expert type icon EXPERT

Mrs. Dawn Marie Sims

Psychiatrist | Psychiatry

Dawn Sims is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner working in FRIENDSWOOD,TX. As a nurse, Dawn works in the healthcare sector, interacting directly with patients to ensure that they receive quality care and have access to the services needed to maintain optimal health. Dawn holds an active license to practice, and continues to take an all-encompassing role in supporting a patient's wellbeing.  You can schedule online "telemed" treatment by googling "dawn sims zoc doc" 
30 years Experience
Mrs. Dawn Marie Sims
  • FRIENDSWOOD, TX
  • University of Texas UTMB
  • Accepting new patients

Can I ask my doctor for anxiety medication?

There can be many things at the root of your anxiety. Medical conditions such as COPD, thyroid and others can cause anxiety. Psychiatric or emotional issues can cause anxiety. READ MORE
There can be many things at the root of your anxiety. Medical conditions such as COPD, thyroid and others can cause anxiety. Psychiatric or emotional issues can cause anxiety. It’s good to talk to your doctor to determine the underlying issue of your anxiety and then determine the course of treatment.

My mother is very fearful of death and she needs help?

There could be some underlying issues causing this - such as medical issues. In the elderly they may have urinary/bladder or kidney infections that can cause anxiety or emotional READ MORE
There could be some underlying issues causing this - such as medical issues. In the elderly they may have urinary/bladder or kidney infections that can cause anxiety or emotional changes. Perhaps it’s others in her circle of friends or family that have passed away and her fears are very real. She could benefit from therapy - meeting with someone to address her fears. If the fears are persistent and impact daily life - she could benefit from meeting with a mental health provider and determine the best care for her.

What are the symptoms of psychological stress?

There are many symptoms. Sometimes emotional stress can appear as a “medical” issue. A person many have nausea, chest pains, “heavy” legs and multiple others symptoms. However READ MORE
There are many symptoms. Sometimes emotional stress can appear as a “medical” issue. A person many have nausea, chest pains, “heavy” legs and multiple others symptoms. However - always go to the doctor or ER to determine the root of the distress. Once all medical issues are ruled out (cleared) you could benefit from therapy. Perhaps may even benefit from very low dose antidepressant to help with the distress until coping skills and medical issues are addressed.

What are general methods used to treat depression?

Therapy is the absolute best “medicine”. I’ve been a Nurse Practitioner 7 years and psychiatric nurse working in mental health for 34 years - and therapy is amazing. Finding the READ MORE
Therapy is the absolute best “medicine”. I’ve been a Nurse Practitioner 7 years and psychiatric nurse working in mental health for 34 years - and therapy is amazing. Finding the right therapist is a challenge. Not all therapists are the best fit. But finding one you feel comfortable with - is priority. While you are talking with a therapist , you may want to meet with a psychiatric Nurse Practitioner or Psychiatrist to see if you can benefit from low dose antidepressant while getting help with a therapist.

What is the success rate of cognitive behavioral therapy?

Very high!! I’ve seen literally thousands of patients in my 34 years of treating psychiatric patients. Cognitive behavioral therapy works wonders!

Can you recover from anxiety disorder?

Absolutely! Many times anxiety is brought on by a significant life event. Sometimes it can be a medical issue. But in my practice- I’ve seen individuals recover nicely with therapy READ MORE
Absolutely! Many times anxiety is brought on by a significant life event. Sometimes it can be a medical issue. But in my practice- I’ve seen individuals recover nicely with therapy (addressing the significant stressor or event) and using cognitive behavioral therapy. In some cases a temporary low dose medication is needed to assist a person through their difficult time - and weaning down or off once coping skills have been learned.

Can people abuse anti-anxiety medications?

Yes! Benzodiazepines are a class of anti anxiety medications that are highly abused. In very low dose for short term- they can help. However - the best medicine for anxiety is READ MORE
Yes! Benzodiazepines are a class of anti anxiety medications that are highly abused. In very low dose for short term- they can help. However - the best medicine for anxiety is therapy.

Is chronic pain a psychological disorder?

Chronic pain can cause a psychological disorder. Many patients may feel hopeless, isolated, overwhelmed, anxious and depressed. Medical conditions can be so debilitating, that READ MORE
Chronic pain can cause a psychological disorder. Many patients may feel hopeless, isolated, overwhelmed, anxious and depressed. Medical conditions can be so debilitating, that a person may begin to have emotional stressors and sadness - now needing therapy and or medication to help with their emotional status.

Can bipolar ADHD be treated with therapy?

Bipolar and ADHD are two separate diagnosis. Bipolar must be correctly diagnosed before prescribing any meds. Some medications can actually prompt a manic response. Adhd is usually READ MORE
Bipolar and ADHD are two separate diagnosis. Bipolar must be correctly diagnosed before prescribing any meds. Some medications can actually prompt a manic response. Adhd is usually treated with stimulants. Both diagnosis must be property managed closely with the correct meds.

Can a 14 year old be prescribed antidepressants?

Yes. But it’s always good to have a full assessment or even therapy before resorting to medications. Therapy can help identify stressors causing a depressed mood. Further - it’s READ MORE
Yes. But it’s always good to have a full assessment or even therapy before resorting to medications. Therapy can help identify stressors causing a depressed mood. Further - it’s very important to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be presenting as “depressions. Example - low vit D levels, thyroid or autoimmune conditions may present as a psychiatric symptoms.

What is the least sedating antidepressant?

In my experience all antidepressants impact people’s level of alertness very differently. I’ve had many patients tell me Effexor is not too sedating. They take in the morning. READ MORE
In my experience all antidepressants impact people’s level of alertness very differently. I’ve had many patients tell me Effexor is not too sedating. They take in the morning. Probably even less risk of weight gain as well. Be careful to not mix medications - always check with your physician.