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Monday 9am - 8pm Tuesday 9am - 8pm Wednesday 9am - 8pm Thursday 9am - 8pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 3pm

https://www.ChrisPagnaniMD.com/

Chris Pagnani MD PC, 1528 Walnut Street, STE 1415, Philadelphia, PA (2025)

01/04/2024

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses reasons why someone may want to schedule an appointment to see a mental health professional for Anxiety.

There are certainly normal levels of anxiety, and up to a certain point, anxiety is important and helpful. For example, if an individual has an exam at school or a presentation at work, it may motivate them to prepare. However, if anxiety levels become too high, they can cause individuals to lose sleep, have poor focus, to have difficulty being present in the moment, to have upset stomach, changes in appetite, changes in libido, and cause other distress for the individual.

Behavioral modification (for example, working on sleep hygiene, decreasing caffeine and avoiding illicit substances and alcohol), psychotherapy and even medication management can be very effective for the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Finally, other health conditions (for example, a hyperactive thyroid, certain neurological conditions and mood disorders) can cause someone to feel more stress, and may mimic primary anxiety disorders. Seeing a specialist to perform a full evaluation, workup and then work with a patient to devise a holistic plan, can be an important step to someone finally getting relief.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private psychiatry practice with about 25 academically oriented psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists serving the Philadelphia area and all of PA, NJ, NY and FL via tele-psychiatry. Visit RittenhousePA .com.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications or treatment for any individual. Any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment.

Visit our Youtube channel, click all videos and search topics youtube.com/

12/28/2023

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses some of the advantages AND disadvantages of telehealth (virtual) psychiatry. It is very important for both patients and providers to assess appropriateness for care, when deciding to work together long-term. Telehealth has been tremendously helpful for increasing the availability of mental health providers to rural areas in the US and areas that are underserved by mental health providers. With that said, it may be more difficult for providers to read body language, assess for signs of withdrawal, do urine toxicologies and check vital signs. There may be other considerations as well, including state and federal regulations for prescribing certain medications and others.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private psychiatry practice with about 25 academically oriented psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists serving the Philadelphia area and all of PA, NJ, NY and FL via tele-psychiatry. Visit RittenhousePA .com.

Visit our Youtube channel, click all videos and search topics youtube.com/

12/22/2023

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses Zyprexa (olanzapine) which is a second generation neuroleptic or antipsychotic (SGA). Although it is referred to as an antipsychotic, this medication can be utilized in the treatment of mania (in bipolar disorder) and also can be used to treat depression (for example, augmenting an SSRI or SNRI). It has the potential for many side effects, and some of them are discussed in this video.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private psychiatry practice with about 25 academically oriented psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists serving the Philadelphia area and all of PA, NJ, NY and FL via tele-psychiatry. Visit RittenhousePA .com.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications or treatment for any individual. Any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.

Visit our Youtube channel, click all videos and search topics youtube.com/

12/19/2023

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses Zoloft (sertraline) an SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This medication is frequently used for patients struggling with anxiety disorders, major depression, OCD and bulimia.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private psychiatry practice with about 25 academically oriented psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists serving the Philadelphia area and all of PA, NJ, NY and FL via tele-psychiatry. Visit RittenhousePA .com.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications or treatment for any individual. Any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.

Visit our Youtube channel, click all videos and search topics youtube.com/

12/15/2023

Cara Gouldey, CRNP joined Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates in 2021. She graduated from New York University with a degree in Psychology, including research in cognition, memory and public policy. She went on to work with the Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy and also in clinical research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. She then completed a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Adelphi University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. From there, she completed a residency program at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, followed by a Master's of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing (once again, graduating Summa Cum Laude) from The University of Pennsylvania. She is Board Certified to prescribe Psychiatric Medications. In addition to treating patients at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates (adolescents and adults for outpatient psychiatric evaluations and medication management), she additionally has Instructed at The University of Pennsylvania.

www.RittenhousePA.com

12/14/2023

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses what the term "positive symptoms" refers to when discussing Schizophrenia. Positive symptoms are a term given to symptoms for experiences like hallucinations and delusions, and caused by hyperactivity of dopamine in the mesolimbic pathway of the limbic system.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private psychiatry practice with about 25 academically oriented psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists serving the Philadelphia area and all of PA, NJ, NY and FL via tele-psychiatry. Visit RittenhousePA .com.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications or treatment for any individual. Any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.

Visit our Youtube channel, click all videos and search topics youtube.com/

12/11/2023

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses the term "negative symptoms" used to describe some of the symptoms that one sees in schizophrenia. These symptoms can include anhedonia (a decreased ability to feel enjoyment), avolition (decreased motivation), isolation/ decreased interest in social activities, alogia (poverty of speech) and others. These symptoms can worsen with treatment, and this is one of the reasons why providers should be careful to not overprescribe medications (with that said, medications can be life-saving and/or extremely important for many individuals with schizophrenia). One should be mindful regarding not prescribing doses in excess of what one may require for symptom resolution or management. All of this should be discussed directly with one's mental health provider.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private psychiatry practice with about 25 academically oriented psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists serving the Philadelphia area and all of PA, NJ, NY and FL via tele-psychiatry. Visit RittenhousePA .com.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications or treatment for any individual.

