The initial appointment takes about an hour and a half. During this appointment, I meet with the individual and, generally, with their support system (parents, significant other, siblings, adult children, etc.), to gather information necessary to understand the nature of the difficulty. During the consultation I will listen carefully and ask many questions in order to accurately determine whether or not there is a chemical imbalance. If there is evidence of an imbalance, we will identify a specific diagnosis of what chemical imbalance may be present.
I discuss my observations and conclusions with the individual and, with their permission, members of their support system. Effective treatment options, using a combination of therapy and medication (if appropriate), are also reviewed. If the individual needs medication therapy, arrangements are made at the initial meeting for medical screening, blood testing and follow-up medication treatment.
Whether or not medication is prescribed, experience has shown that counseling or psychotherapy is often quite helpful in improving mental health and quality of life. Therefore, if the patient doesn't already have a therapist, a referral to a skilled therapist colleague is available. It is important to understand, though, that no matter how qualified the therapist or determined the individual to “get better”, progress in therapy is limited when a chemical imbalance is unrecognized or mistreated.
Ongoing treatment, in addition to monitoring carefully for adverse effects, includes following target symptoms (like depressed mood, amplified anxiety or insomnia) and making sure they are improving as we make changes in medication. As well, I feel it is important to work with both the individual and their support system to continue to educate them about mastering the chemical imbalance.
Symptoms I Treat
"Dr. Weisguy, Thank you for a decade of friendship and support"
M & M, Stroudsburg, PA
"Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also the love of humanity’…thank you for all you’ve done for our son…"
- L & T, Cleveland, Ohio
"Thanks a bunch!"
- S.A. , Bronx, New York
"You’re dynamite, indomitable and genuinely caring!"
- B.P. , Bronx, New York
"I just wanted to thank you for your clinical expertise and am profoundly grateful for your diagnosis. As the medications started to take effect, my world started to change: my daily activities became less stressful and relationships with employees, friends and, most importantly, my children, became more fulfilling."
- JZ, Westchester, New York
Recipient of the "Top Doctors" award
- Castle Connolly Guide, New York Metro Area
1995 John Heinz Friend of Nursing Award
- Pennsylvania Nurses Association, PA
"Thanks for all your help through the years. Heaven knows where I would be without your guidance – and don’t forget the pills!"
- B.B., Princeton, NJ
"I like having you as a doctor – I never had a doctor buy me a birthday cake before. It was very special!"
- Jules, Stamford, CT
"Your patient care has been exceptional - and your phone calls are a great morale booster!"
- Tim, Darien, CT
