Intown Atlanta Psychiatry

06/02/2026

Perimenopause, Anxiety & Mood: Why So Many Women Feel “Off”
Many women expect hot flashes during perimenopause—but are caught off guard by something else entirely:
Anxiety. Irritability. Mood swings.
A feeling of “I don’t recognize myself.”
Here’s why it happens:
During perimenopause, hormones like estrogen and progesterone don’t just decline—they fluctuate unpredictably. These shifts directly impact brain chemistry, including serotonin and other neurotransmitters that regulate mood and emotional stability. [adecco.com], [zety.com]
The result?
✔ Increased anxiety or worry
✔ Mood swings or emotional sensitivity
✔ Sleep disruption (which worsens everything)
✔ Feeling more reactive than usual
And for many women, this is the first time they’ve ever experienced these symptoms.
👉 This is not “just stress.”
👉 And it’s not “in your head.”
It’s a real, biological transition that affects the brain—and it’s also very treatable.
The most important step is understanding what’s happening so you can approach it with the right support, not self-blame.

✨ You’re not losing yourself—you’re navigating a shift that deserves attention, care, and the right treatment approach.

Elizabeth L. Robinson, MSN, PMHNP, FNP-C
Founder, Intown Atlanta Psychiatry
Integrative Psychiatry | Women’s Hormonal Mental Health

09/03/2025

⚠️ Methylene Blue + Antidepressants: A Risky Mix You Should Know About

In the world of biohacking and alternative therapies, methylene blue has gained attention for its potential cognitive and mitochondrial benefits. But before you jump on the bandwagon, there's a serious safety concern that anyone taking antidepressants needs to understand.

🚨 The Hidden Danger: Serotonin Syndrome
Methylene blue isn’t just a harmless dye—it has monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) properties. That means it can interfere with how your brain processes serotonin, especially when combined with SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, or other serotonergic medications. The result? A potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome1.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:

Agitation or restlessness

Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure

Muscle rigidity or twitching

Confusion, hallucinations

Fever and seizures in severe cases

Even a single dose of methylene blue can trigger this reaction if you're on antidepressants.

🧠 Why the Interaction Happens
Antidepressants like fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine increase serotonin levels. Methylene blue, by inhibiting MAO-A, prevents the breakdown of serotonin. Together, they can cause dangerously high serotonin levels in the brain.

❌ Who Should Avoid Methylene Blue
Anyone taking SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, or MAOIs

People with G6PD deficiency

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals

✅ What You Can Do
If you're considering methylene blue for cognitive enhancement or other uses:

Talk to your doctor first

Wait at least 2 weeks after stopping serotonergic medications before using methylene blue

Never self-medicate with supplements that affect neurotransmitters

Methylene blue may have exciting potential, but mixing it with antidepressants is a gamble you don’t want to take. Your brain—and your life—deserve better odds.

08/08/2025

For those parents whose kids are moving away from home for the first time, I know how you feel. My son is leaving today. I wrote this last night when I was in all my feelings. I wanted to share it and offer comfort to some of you who might be feeling the same way.

My Boy Leaves
It's the last night before we move you into your dorm
You had to work so we couldn't eat our last meal around the table
The table where we have done homework, had so many discussions, played games, and cried about serious things
You come home after work and we go over the packing list. Everything you will need to start your new life without us
I pack your extra pillowcases because you might need them
I think about all the times I delicately tucked you in and sang you the Batman song that you loved so much- changing the lyrics every time and put a dollar under that pillow when you lost a tooth
You take a shower and I hug you before you go- holding on extra tight
Soap, we must pack it for the dorm. Will you have what you need?
I'm tired from the day as I hear you pad by my door one last time. I want to open it and ask you to stay-
Can we go back in time to all the little moments that I thought would never end?
I will pass by your door as I go to the laundry room and sit on your bed and look around your room of glasses half full on your bed frame and candy wrappers barely in the trash can- all the things that drove me crazy- only to be here looking around at a room, just a room. Empty without you.
I want to go back and read that extra chapter with you, even though I felt dog tired and cranky, I want to be back in that moment, cuddling with you in your cramped toddler bed, smelling your sweet head, and hearing you giggle and point at something silly in the book.
You will leave some CDs and I will listen to them as your fan whirs in the corner and I will look at your dusty desk with the calendar still on October 2022 and know there is a purpose to all this grief. You are becoming the person you need to be and I am happy for you-
This is what happens in life
So, I will pack the rest of your things and fill my spirit with yours, dear one.

