Dr. Gary Arthur, MD is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at our Tampa, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Geriatric Psychiatric care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Geriatric psychiatrists are specialized mental health doctors who expertly manage complex mental and behavioral conditions in older adults, such as depression, anxiety, and dementia, safely prescribing and managing medications while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers. Dr. Arthur serves older adults (typically age 65 and older), and prospective patients should call (813) 221-8122 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Gary Arthur, MD is a psychiatrist in Tampa, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Hahnemann University - Philadelphia in 1970. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Geriatric Psychiatry at St. Louis and Sofla, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of older adults (typically age 65 and older), graduating in 1975. With over 50 years of dedicated experience in Geriatric Psychiatric care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Arthur's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Arthur provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Gary Arthur is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Arthur is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive geriatric psychiatric care. He expertly manages complex mental and behavioral conditions, such as depression and anxiety, while meticulously coordinating medication management and collaborating with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers for a holistic approach. His focus is on understanding each individual's unique needs and goals, ensuring a supportive and personalized experience.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Gary Arthur can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
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Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Gary Arthur provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Bipolar Disorder: Characterized by unpredictable mood swings from mania to depression, bipolar disorder can be effectively managed with a personalized plan from a psychiatrist, incorporating medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to help you live a more balanced and comfortable life.
- Major Depressive Disorder: Feeling persistently low, hopeless, or losing interest in things you once enjoyed may be signs of major depressive disorder, a condition that responds well to treatments like therapy or medication, helping seniors maintain their independence and enjoy life again.
- Psychotic Depression: Experiencing depression alongside hallucinations or delusions is called psychotic depression, a condition that a psychiatrist can help manage through carefully chosen medication and therapies, supporting improved emotional health and daily living.
- Substance Use Disorders: Substance use disorder in older adults involves problematic alcohol or drug use that impacts their health and daily life, but with proper treatment, they can regain control and improve their well-being.
- Anxiety Attack: An anxiety attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that can cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and trembling, but with proper treatment, these episodes can be managed and significantly improve your quality of life.
- Panic Attack: Feeling overwhelming anxiety and fear that comes on suddenly is a panic attack; however, with a psychiatrist's guidance, you can learn coping strategies and medication to reduce its frequency and intensity, enabling you to maintain your independence.
- Persistent Anxiety: Persistent anxiety can interfere with sleep, appetite, and daily activities, but with a doctor's guidance, you can find strategies to reduce anxiety and maintain your independence.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Gary Arthur offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Psychotherapy for Crisis: Psychotherapy in a crisis helps seniors and their families understand the immediate factors contributing to the crisis and develop a plan to stabilize the situation.
- Psychopharmacology Management: Your psychiatrist uses psychopharmacology to manage the medications you take for your mental health, making sure they work well together and are correctly dosed for your age and health status.
- Depression Treatment: Treatment for depression incorporates a careful assessment of symptoms, medication adjustments if necessary, and monitoring for positive changes in mood and function, ensuring ongoing care.
- ADHD Testing: This assessment helps differentiate ADHD symptoms from other age-related cognitive changes or medical conditions, ensuring the most effective treatment approach for seniors.
- Behavior Therapy: As part of a comprehensive approach, behavior therapy assists seniors in modifying unwanted behaviors and developing healthier responses to daily situations.
- Family Counseling: Family counseling provides a safe space for open communication and problem-solving, creating a stronger support system that can significantly benefit a senior's emotional well-being.
- Substance Abuse Treatment: Substance abuse treatment helps identify and address harmful substance use in older adults, improving their overall mental and physical health.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Geriatric Psychiatrists in Florida.
Dr. Gary Arthur is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With a tailored treatment plan that included medication and therapy, a senior felt a significant reduction in mood swings, allowing them to reconnect with loved ones and pursue hobbies they had previously found challenging.
- Feeling more hopeful and connected to loved ones, a senior was able to reconnect with their passion for painting, a cherished hobby that had been put aside due to persistent sadness. This renewed sense of purpose significantly improved their overall well-being.
- With the support of a skilled professional, a senior experiencing psychotic depression found reduced symptoms and a renewed ability to engage in enjoyable activities with family, restoring a sense of peace and security in their home.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Psychiatry)
Here are answers to some common questions about Geriatric Psychiatric care with Dr. Gary Arthur:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Arthur, as a medical doctor, is licensed to prescribe medications to help manage mental health conditions. Psychologists, while experts in psychotherapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Often, psychiatrists and psychologists work collaboratively to provide the best possible care.
- How do you make sure a new psychiatric medication won't interfere with my other medications?
- Dr. Arthur has extensive training in how medications interact. A thorough review of all your current medications (a "polypharmacy review") is a core part of his practice. He coordinates closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure any new treatment is safe and effective.
- What is ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)? It sounds scary.
- ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, is a safe and effective medical procedure. It involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain under general anesthesia, and is often a life-saving treatment for severe depression that hasn't responded to other therapies. It's important to remember that modern ECT is painless and performed by highly trained medical professionals.
- I have anxiety but I'm worried about taking tranquilizers like Xanax or Valium.
- We understand your concern about taking tranquilizers. Benzodiazepines are used cautiously in older adults due to potential risks. There are many other effective and safer long-term options for anxiety, such as antidepressants and therapy. Our goal is to manage your anxiety safely and effectively.
- I've felt 'down' for a while, but isn't depression just a normal part of getting older?
- Persistent sadness is not a normal part of aging. Late-life depression is a treatable medical condition, not a personal failing. Symptoms like loss of interest, poor sleep, and low energy can be effectively managed with medication and therapy, restoring well-being and enjoyment of life.
- My loved one with dementia has become very agitated. Can you help?
- Agitation in dementia is common and often challenging. We'll first rule out any underlying medical issues like infection or pain. Dr. Arthur can then develop a personalized plan, which may include non-medication strategies first, and if needed, carefully prescribe medication at the lowest effective dose to improve safety and quality of life for everyone.
- Do you only prescribe medication, or do you also provide therapy?
- Dr. Arthur provides both medication management and psychotherapy. Many of our best treatment plans combine both approaches to address the biological and emotional aspects of mental health conditions.
- What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?
- TMS is a modern, non-invasive treatment for depression. It uses focused magnetic pulses to gently stimulate areas of the brain that may be underactive. The procedure is done in our office while you are awake and comfortable, and you can return to your normal activities immediately afterward.
722 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Tampa FL 33603
Phone: (813) 221-8122
Dr. Gary Arthur, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1174544720
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Geriatric Psychiatrists like Dr. Gary Arthur are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.