expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. QuaVaundra A. Perry, PH.D.

Psychologist

Dr. QuaVaundra A. Perry PH.D. is a top Psychologist in Rockwall, Texas (near Dallas). With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Perry is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Perry is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Perry is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. She embodies the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In her community, Dr. Perry is a true asset to the mental health field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
11 years Experience
Dr. QuaVaundra A. Perry, PH.D.
Specializes in:
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Mental Health
  • Rockwall, TX
  • 2014University of North Texas
  • Accepting new patients

My father started hallucinating. What can we do to help?

I am sure you're very worried about your father. There could be a number of reasons for the "hallucinations." I would encourage you to have your father seen by a medical or mental READ MORE
I am sure you're very worried about your father. There could be a number of reasons for the "hallucinations." I would encourage you to have your father seen by a medical or mental health professional to further explore the nature of his perceptual experiences. You could follow up with his medical provider to have his medications reviewed and changed, if needed, as older individuals may have different reactions to certain medications. You may also inquire about neuropsychological testing, which can rule out any cognitive changes that may explain his experience. Further, it is important to note it is not uncommon for individuals to report seeing dead relatives, especially if their spirituality is a big part of their life values. Hope this gives you and your family some things to consider.

Is constantly worrying about getting a sick a disease in itself?

It's really hard to say with such limited information. My recommendation would be to encourage your mother-in-law to see a medical doctor to rule out any actual physical conditions. READ MORE
It's really hard to say with such limited information. My recommendation would be to encourage your mother-in-law to see a medical doctor to rule out any actual physical conditions. Once that happens and everything checks out okay, they are able to make a determination whether the concerns are driven by psychological distress and refer to a mental health specialist, if needed.

I am taking medication for my OCD, but I don’t feel very good. What should I do?

If you are not feeling well due to side effects of medication, I strongly encourage you to follow up with the prescribing physician as soon as possible. Because I am not a medical READ MORE
If you are not feeling well due to side effects of medication, I strongly encourage you to follow up with the prescribing physician as soon as possible. Because I am not a medical doctor, I am unable to provide any additional recommendations regarding other medicinal treatments for OCD. However, as a psychologist, I can tell you that there is counseling treatment available for OCD. This particular disorder requires a specialist mental health provider. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD is a gold-standard treatment.

Do bad dreams mean anything?

The interpretation of dreams can be tricky as they can be viewed from so many angles. You may want to ask him about the content of his dreams. There may be an underlying theme READ MORE
The interpretation of dreams can be tricky as they can be viewed from so many angles. You may want to ask him about the content of his dreams. There may be an underlying theme that can help you determine the right course of action to address his distress.

How can I help my daughter recover from accident trauma?

Sounds like such a tough situation for your daughter. I would encourage you to take her back to the therapist to continue to process her losses and get back comfortable with her READ MORE
Sounds like such a tough situation for your daughter. I would encourage you to take her back to the therapist to continue to process her losses and get back comfortable with her daily environment. Her therapist may also determine whether she could benefit from a grief or trauma group.

Is anxiety disorder normal with aging?

Anxiety is a common disorder among the geriatric population. I'm unsure what you meant by "clinically he is doing fine" but I would encourage you to explore the root of his anxiety. READ MORE
Anxiety is a common disorder among the geriatric population. I'm unsure what you meant by "clinically he is doing fine" but I would encourage you to explore the root of his anxiety. For example, anxiety could be related to uncertainty about a medical condition or his mortality. Also, irritation can be a sign of depression, which is another common mental illness among the geriatric population. While these conditions are common, they do benefit from intervention from a medical and/or mental health professional.

I am unable to manage my stress. How can I help myself?

You may benefit from taking time to explore your values and what is important to you. Some of these questions may help you gain insight: Do I enjoy this job? Is the stress of the READ MORE
You may benefit from taking time to explore your values and what is important to you. Some of these questions may help you gain insight: Do I enjoy this job? Is the stress of the job worth the fulfillment of a completed project? Are the expectations unrealistic and are my superiors approachable to discuss my concerns? I would encourage you to seek a mental health provider who is equipped to help you manage work stress.

I am always anxious and have been this way for the last 7 years. What can I do to get a break from this anxiety?

I am sorry for your loss. Grief can be a very complicated life experience. I would encourage you to see your medical provider to make sure there are no biological causes to your READ MORE
I am sorry for your loss. Grief can be a very complicated life experience. I would encourage you to see your medical provider to make sure there are no biological causes to your anxiety. You may also benefit from seeing a mental health provider who is skilled in treating anxiety and grief. It is not uncommon for depression to manifest as anxiety or worsen anxiety. As such, a qualified mental health provider can help you process these thoughts and teach you strategies to calm your body. Take care.

Is OCD a disease or a habit?

I would encourage you to talk to your sister about seeing a mental health provider to obtain a formal diagnosis. My experience has been people often label themselves or others READ MORE
I would encourage you to talk to your sister about seeing a mental health provider to obtain a formal diagnosis. My experience has been people often label themselves or others as having "OCD" but after further exploration, their symptoms do not warrant a diagnosis. OCD is a mental illness that is treatable with the support of a mental health professional who specializes in the disorder. If indeed your sister does have symptoms of OCD, please know that support, patience, and understanding are critical for her treatment. Educate yourselves with material from reputable sources like www.nami.org.

