Victor Manuel Santiago-Noa, Psychiatrist
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Victor Manuel Santiago-Noa

Psychiatrist | Psychiatry

3A Acuarela Street Suite A2 Guaynabo Puerto Rico, 00969
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About

Victor Manuel Santiago-Noa, MD, is a psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience practicing in the San Juan Metropolitan Area, Puerto Rico. He specializes in child and adolescent psychiatry and has a special interest in forensic psychiatry. Forensic psychiatry is a sub-specialty of psychiatry and is related to criminology. It encompasses the interface between law and psychiatry. A forensic psychiatrist provides services - such as determination of competency to stand trial - to a court of law to facilitate the adjudicative process. Dr. Santiago-Noa graduated in 1972 from the University of Puerto Rico-School of Medicine. He spent his internship at San Juan Hospital and his fellowship with the University of Puerto Rico. In 1993, he was honored with the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award while in 1995 was included into Who's Who. In 2012, Dr. Santiago-Noa was declared Professional of the Year in Adolescent Psychiatry.

Education and Training

Unviersity of Puerto Rico School of Medicine

Provider Details

MaleEnglish 52 years of experience
Victor Manuel Santiago-Noa
Victor Manuel Santiago-Noa's Expert Contributions
  • What medication is given for generalized anxiety disorder?

    Some psychiatrists prescribe benzodiazepines, others prescribe SSRIs. Benzodiazepines can be addictive and have serious side effects on long-term use. SSRIs can have sexual desire inhibition in some people. Bupropion can also be used with less risks. In my practice, I give a month of benzodiazepines and then taper this down and combined it with Bupropion for the long term. Make sure your psychiatrist explains to you the benefits and risks of any treatment recommended.  Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD READ MORE

  • What are common side effects of Zoloft?

    Hello, Drowsiness is a common side effect of Zoloft. Its antidepressant effects might start even after 3 months of starting the medication. If you feel that the medication is not suitable for you, you may consult your  physician for a change. He will explain more about side effects and expectations of treatment. You need to know that there are treatment resistant patients (about 25%) and that those patients may need more intensive types of treatment. You need to consult your physician for more information. READ MORE

  • Are there side effects of attention deficit medications?

    Hello,  There are no innocent medications. All medications carry the possibility of side effects. One always weighs the benefits versus the risks.  Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD READ MORE

  • Does mental illness cause hallucinations?

    Hello,  Hallucinations alone are not an indication of mental illness. Sometimes when a person is tired and dozes off in bed or in a chair, a common situation may occur. They are called hypnagogic or hypnapompic phenomena. If there are other symptoms associated with the hallucinations, do consult a psychiatrist.  Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD READ MORE

  • Are there medications that can improve focus?

    Hello, There are three classes of medications to improve focus and concentration. One is Strattera. The other one is the amphetamines and its derivatives, And then Methylphenidate and its derivatives. They all require a psychiatric evaluation and prescription. Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD, Psychiatrist READ MORE

  • Is obesity considered a psychiatric disorder?

    Hello, Eating obsessively can be a disorder of control. But obesity can be a metabolic problem. Consult your physician to see how your general state of health is. If you are eating compulsively, you can also consult a mental health professional.  Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD READ MORE

  • What causes depression during seasonal changes?

    Hello,  Seasonal mood changes is considered a psychiatric condition and is treatable.  Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD READ MORE

  • Are OCD and drug addiction related?

    About 25% of patients with an addiction diagnosis also meet the criteria for OCD.  Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD READ MORE

  • Is there a connection between mental health and chronic pain?

    Anxiety tends to make pain perception worse, and pain causes anxiety, creating a vicious circle. Some people have different thresholds for pain tolerance. There are many new treatments for chronic pain that are not dependent on the use of drugs.  READ MORE

  • Can I become dependent on Celexa?

    What you are doing can be very dangerous. Celexa is not habit forming and the maximum dosage, reached slowly, is 40 mg per day. If you take more of it, it won't work faster. Celexa will take at least 4 weeks to show any effects. Take the medications as it was prescribed. More is not better. You are exposing yourself to dangerous side effects from this medication. Stop doing what you are doing. Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD, PhD READ MORE

  • Blurred vision with Celexa. Is this normal?

    One of the sides effects of Celexa is a lazy pupil. This causes blurred vision when you change light conditions and when you change the distance of objects you are looking at. At this stage of treatment, consult your psychiatrist for a change in medication.  Victor M. Santiago-Noa READ MORE

  • How can I get rid of my depression and anxiety?

