Dr Allen Menkin - ADHD in Children and Adults

During his work with children with learning disabilities Dr Allen Menkin observed how attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been mostly considered a childhood condition, yet many adults carry the symptoms of ADHD with them through their entire lives. Significant impairments that children with ADHD experience on a daily basis stay with them when they grow up. While the responsibilities of adults are different from the demands placed on children, the difficulties that people with ADHD have to deal with don’t change much during their lives. Oftentimes, years of dealing with ADHD makes such people develop a habit of suffering in silence and invent less than optimal coping strategies.

Many people and a significant percentage of medical professionals believe that ADHD is a result of children adapting poorly to the environments in which they grow up. Many parents find comfort in the beliefs that this problem can be outgrown and that different parenting methods can change the condition. Such beliefs are very powerful because there is not enough scientific evidence to prove otherwise. However, over the past several decades researchers have been increasing the number of studies about how ADHD works in adults.

Another issue with ADHD is that for a long time the symptoms of the condition have only been associated and noticed in children. This is not to suggest that adults don’t have problems maintaining attention or don’t act impulsively, but for many years, these symptoms were either considered to be a part of the personality or were explained by other domains, such as Impulsive Personality Disorder, which is something Dr Allen Menkin wouldn’t always agree with.

Dr. Allen Menkin - Anxiety Disorders

While he was building Plaza Family Care, Dr. Allen Menkin was simultaneously setting up and directing the creation of the Allocca Developmental Disabilities Center at St. Clare’s in Denville. Under his direction and guidance, the program grew to the St. Clare’s Mental Health Center. This center deals with everything from Bipolar disorder to ADHD, and many other Anxiety Disorders.

When anxiety disorders interfere with a person's day-to-day activities and impede their ability to function and lead a normal life, they can cause distress. There are many types of anxiety disorders, from panic disorder to social anxiety disorder. Menkin is qualified to help diagnose and treat children and adolescents with these disorders and other specific phobias, like flying or heights.

There are many symptoms of Anxiety disorders, and the symptoms can vary depending on the disorder, but there are some general symptoms to be aware of according to Menkin. If your child happens to be experiencing problems sleeping, feelings of fear, panic or uneasiness, can’t seem to sit still, dizziness, muscle tension, nausea, dry mouth, heart palpitations, shortness of breath or even cold or sweaty hands, they may be experiencing an anxiety disorder.

To diagnose Anxiety disorders, Dr. Allen Menkin starts with an evaluation of the patient, from the medical history to a complete physical exam. As a specialist, he can specifically order certain lab tests to look for underlying medical illnesses that can also cause the symptoms of anxiety disorders. Then he can recommend the appropriate treatment, whether it is a psychologist or drug regime.

Dr. Allen Menkin - behavioral pediatrics

After returning from the Army, Dr. Allen Menkin resumed his residency and was allowed to start a program that drew on Hematology, Psychiatry and Pediatric Neurology. He started in the NYC public school system to develop in the field of behavioral medicine and learning disabilities. After completing his residency and pediatric internship at NYU/Bellevue hospital he went on to found Plaza Family Care Inc.

Menkin trained to both diagnose and treat neurological and mental health disorders. This means that he worked  with children who had disorders or problems that ranged from mildly disrupting to life-threatening. Often children, adolescents and their families are affected by the behavioral problems and they can lead to problems with development in many areas, from pediatric chronic illnesses to other disabling conditions. He has even worked with children that have behavioral disorders that include oppositional-defiant disorder, depression, conduct problems and anxiety disorders, as well as, Tourette syndrome, tics and other habit disorders.

As a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, Menkin has advanced specialty training in the behavioral, emotional, physical and social development of children. He worked with a team of qualified professional at Plaza Family Care to provide an in-depth perspective. Furthermore, a developmental pediatrician can suggest additional testing or other therapists or specialists that may help.

Dr. Allen Menkin believes that this results in a comprehensive evaluation with a plan of treatment that will allow children to make progress and clarify complex issues. The bottom line is that a pediatric specialist can be very beneficial for children who are struggling in almost any area.

Dr. Allen Menkin - Medical economics

Dr. Allen Menkin has a bachelor's degree from Drew University and a MS from Rutgers the State University. He then went on to obtain his MD from The Bowman Gray/Wake Forest University School of Medicine and his postgraduate training at Bellevue Hospital/NYU Medical Center. All of his schooling and experience has taught him a lot about medical or health economics, which has allowed him to become familiar with issues like effectiveness, efficiency, value and behavior in the healthcare industry.

As a health economist, Menkin studies the functioning of healthcare systems and health-affecting behaviors such as childhood violence. He was there to respond to the devastation caused by the Columbine High School shooting and many other shootings that ensued. Menkin wanted to help prevent more childhood violence and started the foundation called Stand Up For Children.

In health care, uncertainty is always present and impacts the health of patients. Plus, there is a knowledge gap that exists between the doctors and patients that creates a situation that puts the physician at an advantage. Menkin is hoping to bridge this gap with different health care initiatives and programs. He works with families to provide wellness and nutrition programs that predate current public health interests.

Dr. Allen Menkin believes that medical economics are important, especially in the healthcare industry where many externalities arise, from infectious diseases to pediatric care. That’s why he provides 24/7 physician availability at Plaza Family Care, for both adults and children for nearly a half century in Warren County.

Successful People with Bipolar Disorder - Dr. Allen Menkin Agrees It Shouldn’t Hold You Back

Roughly 5.7 million people in the United States have bipolar disorder. Many of them go undiagnosed for years. With manic highs and extremely depressed lows, leading a normal life can be difficult. However, with appropriate treatment  it can be done.  Dr. Allen Menkin, who specialized in mental and behavioral disorders, has shown through his work that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, and there is help if you seek it. Many people do, including a few you may recognize.

There are quite a few celebrities that have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. They certainly had their struggles at some point, but they decided to seek help. Take, for example, Demi Lovato. She felt extremely depressed at times and didn’t know how to handle what she was going through. She ended up dealing with it in harmful ways, landing her in rehab. Once she was diagnosed as bipolar, she was able to start treatment and leads an incredible life in control of her body.

Jean-Claude Van Damme was a similar case. He was diagnosed as rapid cycling bipolar and was able to be treated. Another example is Carrie Fischer who was diagnosed hypomanic. She refused to believe her doctor for some time, and she felt that it was entirely her decision whether or not to take her medication. Until she had a child. This changed her whole perspective, and now she faithfully takes her medication to keep her disorder balanced.

While there is no cure, the treatment for bipolar disorder can help people be in control of their brain and body by balancing the chemicals that lead to the manic and depressive states. While there is much more to it, as Dr. Allen Menkin could attest, it may be comforting to some to know that they are not alone. There are celebrities just like them!

Source: http://www.bipolar-lives.com/bipolar-disorder-statistics.html

http://www.everydayhealth.com/bipolar-disorder-pictures/famous-people-with-bipolar-disorder.aspx#06