My son has asd

I'm sorry to hear of your concerns with your son. Do you know if he has any concerns of being bullied or getting reprimanded by adults for mistakes? Are you able to discern whether READ MORE
I'm sorry to hear of your concerns with your son. Do you know if he has any concerns of being bullied or getting reprimanded by adults for mistakes? Are you able to discern whether his stomach ache complaints are efforts to get extra attention from you? Do you know if his school providers are knowledgeable about ASD and your son's particular needs? You may benefit from talking to his school counselor or taking him to an outside mental health provider who specializes in ASD to help you with recommendations.

How can one identify the signs of depression?

Shifts in mood due to changes in hormones are common experiences for women. You may benefit from monitoring whether your mood remains low following your period. Clinical depression READ MORE
Shifts in mood due to changes in hormones are common experiences for women. You may benefit from monitoring whether your mood remains low following your period. Clinical depression has symptoms that last daily or nearly every day for at least 2 weeks. I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your medical provider for assistance with monitoring the frequency and extent of your changes in mood. He or she can recommend a mental health provider if needed.

What are the best ways to overcome negative thoughts?

Negative thoughts can be a bummer. I'm unsure what you mean by "overcome" as that could mean make them go away completely or it could mean to cope with them when they come up. READ MORE
Negative thoughts can be a bummer. I'm unsure what you mean by "overcome" as that could mean make them go away completely or it could mean to cope with them when they come up. There are several methods to attack negative thoughts ranging from self-help books to engaging in treatment with a mental health provider. One of the common ideas is to begin to notice if there is a theme to your negative thoughts or if they appear following particular circumstances. My main concern would be for you to determine the extent to which these thoughts negatively impact your functioning and relationships and how long they have occurred. These are signs that professional intervention is needed.

I am suffering from low self esteem with negative feelings about myself. Could I be depressed?

Persistent negative feelings and poor self-image could be signs of depression. There are a range of options to tackle improving your self image and improving your mood. However, READ MORE
Persistent negative feelings and poor self-image could be signs of depression. There are a range of options to tackle improving your self image and improving your mood. However, if you notice these thoughts negatively impact your functioning and relationships, that may be a sign that professional intervention is needed.

Sudden mental fatigue--what can it be?

Your symptoms could indicate a number of things, including burnout, life dissatisfaction, or apathy, fatigue, and anhedonia that may accompany depression. Your symptoms could also READ MORE
Your symptoms could indicate a number of things, including burnout, life dissatisfaction, or apathy, fatigue, and anhedonia that may accompany depression. Your symptoms could also be your mind and body's way of encouraging you to get more rest. If you are unable to identify any particular cause of your symptoms, you may benefit from seeking a mental health provider to help you explore.

Can weight loss become an obsession?

An obsession with weight loss can be a real cause for concern. My first recommendation would be to take her to a medical provider to ensure that she remains medically healthy. READ MORE
An obsession with weight loss can be a real cause for concern. My first recommendation would be to take her to a medical provider to ensure that she remains medically healthy. From that point, your doctor can recommend a comprehensive treatment approach to include a medical provider, nutritionist, and mental health professional.

What is the reason for panic attacks?

I would encourage you to have your sister talk to a mental health professional to be formally evaluated. In my work, I have often heard people say they have "panic attacks," but READ MORE
I would encourage you to have your sister talk to a mental health professional to be formally evaluated. In my work, I have often heard people say they have "panic attacks," but the clinical diagnosis is not warranted when I further explore their symptoms. Panic is fueled by fearful thoughts, and if she does indeed have clinical panic attacks, they are very treatable.

I am feeling very anxious and angry most of the time. What should I do?

Typically, anger and irritation are secondary emotions and what lies beneath are more painful emotions like sadness and fear. I would encourage you to seek an evaluation by a mental READ MORE
Typically, anger and irritation are secondary emotions and what lies beneath are more painful emotions like sadness and fear. I would encourage you to seek an evaluation by a mental health provider.

I have extreme mood swings.. Could it be due to my thyroid levels?

Abnormal thyroid levels can certainly have an impact on mood. I would encourage you to see your medical provider to address that issue and he/she can also help you determine whether READ MORE
Abnormal thyroid levels can certainly have an impact on mood. I would encourage you to see your medical provider to address that issue and he/she can also help you determine whether additional mental health treatment is needed.

My brother's illness bothers me a lot. I am sleep deprived and I need some help.

Having a family member diagnosed with mental illness can be challenging. There are several ways you can cope including taking care of yourself, asking your brother if/how he wants READ MORE
Having a family member diagnosed with mental illness can be challenging. There are several ways you can cope including taking care of yourself, asking your brother if/how he wants you involved in his mental health care, and learning all you can about the disorder.

For how long does a course of treatment for depression normally last?

It depends on what you mean by “treatment” as that could mean medication and/or counseling. If referring to counseling, the course of treatment varies from person to person and READ MORE
It depends on what you mean by “treatment” as that could mean medication and/or counseling. If referring to counseling, the course of treatment varies from person to person and can depend on factors such as onset and severity of depressive symptoms and engagement in treatment. I would encourage you to have your son ask his mental health provider about his treatment plan. Typically, therapists are skilled at monitoring progress or lack thereof and can change the treatment plan accordingly.