Locations
Office
Las Vegas, NV
About
Bio
I graduated medical school from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed my psychiatry residency at The Ohio State University Medical Center. I currently live in Las Vegas, NV. I have worked in private practice, inpatient and for the state. I now enjoy working at a community mental health center where I treat the severe mentally ill.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
psychiatry
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
394 Answers
106 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Medication: During inpatient hospitalizations medication can also be titrated quicker compared to the outpatient setting, since you are under 24 hour supervision.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Natural treatment: Alternative treatments for depression include exercise, eating a healthy diet, therapy, herbal supplements ( i.e. 5 htp, same and st john's wort), jou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Support: When a loved one has an illness, it is best to be a good support system for them - but not in a smothering way. You may also want to educate yourself... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Support: When a loved one has an illness, it is best to be a good support system for them - but not in a smothering way. You may also want to educate yourself... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
No "best" drug: There is no "best" medication for anxiety. People respond differently to medication. You have to find the one that works for you as they can have side... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Depression symptoms: Symptoms of depression include:a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, difficulty concentrating, change in sleep and/or appetite, fatigue,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Depression symptoms: Symptoms of depression include : a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, difficulty concentrating, change in sleep and/or appetite, fatigu... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Yes: People with depression can have different appetite changes.I have seen those that have lost weight and others who gain weight.Some people who eat more... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Mental health sevice: I was able to do a search and found these two mental health centers that offer a sliding scale.
http://www.miamibeachhealth.org/
douglas gardens... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Possibly: If you already have an upcoming appointment with your obgyn, i would go ahead and mention it to him/her. Some obgyn's are comfortable in providing so... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Multiple: There are multiple types of depression including major depression, psychotic, seasonal, bipolar depression, dysthymia, post partum, adjustment and aty... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Yes- multiple causes: Causes of depression and anxiety can be multifactorial such as : having a positive family history , brain chemistry changes, medical illnesses (i.E th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Yes: It is called bipolar depression. The symptoms are consistent with those of clinical depression, however there is a history of a manic episode.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Yes: For bipolar disorder, children who have one parent with the illness have a 15% risk of developing the disorder. Those who have two parents with bipola... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Varies: Xanax (alprazolam) withdrawal can depend on the dose, how long you were taking it, the rate of discontinuing it and the individual. For some people wi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Not usually: Depending on the type of schizophrenia one can have disorganized thoughts, delusions, halluciantions and cognitive symptoms (difficulty with memory an... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
A Chance: Children with a parent or sibling who has bipolar disorder are four to six times more likely to develop the illness compared to children who do not.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Possible: It is usually more common to have frequent episodes, but it is not impossible. Bipolar individuals on average have 4-7 episodes per 10 years. These ep... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Natural treatment: Alternative treatments for depression include exercise, eating a healthy diet, therapy, herbal supplements ( i.e. 5 htp, same and st john's wort), jou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Can be: A change in sleep and appetite can be signs of depression. Other symptoms include:a loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy, difficulty conce... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Early signs : Onset of schizophrenia is usually in late adolescence to early adulthood. Sometimes the onset can be rapid or gradual. Early signs can be social isol... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Support: It is difficult when a loved one has an illness. Support and encourage her to get treatment. Also educate yourself about the illness. There are suppor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Is possible: High levels of anxiety or stress that go untreated can put one at a greater risk of heart disease or heart attacks.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Yes: Limiting caffeine (and sugar) can help with depression. Both can make you feel good for an hour or so after you consume them but later you will have ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Yes: If both are untreated, they can cause nausea. It can be a vicious cycle. The constant worrying can cause worsening of the gerd and then more worrying ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Risk: The risk of developing schizophrenia from one parent with the illness is about 6.5%. The risk for the general population is 1%. There seems to be many... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Seroquel (quetiapine) XR: Seroquel (quetiapine) xr can work well for schizophrenia, bipolar, bipolar depression and adjunctive depression treatment. It can cause sedation so it... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Be supportive: Going through Paxil (paroxetine) withdrawal can be very difficult. Depending on the dose the person is taking, it may take several weeks to taper one ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.3k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Options: Natural treatment for anxiety include cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise, healthy diet (limiting caffeine and sugar), support groups and journalin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Get evaluated: You need to get evaluated by a doctor and just be honest. Let them know that you think you may have depression.They will do the rest. They will likely... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
