Understanding Compulsive Shopping.

Since we have just experienced Black Friday, this might be a good time of year to address compulsive shopping.  Giving into an occasional impulse buy is perfectly normal.  The majority of Americans enjoy shopping as a pleasant task of everyday life.  These days we are bombarded not only by shopping networks, but by the internet as well.  Marketers have made a science of getting us to buy.

Do you feel that you or a loved one may have crossed the threshold from occasional bargain hunter to compulsive shopper?  The irresistible desire to shop is known as compulsive buying disorder or oniomania.  According to research by World Psychiatry, 5.8% of Americans are afflicted with the disorder.  Women comprise 80% of that total.

Let’s talk about it.  Seek guidance and self exploration with the help of Penelope J. Hooks, M.D.  She has been working with shopping addictions of various types for more than ten years.  She will discuss your particular case and offer valuable solutions to overspending and related disorders.  If you live in the Houston area, call Dr. Hooks at (713) 521-9087 and visit her website at www.pjhooksmd.com and listen to her audio on shopaholism.

A New Holiday Attraction is Coming to Houston!

Magical Winter Lights 2015

Magical Winter Lights is a spectacular, larger-than-life attraction with a fresh take on the traditional holiday light show.

November 20, 2015 – January 10, 2016 @ Sam Houston Race Park

A Perspective on Aderall and Other Stimulants

Because of heightened awareness over the last 30 years or so, ADHD has become an epidemic, as our society has been parented by baby boomers and beyond.  Did you know that 10% of 10 year old boys in this country are medicated for symptoms related to ADHD?  Even teachers endorse the pill to ameliorate a student’s behavior in the classroom to make their job more manageable.

Let’s talk about talking instead of jumping to medicating.  Of course all parents want their children to be happy and well adjusted.  Why not talk about the situation openly and have a mutual dialogue that gets to the root of many behavioral problems…not just skirt around them with drugs.  Make sure that you get all of the information that you can before you put your child on a regimen of Aderall, Ritalin, or ANY behavior-modifying drug.  Sometimes an understanding of what goes on in a child’s inner world can make a difference. Call the office of Penelope J. Hooks, M.D.  Make an appointment with your child to see her at her office located at 3311 Richmond Ave. Suite 330 in Houston by calling (713) 521-9087.  Let’s begin exploring your family’s options today.