“Being an excellent psychiatrist means being an excellent physician and diagnostician. Throughout my career, I have diagnosed patients with thyroid disease, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, hydrocephalus (excess water pressure in the brain), sleep disorders like apnea and narcolepsy, and other conditions which can masquerade as psychiatric disorders. Every new patient that I see gets screened for many of these medical conditions to get a clear picture of what may be causing their psychiatric symptoms. When needed, additional tests or specialist referrals are ordered.”

“Medications are often necessary in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. It takes patience and skill to be able to recommend the gentlest medication at the lowest dosage to serve a specific purpose. In addition, some patients come in to review medications they already take and might be trying to reduce. There is nothing more gratifying than being able to successfully streamline or even taper and discontinue a patient's medication regimen. I have had great success stories in both prescribing and stopping medications.”

“The burgeoning world of adult ADHD practice is exhilarating and rewarding. Unfortunately for patients, it is still in its infancy and it can be difficult to find a specialist for this diagnosis and treatment. Having top-notch researchers at mentors at the NYU School of Medicine, I have learned a great deal since arriving in New York in 2006. Most of my current clinical, research, and educational interest lies in the field of adult ADHD.”

“I have had the good fortune to learn from some of the best clinicians while doing research on depression at Vanderbilt University. And this includes not only medication expertise but also treatments including psychotherapy, light therapy, herbal supplements, aerobic exercise, and other more naturalistic treatments.”

“We do not practice medicine in a vacuum. Top-quality treatment means that health care providers must communicate with each other to develop a 360-degree view of the patient. Regular communication with therapists, psychologists, internists and other specialists is essential to practice good medicine.”

“Disenchantment, disease, divorce, and even death—the rigors of medical training and clinical practice can take a devastating toll on individuals and their families. Dr. Thakkar has been involved in physician health since 2002 and now is the Director of the GME Wellness Team at the NYU Langone Medical Center, where he provides confidential assessments and treatment for physicians-in-training at NYU.”

“I believe in transparency in medicine. I am proud to state that I have no significant ties, contracts, or consulting agreements with any pharmaceutical companies. In my work as a clinician and speaker, I try to deliver the best service for my client, period.”
— Vatsal Thakkar, M.D.