Simon Downes, MD, PhD

Struggling with religion & my sexualiity

Hi. I’m struggling right now with my religion. I was raised in a Christian family. I went to church twice a week or more and went to a Christian school and university. I was highly involved in missionary work for years. However, I’m beginning to see many things going on in Christianity that I don’t…More

Hyperactive son – Is it ADHD?

My son is very hyperactive and also has strange behaviors. He likes banging on doors, kicking things and making loud noises to get our attention. We’re having a hard time now as he’s really difficult to control. His doctor says he might be having ADHD symptoms.. is this condition treatable? What options do we have?…More

Are my kidneys failing? I don’t trust doctors…

I’m having horrible anxiety lately and I can’t deal with it.I am pretty sure my kidneys are failing. I have a sharp pain in my kidney and if it’s a kidney stone, I’d rather have that than acute kidney failure. I am generally known for not drinking too much water- I am a small person…More

My daughter is bipolar

My daughter is 13 years old and was just recently diagnosed as having bipolar disorder. I am very very concerned because my mother had bipolar dis and I have no idea how to raise my daughter in this condition that she has right now. At this point I am asking anyone and everyone for their…More

Painful Left Bundle Branch (LBBB) Syndrome & Long COVID: What is the cure?

I was diagnosed with painful (symptomatic) left bundle branch syndrome in August 2023, about 4 months after contracting COVID 19. After 6 months of steadily worsening symptoms with exercise and at rest (anxiety-related), I develped atrial flutter, and received an ablation during an electrophysiology study – with excellent doctor …very satisfied with the service. (I…More

Coping with PMS mood swings

In the cases where my PMS symptoms cause me to feel sad and depressed, how can I better cope through the week or normalize my mood? I can feel myself as a grey cloud or a charging bull and the emotions are so significant that I can not drop anything. It sticks (arguments, my sensitivities).…More

Cats & Dogs for Autistic Children

My son was diagnosed as having autism. I really wanted to know if you know how effective keeping a pretty cat or dog might be in helping him develop and grow. I have read of its benefits but can you tell me what you know from the research? More

8-year-old boy who enjoys breaking the rules and getting in trouble

My 8-year-old boy seems to enjoy breaking the rules and getting in trouble. I am constantly getting complaints from his teacher that he is very disruptive in class and that he is bullying other children. Sometimes he refuses to go to school. I have to force him to go to bed. He leaves the house…More

Feelings of apathy after trauma

I am concerned with my indifference toward others and dislike of being in social situations. Is the feeling of apathy normal after having been through a lot of traumatic situations and deaths from childhood to teenage years? I’m often told people deal with death in different ways but I always feel like I could have…More

How can I treat depression without pharmaceuticals?

I have been depressed for about 4 months. I was just sad at first. Now depression is interfering with my life. I do not want to get out of bed or leave my house. I find myself making excuses to friends and family for why I cannot go over during the holidays. But, I am…More