No cure: There is no cure for depression or bipolar disorder. The most we can do is manage the symptoms. For bipolar disorder, medication is best. With depres... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Get treatment: If you haven't already, you need to get evaluated by a doctor. Let them know that you think you may have depression. They will do the rest. They will ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
B, D and omega 3: There are a few vitamin deficiencies that have been linked to depression : b vitamins and vitamin d. Supplements such as omega 3 fatty acids may also ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Possibly: It depends on the severity of the depression. If your depression is severely affecting your ability to function at home/work, a combination of therapy... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Yes: People with schizophrenia can have positive symptoms with or without the negative symptoms.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Natural treatment: Alternative treatments for depression include exercise, eating a healthy diet, therapy, herbal supplements ( i.e. 5 htp, same and st john's wort), jou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Supportive: Be supportive and educate yourself about depression. Nami is a good support and educational resource for mental illness. They may be able to help find... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Depends on the drug: It depends on the drug as to the main areas of the body affected. In general, drugs have a toxic effect on the body. One can get brain damage, liver ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
?: Good question. I would say there is a stigma toward mental illness in general and not just schizophrenia. Lack of education, i feel plays a role. When... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Brain changes: In schizophrenia there are multiple areas affected in the brain such as marked reductions in gray matter, decreased brain volume and activity in patie... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Natural treatment: Alternative treatments for depression include exercise, eating a healthy diet, therapy, herbal supplements ( i.e. 5 htp, same and st john's wort), jou... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental illness. Symptoms can vary depending on the type of schizophrenia. Some may hear voices, believe others... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Docs can you explain what is a chance bipolar disorder passing down the family in fourth generation?
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
A chance: It is difficult to determine a % risk of a 4th generation and without knowing your history. What I do know is a child who has one bipolar parent has a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Multiple causes: Causes include : family history of depression, medical illnesses (i.E hypothyroidism), neurochemical imbalance, side effects from medications, major l... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Varies: It varies from person to person, whether one gets treatment and the type of depression. Some people may have depression for years if left untreated. ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Differences: Narcissists have a pattern of grandiosity, a need for admiration and a lack of empathy. They are often arrogant, think that they are important, exagg... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Breathing exercises: Breathing exercises can be helpful if having a panic attack. If you have panic disorder, cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise and eating a healthy d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Get evaluated: You need to get evaluated by a doctor and just be honest. Let them know that you think you may have depression.They will do the rest. They will likely... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Differences: We are all made differently, cope with stress differently and all walk different paths in life (some more difficult than others): there are many caus... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Leslie Howellanswered
psychiatry 22 years experience
Varies: The length of time it takes to diagnose an illness can vary from person to person. Some patients will present with very clear-cut symptoms while for o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
6
Recommendations
343
Thank you notes
Aug 19, 2013
Dr. Howell's answers are thorough, caring, and informative. She provides a wonderful public service through her activities on HealthTap, and I recommend her.
Sep 28, 2013
Good general medical fund of knowledge in addition to psychiatric expertise.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Howell is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thank you, I have thought about getting help but I feel like people are going to think I'm crazy or something. Thank you for your advice
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! Thank you for this helpful information.. I am currently suffering from depression and anxiety.. I still feel I need a boost of vitamins..
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Thanks I understand what you're saying my mom tells me the same thing I just find it so hard to do it's frustrating!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, OH
Graduated 2001MD
Residency
The Ohio State University Medical Center
Awards
Top Psychiatrist , First Place, Nevada - Winter
2013
Top Psychiatrist , First Place, Nevada - Summer
2013
Top Psychiatrist, First Place, Nevada - Spring
2014
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
Answer emailed
in 24 hours or less