Visit our Youtube channel, click all videos and search topics youtube.com/

12/05/2023

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses Wellbutrin (Buproprion) and its use in the treatment of Adult ADHD. Wellbutrin (buproprion) is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which is FDA approved for the treatment of depression. Unlike antidepressants such as SSRIs or SNRIs, this medication does NOT increase availability of serotonin, and therefore, does NOT treat anxiety (in fact, it can make anxiety and irritability worse). It is also used for smoking cessation (with the Trade name Zyban). Other side effects include increased risk for seizure (making it a non-ideal option for individuals with eating disorders or alcohol use disorders [as it can be dangerous for these individuals]), increased intra-ocular pressure, dry mouth, constipation, tachycardia, sweating, insomnia, upset stomach, decreased appetite (and weight loss) and others. With that said, this may be a good option for some patients, particularly as it does not have the abuse potential, of stimulants like adderall, ritalin, vyvanse and concerta.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private psychiatry practice with about 25 academically oriented psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists serving the Philadelphia area and all of PA, NJ, NY and FL via tele-psychiatry. Visit RittenhousePA .com.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications or treatment for any individual. Any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.

Visit our Youtube channel, click all videos and search topics youtube.com/

11/30/2023

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses Vistaril (Hydroxyzine) and its use in anxiety disorders. Vistaril is structurally similar to benadryl (diphenhydramine) and is also used for some patients for pruritis (itching), seasonal allergies, insomnia and other conditions. Vistaril may be a preferred medication for individuals wanting to avoid benzodiazepines for anxiety (which have abuse potential) and daily medications like SSRIs or SNRIs, which have their own list of side effects. With that said, Vistaril has its own side effects, and they include (but are not limited to) sedation, dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, urinary retention, incoordination, and even seizures or renal failure in overdose.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private psychiatry practice with about 25 academically oriented psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists serving the Philadelphia area and all of PA, NJ, NY and FL via tele-psychiatry. Visit RittenhousePA .com.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications or treatment for any individual. Any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.

Visit our Youtube channel, click all videos and search topics youtube.com/

11/28/2023

Dr. Chris Pagnani is an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, he supervises resident physicians at Jefferson Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry and he is the Medical Director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates. He received his Bachelors Degree from Vanderbilt University, his Medical Degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, he completed a General Surgery Internship at the University of Kentucky and he completed his residency in Psychiatry at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is a licensed physician and surgeon in PA, NJ, DE, MD, NY, FL and CA. He maintains a small private practice (Chris Pagnani MD PC) and sees patients for one-time psychiatric evaluations via tele-health. He founded Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates in 2012.

www.RittenhousePA.com

11/27/2023

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and utilizing its principle of exposure therapy to create a hierarchy ladder of anxiety provoking activities, to slowly work through to overcome their fear of heights. CBT is a non-pharmacological treatment modality that can be used in anxiety disorders, including phobias (like a fear of heights).

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private psychiatry practice with about 25 academically oriented psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists serving the Philadelphia area and all of PA, NJ, NY and FL via tele-psychiatry. Visit RittenhousePA .com.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications or treatment for any individual. Any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.

Visit our Youtube channel, click all videos and search topics youtube.com/

11/20/2023

Dr. Pagnani of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates discusses Trintellix (vortioxetine), which is an antidepressant FDA approved for Major Depressive Disorder. This medication is much less likely to cause sexual side effects than your SSRIs or SNRIs and in-fact, individuals may notice an improvement in sexual function when switching from one of these medications to Trintellix. It an also improve motivation, energy and focus for some individuals suffering with depression. With that said, unlike some of your SSRIs and SNRIs it does not treat anxiety.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a private psychiatry practice with about 25 academically oriented psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists serving the Philadelphia area and all of PA, NJ, NY and FL via tele-psychiatry. Visit RittenhousePA .com.

Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is NOT advocating for or against the use of any mentioned psychiatric medications or treatment for any individual. Any side effects mentioned are not a complete list of potential side effects and all risks and benefits of a medication should be discussed with an individual’s provider at an appointment, before starting, stopping or making changes to a medication regimen.

Visit our Youtube channel, click all videos and search topics youtube.com/

Chris Pagnani MD PC

01/04/2024

12/28/2023

12/22/2023

12/19/2023

12/15/2023

12/14/2023

12/11/2023

12/05/2023

11/30/2023

11/28/2023

11/27/2023

11/20/2023

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Monday	9am - 8pm
Tuesday	9am - 8pm
Wednesday	9am - 8pm
Thursday	9am - 8pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	10am - 3pm