07/30/2025

Dealing with Perimenopause and/or menopause symptoms. Come to my groups starting in September and we will have an educated discussion.
Group dates for 2025: September 8th from 7pm to 8:30pm, December 8th from 7pm to 8:30pm
Group dates for 2026: January 5th from 7pm to 8:30pm, March 9th from 7pm to 8:30pm, June 8th from 7pm to 8:30pm, and October 5th from 7pm-8:30pm

Topics for Groups:

September- Introduction to Perimenopause- understanding the science behind the chaos
December- Mood swings and anxiety flares due to hormonal changes
January- Sleep disruptions and hot flashes-
March- Sexual dysfunction in Perimenopause
June- Why do I look like this? Metabolic changes associated with Menopause
October- Hormonal Replacement Therapy- discussing treatment options

Meet at The Ormewood Church- 1071 Delaware Avenue SE, Atlanta, GA 30316

07/07/2025

Imagine waking up without the fog of anxiety or mood swings. It’s possible. 🌞
Whether you’re navigating postpartum changes, high-pressure careers, or just feel “off,” you’re not alone. Intown Atlanta Psychiatry offers expert psychiatric evaluations and medication management to uncover what’s really going on — and how to treat it.
We’re proud to serve the Atlanta community with care that’s compassionate, discreet, and grounded in evidence.
📍 Located in Atlanta, GA
🌐 Visit www.iapwellness.com to schedule

06/24/2025

You are not too emotional. Your brain might just need support. 🧬
Hormonal imbalances, anxiety, and mood disorders are more than a phase — they’re medical, and treatable. At Intown Atlanta Psychiatry, we help working professionals, moms, and adults in the Atlanta area take back control with expert psychiatric evaluations and evidence-based medication management.
Our team is here to listen — and to act. With compassion. With science. With solutions.
🌟 You don’t have to feel this way forever.
Take the first step today → www.iapwellness.com

06/18/2025

Is it stress… or something more? Take this 5-second quiz:
• Trouble concentrating?
• Mood swings out of nowhere?
• Anxiety at work or at home?
• Feeling “off” no matter how much you rest?
If you said yes to 2 or more — it might be time for a deeper look. At Intown Atlanta Psychiatry, we provide comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults and new moms struggling with mood disorders, depression, or hormonal shifts.
✨ Located in the heart of Atlanta, we offer real answers — and real relief.
📅 Book your first appointment at www.iapwellness.com

06/12/2025

Ever feel like your emotions are on a rollercoaster you didn’t buy a ticket for? 🎢

Hormonal mood swings, anxiety that won’t quit, and lingering depression aren’t “just stress” — they’re signs your brain chemistry might need support. At Intown Atlanta Psychiatry, we specialize in psychiatric evaluations and personalized medication management to help bring clarity back to your mind.

Serving Atlanta adults, working professionals, and new moms, our compassionate team helps you get answers — not judgment.

🧠 You don’t have to keep guessing. We’re here to help you feel like yourself again.

👉 Start your journey today at www.iapwellness.com

  77 Welcome to IAP Wellness 108 At IAP Wellness our goal is to provide holistic and integrative care to patients with psychiatric needs. We strive to help patients identify the “root” causes of their symptoms and guide them in improving their current state of functioning.

11/03/2023

It's Friday! During the week, it is easier for us to stick to our nutritional and fitness goals, but then turn around and sabotage it on the weekend. Many of us have a "weekend warrior" approach to living, which can include overindulging on sugar and alcohol. This is especially true due to being more social and hanging out with friends on weekends. This can put your body into a tougher cycle of detox as you age. Its okay to overindulge once in a while, but remember as we go into this weekend that taking a weekend break and sticking to your goals can lead to a better Monday.

10/27/2023

Finally completed my nutritional psychiatry program! I’m excited to incorporate this into helping my patients.