Dr. Wilson Edwards, MD

Dr. Wilson Edwards, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. He practices at his clinic in Panama City, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Edwards is committed to a preventative approach to mental healthcare, recognizing that early intervention and proactive management are key to long-term well-being.

General Psychiatrists are your primary partners in preventive mental healthcare, diagnosing and managing mental health disorders through medication and therapy, preventing relapse through proactive long-term care plans, coordinating crucial screenings, and fostering overall wellness to empower your journey to lasting mental health. Dr. Edwards serves individuals of all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. He completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions and further specialized through fellowship training at the University of Florida (1994). His approach to care is collaborative, evidence-based, and supportive, empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Wilson Edwards provides consultations primarily in English and can be reached at (850) 250-3360 to schedule.

Dr. Wilson Edwards, MD is a psychiatrist in Panama City, FL. He is accepting new patients.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Wilson Edwards is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Wilson Edwards can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Wilson Edwards provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Schizophrenia: Early detection and treatment of schizophrenia are crucial for preventing long-term disability and improving quality of life.
• Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: Addressing nondependent marijuana abuse early can prevent it from escalating into a more serious substance use disorder, protecting your long-term mental and physical health.
• Autism: Preventative strategies, like early developmental screenings, help identify autism early, enabling access to essential support services and reducing long-term difficulties.
• Conduct and Other Emotional Adolescent Disorders: Preventive mental health care for adolescents with conduct and emotional disorders focuses on identifying risk factors and implementing strategies to build resilience and improve coping mechanisms, thus preventing future crises.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Because schizoaffective disorder can lead to significant challenges in daily functioning, early intervention and ongoing care are vital for preventing complications and promoting recovery.
• Nondependent Opioid Abuse: Addressing nondependent opioid abuse early on can help prevent escalation to addiction and other severe health complications, underscoring the crucial role of timely intervention in preventing a downward spiral.
• Suicidal Ideation: Preventing suicide requires recognizing and addressing suicidal ideation promptly; seeking professional help is vital for developing a safety plan and managing underlying mental health conditions.
• Conversion Disorder: Managing conversion disorder effectively involves proactive identification of the emotional triggers and implementing coping strategies to prevent relapses and enhance overall mental well-being.
• Nondependent Antidepressant Abuse: To maintain mental health stability and prevent setbacks, it's crucial to take antidepressants as prescribed and discuss any concerns about medication use with your doctor immediately.
• Borderline Personality Disorder: Consistent engagement with mental health professionals is crucial for preventing complications associated with borderline personality disorder, such as substance abuse or suicidal thoughts.
• Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Early detection and treatment of psychosis, often linked to other mental illnesses, are crucial to prevent debilitating complications and improve long-term well-being.
• Conduct Disorder: Addressing conduct disorder early on can help prevent the development of more severe mental health issues and substance abuse later in life.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Wilson Edwards offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Enhance your mental health care plan by proactively addressing potential substance use concerns; screening and counseling can be a valuable tool for early intervention.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Schedule a screening to assess your risk for depression and dementia—early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.
• Medication Management: Medication management involves carefully monitoring your medication's effectiveness and adjusting your treatment plan as needed to maintain stability and prevent future crises.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Proactively manage your mental health journey with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a critical tool for early detection and effective management of mental health conditions.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Psychiatric medication therapy helps you find the right medication to manage your mental health condition and prevent future episodes.
• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation is a proactive measure to detect early signs of mental health challenges, enabling prompt intervention and reducing the risk of worsening symptoms.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Before bariatric surgery, a psychological evaluation helps identify any mental health conditions that could affect your recovery and ensures you're well-supported throughout the process.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Psychiatrists in Florida.

Dr. Wilson Edwards is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By diligently engaging in early intervention strategies, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing schizophrenia, fostering a sense of hope and proactive well-being. This proactive approach allowed the patient to confidently pursue personal goals and maintain a positive outlook on the future.
• By openly discussing their marijuana use and developing a personalized plan, a young adult successfully managed their recreational marijuana use, preventing escalation to a more serious substance use disorder and prioritizing their well-being.
• By attending early developmental screenings, a family gained valuable insights into their child's development, allowing them to access crucial support services early and proactively manage potential challenges. This proactive approach fostered a sense of peace and empowered them to focus on their child's well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Psychiatric care with Dr. Wilson Edwards:

What is a Psychiatrist, and how are they different from a Psychologist?

Dr. Edwards is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. Psychiatrists, unlike psychologists, are uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists have advanced degrees in psychotherapy and testing, but are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Wilson Edwards?

Your first visit with Dr. Edwards will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, current symptoms, and life circumstances to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This is the first step in developing a holistic treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, or both.

Do I have to take medication if I see a psychiatrist?

Dr. Wilson Edwards will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it is the most effective tool for preventing symptoms from worsening and improving quality of life.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that does not involve medication. It uses magnetic pulses to gently stimulate nerve cells in the brain that are underactive in depression, offering a safe and effective option for preventing symptoms in those who haven't found relief with antidepressants.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. Edwards's diagnostic process for adult ADHD goes beyond a simple checklist. It involves a detailed interview about lifelong symptoms, a review of school and work history, and the use of standardized rating scales. This comprehensive evaluation ensures an accurate diagnosis, which is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan to prevent potential life impairments.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Edwards's practice uses a two-pronged approach. Daily preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed for acute episodes as needed.

What is the role of a psychiatrist in treating eating disorders?

Dr. Wilson Edwards, as the medical leader of the treatment team, will monitor your physical health, manage any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression with medication, and work closely with therapists and dietitians to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

How does Dr. Wilson Edwards manage medication side effects?

Dr. Edwards takes a proactive and careful approach to managing medication side effects. His goal is to find the medication with the most benefit and fewest side effects. He will start with low doses, monitor you closely, and is an expert at adjusting dosages or changing medications to find the best fit for you.

1607 Lisenby Ave Ste D
Panama City FL 32405
Phone: (850) 250-3360

Dr. Wilson Edwards, 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): 1588692446

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Psychiatrists like Dr. Wilson Edwards are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your psychiatrist about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.