EXPERT

Dr. Claudewell S. Thomas, M.D.

Psychiatrist

Claudewell S. Thomas, MD, MPH, DLFAPA, is an established psychiatrist who is currently retired ,, He received his medical degree in 1956 at SUNY Downstate College of Medicine and specializes in social psychiatry, public health psychiatry, and forensic psychiatry. Dr. Thomas was board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Learn More About Me

68 years Experience

Dr. Claudewell S. Thomas, M.D.

Specializes in:

Psychiatric Disorders
Public Health

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Not accepting new patients

My Latest Posts
My Answers

Pandemics and Politics Continued

The dreadful statistics continue to mount. Almost 155,000 Americans are dead with close to 4. 5 million indisputably infected. We are dying from Covid-19 related conditions at...

Coronavirus Task Force Double Speak and the Presidency

The latest numbers in the Covid-19 countdown are not good for the USA. There are now at least four million documented infections with an attributable death count of close to two...

Covid-19 and the Presidency

As Mary Trump tells us more and more about the dysfunctional Trump family environment and more and more evidence emerges pointing to rampant sociopathy accompanied by racism, anti-semitism...

Attack on Education by Covid-19 & Our Very Stable Genius and Friends

As though not being aware of and then calling the reported and substantiated GRU bounty to Taliban fighters for killing American and coalition troops a hoax we're not enough, MOM...

No Need For Chaos Theory

There is no need for a butterfly to flap its wings in the distant Himalayas. We have an enormous venomous bat sucking the lifeblood of America and encouraging a feeding frenzy...

Deja Vu All Over Again

As the USA and the world brace for the impact of Independence Day and 4th of July weekend indulgence and Bastille Day remembrance for people with French ancestry or allegiance...

Ameliorative Wishful Thinking

In a local neighborhood news post, I saw that someone was seeking me out for an explanation of a comment I made on infectivity or infectiousness of Covid-19 viral strains. It...

Covid-19, Taliban Subsidy and Conspiracy Theory

The evidence is mounting that the coronavirus pandemic is running wild and out of mankind's control. Confusion and disagreement about severity, measures for control, relationship...

Covid-19 and The Room Where It Happened

I have received a copy of John Bolton's book from the same source where I got Fire and Fury. I thank Simon and Schuster for their (kind? ) indulgence. The book to me is a vehicle...

False Science and Unqualified, Politicized Punditry

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to tear through the world disappointing countries' efforts to get back to normalcy and open up economies internally while hoping for the resumption...

The Other Infection

As predicted the covid-19 pandemic is reaching new highs of infectivity in the USA and threatening forced reclosure after bold and often unwise attempts to "open up" and get things...

Little room to maneuver...

As I sit and reflect upon the events of the last few weeks, I also take note of some inactivity based personal physical decline. My elliptical machine, stationary bicycle, hand...

The Virus Is Waiting

There are two things that are understood about the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The first is that it is the source of the Covid-19 pandemic and the second is that it travels with or...

Covid-19 & Police Violence

Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war, with the Iron Cross, the Swastika, the KKK Cross, and the twisted cross of MOM (aka POTUS) going on before, as SARS-CoV-2 looks on...

Politicizing the 4 Horsemen

Memorial Day 2020 is now in the books, some beaches, places of entertainment, bars, barber-nail, and hair salons reopened with or without mandatory masks, somewhat meaningless...

Covid-19 Time Digital Response

I have stated many times that this pandemic will permanently affect mankind. I believe that humanism is being challenged successfully by the digital response and algorithmic optioning....

Guideline Subversion

The lifting of severe restrictions on movement and enterprise is a state responsibility according to the White House. There is no overarching USPHS authority to set priorities...

Now You See Him, Now You Don't

The Trumpeter aka POTUS aka Master Of Malice (MOM) after deciding to shut down the Coronavirus Task Force, which was functioning as a press conference gone sour, changed his mind...

All out assaults on the SARS-COV2 virus

World infections from Covid-19 causative agent have soared past three million and related deaths past 230 thousand. The USA contributing about 1/3 to each category. Suicide,...

Telehealth and COVID-19 Continuation

Yesterday, the most Covid-19 deaths in a single day were recorded. This followed by several hours the dispensation granted to Ventura County, CA to reopen beaches, restaurants,...

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

Binge eating disorder is a serious mental problem requiring psychiatric or psychological intervention. Psychiatric intervention carries with it the potential use of medication. READ MORE

Binge eating disorder is a serious mental problem requiring psychiatric or psychological intervention. Psychiatric intervention carries with it the potential use of medication. Specialty clinics and practices are appropriate for the treatment of this disorder which can be life threatening.

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

There is not enough information to give you an answer. Important issues like age, sex, family history, general health, habits, length of time negativity has been present have to READ MORE

There is not enough information to give you an answer. Important issues like age, sex, family history, general health, habits, length of time negativity has been present have to be considered. Once again, a visit to your LMD is a logical place to begin. A visit to a mental health specialist can also be a place to begin.

How should a person requiring psychiatric help be approached?

A lot depends on the kind of friendship you have. If it is not solid and previously tested, it would be wise to ask him about his feelings concerning psychiatric help rather than READ MORE

A lot depends on the kind of friendship you have. If it is not solid and previously tested, it would be wise to ask him about his feelings concerning psychiatric help rather than proposing it.

I discovered anti-depressant pills in my daughter's cupboard yesterday. How should I confront her on this?