    When you are having problems with anxiety and depression, you will need an evaluation by a psychiatrist. There are medical conditions that manifest as anxiety and depression, so a thorough evaluation is needed to asses the cause of your symptoms. Once the medical causes are ruled out, there is psychiatric and psychological treatment for those conditions. My advice is to seek psychiatric help soon. Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD READ MORE

  • Is trichitilomania curable?

    Trichitilomania is more frequent in females than in males. It is considered an impulse control disorder and may be related to hormonal changes in post-menopausal women. It is treatable with psychotherapy, behavior modification and medications. It tends to recur if only medication is used. It is advisable to seek treatment with a qualified therapist and a psychiatrist. Avoid benzodiazepines completely, as it will worse the condition in the long run. There are many factors related to this condition which tends to be chronic if not treated. Victor M. Santiago Noa, MD, PhD  READ MORE

  • Will a psychiatrist help me with my depression?

    Depression with suicidal thoughts is considered a psychiatric emergency. Prompt psychiatric treatment is a must. Go to your nearest emergency department and they will guide you through the process of getting immediate psychiatric help. Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD READ MORE

  • My mother seems to be obsessed with her health. Is this abnormal

    Insisting on having an illness in spite of negative medical facts can be delusional. If she says she has a specific illness that her doctor has proven non existent, then we are dealing with a somatic delusion. Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD READ MORE

  • My daughter has suddenly lost her appetite. Could it be a hormonal issue?

    A sudden loss of appetite can mean a lot of things, some of them serious. It is advisable that she get a thorough medical examination before we assume it is mental illness. Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD READ MORE

  • My husband has severe post traumatic stress disorder. What can be done to help him cope?

    PTSD is treatable. But not everyone is trained to do perform the treatment. Treatment is usually a team effort with a trauma therapist and a psychiatrist that understands the pharmacology of trauma. The most successful treatments I have witnessed include medications for depression and anxiety (an SSRI), and hypnosis. Under any circumstance the use of benzodiazepines is indicated in PTSD or any other anxiety disorder. For nightmares, Prazosin tends to diminish or eliminate the nightmares. Hypnosis works quite well in relieving flashbacks. Professionals not trained in trauma management should not treat traumatized patients.  Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD  READ MORE

  • Can insomnia be psychological?

    Insomnia can occur for many reasons. Caffeine consumption (soda, chocolate), certain medications, disrupted sleep patterns, and many others. It can also be a symptom of some psychological problems. The best is to get an evaluation with a competent professional who can either make a diagnosis or make the necessary referrals to investigate further.  Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD READ MORE

  • My son displays sociopathic behavior. Can anything be done to help him?

    This type of behavior you describe at his age is called a conduct disorder. Extensive and intensive psychological and psychiatric treatments are needed if there is to be some modification in his personality. Many adolescents with a conduct disorder grow to be antisocial, sociopathic adults. If he develops and antisocial personality, then there is no treatment that he can respond to. The moment to act is now. There are other possibilities that need to be examined. He might be depressed or have a serious mood disorder. As I don't have all the facts with me, this is as far as I can advise.  READ MORE

  • Has my mother's illness affected my wife?

    Hello,  Caring for a bedridden patient should not be a cause for emotional upheaval. But when it is done constantly, without any help, it can be very tiring and emotionally burdensome. It takes at least three or four people taking turns to tend to a bedridden person with multiple health problems. If your wife is the only person available to take care of your mother, it is my advice that either you find help for her or put your mother in a nursing home, where she can be taken care of appropriately. You have to compare the costs of having your mother at home and paying three people to take care of her versus the cost of a nursing home. If the situation you describe continues, it will cause severe emotional disturbances for your wife.  Victor M. Santiago-Noa, MD. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Forensic Psychiatry

Awards

  • Exemplary Psychiatrist, 1993   
  • Who's Who, 1995   
  • Professional of the Year, Adolescent Psychiatry, 2012   

Internships

  • San Juan Hospital

Fellowships

  • University of Puerto Rico

Articles and Publications

  • Published Articles and a Novel in Spanish

What do you attribute your success to?

  • Lots of Respect for his patients, He is always available to them when they need him.

Hobbies / Sports

  • Guitar Player and Singing, Poetry

Favorite professional publications

  • New England Journal of Medicine

Victor Manuel Santiago-Noa's Practice location

3A Acuarela Street Suite A2 -
Guaynabo, Puerto Rico 00969
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New patients: 717-839-7455
www.santiagonoamd.com

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