Posts

In the ICD-11, gaming disorder is defined as impaired control over gaming with adverse effects on daily functioning, as evident for at least 12 months. According to the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), which is used in the US, internet gaming addiction would be the closest equivalent to the ICD-11’s condition. Costs and Benefits of “Addiction” Licensed clinical psychologist and co-founder and director of the Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness, Suraji Wagage, PhD, JD, notes there are costs and benefits to defining extreme behaviors as an “addiction....

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology has found that 10 minutes of mindfulness meditation and 10 minutes of physical activity can help improve emotional wellbeing and cognitive function. “The findings within this study are potentially life-changing for millions of families,” says Matt Shenker, MEd, licensed professional counseling resident with Thriveworks in Hanover, Virginia. Let’s take a look at the latest findings on meditation and exercise for ADHD, along with how these tools might fit into a child’s ADHD treatment plan....

Experts have long debated the scientific validity of triskaidekaphobia. Some feel that it should be classified as superstition or even taken as a sign of magical thinking, which in conjunction with other symptoms, could point to a delusional disorder. Origins Regardless of its scientific classification, triskaidekaphobia is an age-old and pervasive fear. It is commonly linked to the early Christians, as the number 13 appears in certain Biblical traditions. For example, there were 13 people present at the Last Supper, Jesus and his 12 Apostles....

Definition There is no official phobia name for the fear of haunted houses. That said, some people have coined names which resemble the true names of other phobias. For example, you may hear the unofficial term “hauntophobia.” While many people develop this fear when they are young, most people outgrow it with time. What happens if you don’t? Fear vs. Phobia Most of us get a little frightened by a horror movie or even visiting a haunted house exhibit for Halloween....

So how do you get started in forensic psychology? What topics do you need to study in school, how do you find a job in the field, and what do forensic psychologists do? Let’s start first by answering the most basic question of all: What Is Forensic Psychology? Division 41 of the American Psychological Association, known as the Executive Committee for the American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS), formally defines forensic psychology as: “…professional practice by any psychologist working within any sub-discipline of psychology (e....

In layman’s terms, hallucinations involve hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling, or even tasting things that are not real. Auditory hallucinations, which involve hearing voices or other sounds that have no physical source, are the most common type. Hallucinations occur frequently in people with psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, however, you don’t necessarily need to have a mental illness to experience hallucinations. No matter what is causing hallucinations, they should be taken seriously....

Below are five brain imaging studies that have advanced our knowledge of social anxiety disorder (SAD). That could all change, with research investigating the usefulness of “neuromarkers” in predicting which patients will respond better to certain types of treatments. These areas of the brain are identified during scans known as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In a 2013 study led by John D. Gabrieli out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), it was found that among 39 patients with SAD who received 12 weeks of CBT, those who more strongly reacted to angry faces (based on looking at their brain scans) showed better improvement....

For many who are estranged, this disconnect means leaning on members of their chosen family, a group of self-selected people (often friends) who fill those more familial roles. A 2020 study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that chosen family dynamics have a significant impact on the healthcare experiences of queer and transgender adults. The authors found that this was an area where more education and research can and should be done so that practitioners can better understand chosen family connections....

Valentine’s Day is putting these issues into even sharper focus for many people. To understand how people are approaching the season of romance this year, Verywell Mind surveyed more than 1,200 readers about dating and cohabitating during the pandemic. The results showed that nearly two-thirds of respondents weren’t sure if they were celebrating Valentine’s Day this year or already decided to skip it. They also had plenty of other strong feelings about how the pandemic has impacted their relationships....

There’s always pressure in the job hunting and application process, but this year is shaping up to be particularly stressful following two years in a pandemic where opportunities were scarce and the thought of putting yourself out there is more daunting than ever. Those who support the mental health of teens and young adults are also impacted by these job hunting stressors, especially as the COVID panic wanes all too slowly....

Stimulants become effective fairly quickly, often in less than an hour. Non-stimulants can take days or weeks until their full therapeutic effect is felt. Stimulant Medications Stimulant medications are the first line of ADHD treatment, as they are considered to be the most effective in treating symptoms. They act on the central nervous system and increase a number of neurotransmitters in the brain. The increase of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine improves focus and concentration while reducing hyperactivity and impulsive behavior....

Some common MAOIs include: Emsam (selegiline) Marplan (isocarboxazid)Nardil (phenelzine)Parnate (tranylcypromine) Emsam is a transdermal (skin) patch that’s applied once a day. This mode of administration may be less likely to cause the dietary complications associated with an oral route of administration. How MAOIs Work The brain contains numerous different types of chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that act as communication agents between different brain cells. These chemical messengers are molecular substances that can affect mood, appetite, anxiety, sleep, heart rate, temperature, aggression, fear, and many other psychological and physical functions....

Learning more about what they do and the type of training they need can help you better decide if this is a career that might be right for you. Other considerations, including how to find a job in this field and how much you can expect to make with your degree and certification, are also important. What Does a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Do? A BCBA works with people to solve behavior-related issues....

Many may associate Standing Rock with the #NoDAPL movement that gained momentum in 2016 to address the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline, but that is only one example of the settler colonialist violence that has threatened Native American communities for centuries. For Indigenous communities across Turtle Island (the Indigenous name for the American continent), settler colonialism includes such legislation as the Indian Civilization Act Fund of 1819 and the Peace Policy of 1869, which implemented cultural genocide through boarding schools, and undeniably negatively impacts mental health....

What Are Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors? Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are one class of antidepressant medications. Some of the most common SNRIs include Effexor (venlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine). These antidepressants are frequently prescribed to treat mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder and depression in bipolar disorder. SNRIs have also been found to safely and successfully treat anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)....

Some people offer affection through touch, while others say nice things, write sweet notes, or plan quality time with their loved ones. Affectionate touch is important for the well-being of children and adults alike. If you struggle to give affection, it can be challenging to know what to do to become more affectionate. But it’s worth the effort: In as much as a lack of affection leads to sadness and loneliness, more affection makes us happier people who are more resilient to stress....

Despite the hurdles crossed to find a therapist, it isn’t uncommon to realize you may not be working with the right provider for you. Sometimes this realization occurs after a few sessions. Other times you may wonder if it is time to switch things up after a couple of years. Regardless of when this thought comes to mind, it is completely OK to change your therapist. Read on to learn about reasons to get a new therapist, how to change your therapist, and how to navigate the process of starting over with a new provider....

Before making major changes, try some minor adjustments. They may help you enjoy your work and give you food for thought on whether major changes are truly necessary. Be Clear About Job Requirements It’s nearly impossible to do a good enough job at your work if you don’t know what the requirements are. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s difficult to know all of the requirements at a job when those in charge are poor communicators....