On Call

From hormones to mood and memory; from mind to body.

Monica N. Starkman M.D.

Helping Depressed Teens: A School Peer Program That Works

Fellow students can reduce stigma, reach out and listen. Here's how.

The Suicide Prevention Hotline: Find It in This Rap Song

Can a rap song help save a life? Yes, when it's '1-800-273-8255’

Are You Depressed? Start With the PHQ-9 Questionnaire

Think you might be depressed? Google will now direct you straight to a well-validated and private screening questionnaire.

Depression: What About Ketamine?

For those considering being treated with it, here is recent information from clinical experts.

Dieting and Eating for Weight Control?

Need help controlling your weight? Here are effective psychologically-based tips.

Talking With Your Parent About Aging and Death

Ways to deal with a life stage that brings opportunities as well as challenges.

Are You the Parent of a Depressed Child or Teenager?

Are you the parent of a depressed child or teenager? A psychiatrist and a teenager's mother team up to offer recommendations.

When Childhood Trauma Meets Healing Relationships

Think the effects of childhood trauma are irreversible? The corrective emotional experience is a reason for realistic optimism.

Depression: A Psychiatrist Suggests Peanut Butter, Chocolate

Can peanut butter and dark chocolate help relieve depression?

Depression: A Psychiatrist’s Recommendations for Self-care

Depressed? Here are techniques you can do yourself to help.

Do Psychiatrists Write Good Novels?

Novels by psychiatrists - here are three good ones!

Do We Need to Be Careful About Watching Scary Stuff?

There is a downside to being exposed to frightening images.

It's Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month: How to Help Others

Mark Zuckerberg gave us clues about the psychological toll of pregnancy loss. Here's more information about how to help others.

Women and Endurance

Do women have the endurance necessary to succeed at tough jobs?

Infertility and Miscarriage: Emerging From the Shadows

Open, compassionate discussion of reproductive failure is necessary in order to combat the social stigma that surrounds it.

The Terrorist Attacks of September 11 as Psychological Toxin

…and their long-lasting and serious side-effects.

Transgender choices: "I Think I'll Keep My Penis"

Shall I keep my penis? This is only one of many difficult choices transgender people must make.

Why Novels About Infertility's Darkness Are Hitting a Nerve

Even if infertility is not currently a presence in one’s life, the fear of it often is. No wonder novels like The Girl On The Train resonate so strongly.

The Heartbreaking Phenomenon of False Pregnancy

Why do some women develop the symptoms of pregnancy despite not having conceived, and what is the best way to help them?