spots. So it's not really a do-it-yourself type of process. There is only so much you can do by yourself. If you want to receive the full benefit, consult a trained psychoanalyst.

I am glad that you are curious about psychoanalysis. It can be extremely helpful to understand more about yourself and get feedback from another person!

Why do people become addicted to antidepressants?

People do not actually get "addicted" to antidepressants. You do not need more and more like in a true addiction. However, your body does react when you stop taking them abruptly. READ MORE
People do not actually get "addicted" to antidepressants. You do not need more and more like in a true addiction. However, your body does react when you stop taking them abruptly. I am not a psychiatrist, but if you want to know more about how to stop taking antidepressants, discuss this with your psychiatrist. You will need to taper off in order to be comfortable.

Nancy J Warren, PhD

How does alcohol affect anxiety and depression?

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and as such it can make depression much worse. You can also have rebound anxiety after alcohol leaves your system. So drinking READ MORE
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, and as such it can make depression much worse. You can also have rebound anxiety after alcohol leaves your system. So drinking more can make things much worse. Your question suggest that you may be wondering this too, so please reach out to your physician and get some help.

I wish you all the best,

Nancy J Warren PhD

What disorders can interpersonal psychotherapy treat?

Interpersonal psychotherapy was initially developed to help people who are suffering from depression. It has excellent results with patients for whom their interpersonal relationships READ MORE
Interpersonal psychotherapy was initially developed to help people who are suffering from depression. It has excellent results with patients for whom their interpersonal relationships or interpersonal conflicts play a role in their depression.
I hope this is helpful to you.

Nancy HJ Warren, PhD

I’m pretty sure I have a tic disorder?

Discuss this with your pediatrician. Are you on any other medication? For example some ADHD medications like Adderall or Ritalin can cause tics. And there may be others as well. READ MORE
Discuss this with your pediatrician. Are you on any other medication? For example some ADHD medications like Adderall or Ritalin can cause tics. And there may be others as well. I am not an MD so you should ask this question of your pediatrician. You may have a tic disorder or you may not. To find out you might need to see a neurologist or a psychiatrist who specializes in tic disorders. If you want to see a doctor such as a psychiatrist your mother does not have to be in the room with you but the doctor would share any results with both of you. You don’t need to go to the hospital to be “fixed”. Your Mom may be scared about this too.

Good luck!

Nancy J Warren, PhD

What types of disorders are best treated by CBT?

Depression and anxiety are treated well by CBT. The approach helps the client to become aware of their negative thoughts or fearful assessments of danger and to challenge the thoughts READ MORE
Depression and anxiety are treated well by CBT. The approach helps the client to become aware of their negative thoughts or fearful assessments of danger and to challenge the thoughts if they don’t make sense.
Nancy J Warren, PhD

Is anxiety the same as stress?

The way I define things, is that stress is referring to the stuff on the outside that causes us to feel anxiety on the inside. We mixed up the terms when people say, "I am stressed READ MORE
The way I define things, is that stress is referring to the stuff on the outside that causes us to feel anxiety on the inside. We mixed up the terms when people say, "I am stressed out." A feeling of impending doom suggests that your anxiety is rising. You might find it helpful to talk to someone, or to learn some new coping strategies to handle the stress and anxiety that comes with it. Indeed, the Coronavirus is stressful, and is causing many more people to feel higher anxiety even as it drags on and on. Good coping strategies include: meditation or relaxation exercises, yoga, vigorous exercise, hobbies, and social support/friends you can be open with. You don't even have to leave the house to explore these or find new ones. Online groups, meditation classes and apps.

What's wrong with me?

Always thirsty is a red flag. Have you spoken to your PCP and told her that? This might be a sign of blood sugar problems. Call ASAP and get a full physical. If everything is okay READ MORE
Always thirsty is a red flag. Have you spoken to your PCP and told her that? This might be a sign of blood sugar problems. Call ASAP and get a full physical. If everything is okay physically, also tell her about your moods swings. I would need a full assessment (both physical and emotional) before I could answer your question, “What’s wrong with me?” There could be hormonal or thyroid problems, blood sugar, and an assessment of the stressors and/or changes in your life before I could answer that.

Take care of yourself,

Nancy J. Warren, PhD

What is the difference between a therapist and psychologist?

A psychologist refers to a provider who typically has a PhD in Psychology, "therapist" might refer to providers who have a Master's degree in Counseling, Masters in Social work, READ MORE
A psychologist refers to a provider who typically has a PhD in Psychology, "therapist" might refer to providers who have a Master's degree in Counseling, Masters in Social work, Masters in Marriage and Family counseling, PhD in psychology, or even a Bachelor's degree in "mental health counseling." It depends on what you are needing. In my opinion, the additional years of training add up to additional preparedness to provide better services. So, look for the degree of the individual who is a "therapist," as therapists can have very different types of educational backgrounds. That said, the fit between provider and patient is also important, so look closely at the background, training, and special experience of the providers that you are choosing from.

Hope this helps,

Nancy Warren, PhD

Is CBT good for anxiety?

Yes. CBT is an excellent treatment for anxiety. You can learn skills to manage anxiety and learn more about your thoughts which trigger anxiety. Many people who have anxiety need READ MORE
Yes. CBT is an excellent treatment for anxiety. You can learn skills to manage anxiety and learn more about your thoughts which trigger anxiety. Many people who have anxiety need to reassess risk and learn how to handle situations more effectively.
Good luck!

Nancy J. Warren, PhD