Asking her while explaining how you found them should not be a confrontation. I don't know how the two of you have been interacting. Are there no other family members to involve? READ MORE

Asking her while explaining how you found them should not be a confrontation. I don't know how the two of you have been interacting. Are there no other family members to involve? Kindness and concern while respecting her proximity to adult independence particularly as part of family discussion can help reduce anger and shame, some usual components of "reacting badly."

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

It is not likely that he can be emotionally unaffected by the divorce. His father might be helpful in discussing the necessity for divorce, if willing and capable. The effect of READ MORE

It is not likely that he can be emotionally unaffected by the divorce. His father might be helpful in discussing the necessity for divorce, if willing and capable. The effect of the divorce can take a long time to manifest if ever. In any event, I would think that "watchful," respectful waiting is indicated. Reduction of rancor in the proceedings can help reduce trauma to your son.

Antidepressants and fibromyalgia

Consultation with a neuropsychiatrist could be helpful. You might suggest that to your doctor.

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

Adolescence is a very stressful time. The reorganization of brain connections can produce distractedness, apathy, anger, or depression. Consulting with her school health service READ MORE

Adolescence is a very stressful time. The reorganization of brain connections can produce distractedness, apathy, anger, or depression. Consulting with her school health service and her academic counselor (with her permission) can sometimes reveal too heavy a load on a student. Try to ensure with the aid of your LMD that there is no physical problem, if all these measures fail ask about psychiatric consultation.

Can BP medicines cause hallucination?

Consult with your LMD about the hypertensive vacillation, ask him or her to review the medication for potential side effects. Some agents can produce euphoria and other mental READ MORE

Consult with your LMD about the hypertensive vacillation, ask him or her to review the medication for potential side effects. Some agents can produce euphoria and other mental symptoms or unmask early dementia. Ask about psychiatric consultation.

Is depression a sign of madness?

This sounds like a classical "reactive" depression; it should still receive medical screening. Your brother's LMD may choose to follow up (in the absence of physical findings) READ MORE

This sounds like a classical "reactive" depression; it should still receive medical screening. Your brother's LMD may choose to follow up (in the absence of physical findings) with an antidepressant or may refer to a psychiatrist. You can best help by keeping track, supplying bridging info (appropriately) to family and supplying supplementary family history of illness including alcohol use or abuse. Your willingness to be of help is likely to be well received by all and sundry.

Why do I have stabbing pain in my lower abdomen?

Your best follow up is a visit to your LMD. A visit by referral or directly (if you are authorized) to an ob-gyn specialist seems indicated.

Are there any exercises for the brain?

Yes, there are many brain exercises; the better exercises seem to focus on improving ones capacity for categorizing objects and ideas. Games like checkers and chess also seem to READ MORE

Yes, there are many brain exercises; the better exercises seem to focus on improving ones capacity for categorizing objects and ideas. Games like checkers and chess also seem to be helpful. Improving categorization seems to help memory. Memory facilitation seems to directly improve brain function.

Can a psychiatrist help with my memory loss?

The psychiatric specialization that deals with that is called neuropsychiatry. A careful total evaluation (healthwise) is called for.

Vivid daydreams

Vivid daydreams may or may not be significant depending on your age, your dietary habits, whether or not you are on medications prescribed or otherwise (cannabinol,ethanol,etc.), READ MORE

Vivid daydreams may or may not be significant depending on your age, your dietary habits, whether or not you are on medications prescribed or otherwise (cannabinol,ethanol,etc.), the length of time they have been going on, your family history, your general health etc. A basic health workup is the place to start. It would be good to know what causes the symptom that you are trying to control.

Is bipolar disorder hereditary?

There is an hereditary predisposition in bipolar disorder development. You can avoid severe worsening of the tendency by avoiding alcohol and marijuana. Maintenance of general READ MORE

There is an hereditary predisposition in bipolar disorder development. You can avoid severe worsening of the tendency by avoiding alcohol and marijuana. Maintenance of general health is desirable and early psychiatric evaluation for advisability of prescriptive intervention is needed.

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

Once more it starts with your general health. Check with your usual doctor to query your general health. Are there new habits that accompany the bingeing (smoking, pot alcohol)? READ MORE

Once more it starts with your general health. Check with your usual doctor to query your general health. Are there new habits that accompany the bingeing (smoking, pot alcohol)? Are you under undue stress? As you can see there are many questions to be asked and answered. Binge eating is something not to be ignored. To conclude that it is purely mental disorder, complicated as that is, is premature. Perhaps family can help answer some relevant questions.
Dr.Thomas

Is negative thinking a disease?

Negative thinking is a sign or a symptom.Your general health should be your first concern. LMD assessment is called for. If a clean bill is given then the twin duo of anxiety and READ MORE

Negative thinking is a sign or a symptom.Your general health should be your first concern. LMD assessment is called for. If a clean bill is given then the twin duo of anxiety and depression need to be looked for via mental health assessment (psychiatry,psychology,social work) team. Depression often has negative thinking as an early sign. Negative rumination (obsessional) is beyond sign but is a symptom of depressive illness. Remember start with a general health assessment.

Privacy and confidentiality with caregivers

Discussion with the psychiatrist and with the patient is called for. A mutually agreed upon posture may be arrived at. Issues like the nature of your caregiver status (family or READ MORE

Discussion with the psychiatrist and with the patient is called for. A mutually agreed upon posture may be arrived at. Issues like the nature of your caregiver status (family or not), family concurrence, if you are not and state laws need to be considered. If property disposal and/or a will are at issue, legal consultation may be necessary.

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