About Estelle Toby

My practice involves what I call "Natural Alternative Psychopharmacology." Although I am licensed to write prescriptions, I mostly use natural substances to treat complaints such as anxiety, depression and bipolar illness. I also conduct research on natural substances and usually have at least one clinical trial going.

Estelle Toby's Interests

Mind-Body connections. I am as close to a holistic psychiatrist as you will find. Diseases such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and immune system deficiencies often appear as psychiatric problems -- and patients are passed from one doctor to another as the same old remedies are tried. Some call me the doctor of last resort. If you have been through years of treatment without relief or even without a diagnosis, I do whatever it takes to give you hope in your treatment and make your quality of life better.

Lady Gaga's Synovitis

Lady Gaga had to cancel some shows because she has Synovitis. Can you get that from wearing raw meat? Just checkin'. Actually, I know a little something about this. Synovitis, I mean. Not the wearing meat part; I much prefer to eat mine. Go back to me at 18. Yes, I know it was a long time ago. But there are some things you do not forget, like my first days in the emergency room at the ancient and venerated...

To Aspirin or Not To Aspirin; That Is the Question

Warning: Daily use of aspirin can lead to side effects which may include total loss of impulse control, man boobs, toe hair, and third nipples. Please consult your doctor before taking this and other over the counter medicine. Well, not really. But your really should know the risks and benefits of anything you take, even if it's over the counter, even if it's aspirin. I have an early memory, and I...

How to Employ an Individual with Asperger's

When I was an undergrad at Boston University, I took a course in the department of sociology in "medical administration." I was compelled to understand the social context of medical practice, for whatever reason. I remember little of the course itself. There was a very attractive older woman sitting next to me who amused herself by "adopting" me, which she thought gave her a right to criticize my then...

A Few Extra Pounds Might Not Be So Bad

Like many others, I am of the type who has been made to feel less. Less than healthy, less than human; whatever, the kind of feeling that sells diet food and diet plans. When some of the wire services picked up on the latest meta-analysis about obesity and mortality, I had to smile. I've seen and read so many things about how horrible it is to lose weight, how wonderful it is to be thin; and then,...

Teens and Inhalant Addiction and — K2 Spice?

The first time I heard about using empty whipped cream dispensers to get "high" was a long time ago. I was living at my parents' house after I had finished medical school in France. I had done my thesis as quickly as possible, in the fall. My residency was projected to start July first. I promised my parents I would do what I could to earn my keep. I sold kitchen cabinet fronts over the telephone,...