You Asked -- and Dr. Gabe Delivered!

"Extra" Lifechanger and youth and family psychologist Dr. Gabe Crenshaw was a hot topic on Extratv.com after this segment aired. We received dozens of video comments overnight and hundreds of text comments -- and now, Dr. Gabe has taken to the web to answer your questions!

Dr. Crenshaw,
What causes schizophrenia and what is the treatment?
- Terry

DR. GABE'S ANSWER:
Terry, one of the leading causes of schizophrenia is too much dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the "feel good" neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) responsible for getting you excited and pleasantly worked-up. But too much of a good thing is no good, sometimes. So, some doctors use antipsychotics and neuroleptic medication to treat some schizophrenic patients.

-Best-
-Dr. Crenshaw-

Dr. Gabe:
I really hate to admit this, but, my boyfriend still supports his 31 year son to the tune of about $1400.00/month. His son can't keep a job (doesn't even really try), and he has 6 children who he doesn't support and has issues with drugs and the law.My boyfriend and I have been to 3 different psychologist over the past 5 years that we have been together. All the counselors offer ways/plans for him and his son, but, my boyfriend doesn't seem to even want to stop what he calls "helping" his son. Can you offer any suggestions? Thanks.
- Angela

DR. GABE'S ANSWER:
Angela, it seems you have some concerns about this father/son arrangement; but it appears your fiancée doesn't have any issues with it. If neither of the men has a problem with their arrangement, then no amount of therapy in the world will "fix" what isn't "broken."
-Best--Dr. Gabe-

Dr. Crenshaw
I had a accident at a hospital and I was stuck with a bloody needle the needle was mixed up in something that i was picking up and now I feel like I can't function in different areas in my life because I might contract a disease in the future is this a psychological problem that I'm having could that accident be the reason why I feel like I can't function in certain areas

- Nissan

DR. GABE'S ANSWER:
Nissan, there is research that suggest that people who go through a traumatic experience can sometime relive the trauma in some form. We call it Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.
When the memory (hippocampus) of the event and the emotion(s) (amygdala) it conjured up come together, one can possibly experience some anxiety and tense moments. Consult with your primary care provider and have him/her make an appropriate recommendation for your specific needs.

-Best-
-Dr. Gabe-

Dear Dr. Gabe,
My fiance and I have been together for 7 years. We have been engaged for two. When we started dating I wanted to get married, now I am not so sure. I want us to remain in our committed relationship. I just do not want to get married. How do I tell him this?

Lojia
LA, Cali

DR. GABE'S ANSWER:
Lojia, consider the possibility of simply being open and honest with your fiancé. It seems as if you've been honest with yourself and the sky didn't fall. Maybe it might work with your fiancé, too. Some research suggests making a list of the pro's and con's of your situation or just "sleeping on it" can possibly provide some clarity.

-Best-
-Dr. Gabe-

Hey Dr. Gabe --
I am a Latin. How do I blend my Latin culture with the American culture without loosing my natural heritage?
East Los Angeles

- Nubia

DR. GABE'S ANSWER:
Multicultural experts suggests that any culture can be maintained through the honoring and celebration of its traditional holidays, foods, dances, and of course, languages of the cultural/ethnic communities. You may even extend elements of your traditions to outside cultures as a way of educating them on the rich heritage. In this way, you blend both worlds without feeling like you've lost your natural heritage.

-Best-
-Dr. Gabe-