MEDICAL REVIEWER

Kristen Fuller MD

Licensing & Certifications:

Medical Doctor
Physician

Professional Background

Kristen Fuller, M.D., is a physician who is well-versed in many areas of primary care clinical practice including adult outpatient medicine, OB/GYN, adolescent medicine, and inpatient medicine. Dr. Fuller realized the importance of mental health and substance use disorder treatment during her clinical rotations while in school. She’s been passionate about breaking down the stigma around mental health and normalizing mental and behavioral healthcare ever since.

Dr. Fuller writes and medically reviews content about mental health issues, eating disorders, and SUD medicine. She writes for online publications, magazines, textbooks, and journals. Her passion lies in educating the public, reducing the stigma associated with mental health, and sharing the importance of finding your own happiness. Her work can be found on ChoosingTherapy.com, Psychology Today, VeryWell Mind, CNN Health, Time Magazine and more.

She is also an outdoor activist, an avid photographer, and is the founder of an outdoor women’s blog titled, GoldenStateofMinds. Dr. Fuller spends her free time hiking, backpacking, skiing, camping, and paddle boarding with her dog in the Eastern Sierras, where she calls home.

Education

Family Medicine Residency – University of Tennessee
MD – Saba University School of Medicine
BS – UC Santa Barbara

Area of Focus

Substance Use Disorders
Mood Disorders
Eating Disorders
Reducing Stigma Associated with Mental Health

Eating Disorders: Signs & Symptoms

Eating disorder symptoms can vary in frequency and intensity, but they tend to revolve around themes of control and perfectionism. Many people with eating disorders struggle with low self-esteem, and are highly preoccupied with food and how their body looks. They often have difficulty with undereating or overeating, and may engage in compensatory behaviors to control their caloric intake.

July 7, 2020

Anxiety & Eating Disorders: Understanding the Connection

Individuals with eating disorders experience anxiety surrounding food, and individuals with anxiety may develop an eating disorder as a way to cope.

July 7, 2020

Signs of a Relapse: How to Track the Stages of Relapse

10 Relapse Signs & Symptoms to Be Aware Of

Imminent or ongoing relapse signs and symptoms depend on the individual and the substance or behavior. Relapses occur in emotional, mental, and physical stages, each with varying symptoms. However, common warning signs of relapse include increased cravings or urges, withdrawal symptoms, changes in mood or behavior, social isolation, and denying or rationalizing substance use.

July 7, 2020

Alcohol Use Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a brain disease resulting from chronic alcohol misuse. Individuals with AUD cannot stop drinking despite attempts or knowledge of possible consequences. Alcohol abuse may lead to health problems, withdrawal symptoms, or even death in cases of overdose or alcohol poisoning. However, various treatments are available to help those with AUD sustain recovery efforts.

July 7, 2020