Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder that is characterized by its mood swings. A person with bipolar disorder will experience alternating “highs” (periods of mania) and “lows” (periods of depression). The highs and lows can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks or even months, depending on the person and the situation. While there is no cure, the ...
The power of denial is very strong. This is especially true when it comes to those addicted to alcohol or drugs. An addict can come up with a million excuses for why they use, and some of them sound real enough for them to believe it themselves. Unfortunately, you can’t force a person to start treatment or call a counseling center ...
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From smoking during pregnancy to additives lurking on food, there is quite a bit of speculation about what causes ADHD—but no one knows of a sure cause. All we can do is treat ADHD through proper diagnosis, sessions with a mental health therapist and medication, if necessary. But recently, scientists at Trinity College Dublin discovered that a mutation in a single ...
Continue Reading →There are plenty of arrogant people in the world, but having an inflated sense of self worth does not make someone a narcissist. A selfish person puts their own needs and desires first without taking others into consideration. But narcissists cut others off, become emotionally isolated and lose all ability to feel empathy for others. While narcissism typically results from a traumatic event, it can still be difficult to understand.
Some symptoms of narcissism include:
The beginning of a new year means fresh starts and focusing on our goals. And while it’s true that making resolutions can be stressful and lead to disappointment, setting realistic short-term and long-term goals can be very beneficial. Whether or not you’re in treatment at a counseling center, making mental health resolutions is just as important as setting goals ...
As this year’s football season draws closer to its end, professional players will get a chance to rest and recuperate for awhile. Unfortunately, they may not be the same as they were when the season started. A new study shows that repeated blows to the head during a season of contact sports may cause changes in the brain’s white ...
We are always advised to “pay it forward,” meaning commit random acts of kindness for strangers and friends. Not only does a random act of kindness make the recipient feel happy and grateful, but it has been said to make the givers feel better about themselves, too. The holiday season is a time when people are especially encouraged to pay it forward ...
Continue Reading →It is a well-known fact that the earlier a child is diagnosed with autism, the sooner they can get autism treatment that can lead to a fairly normal life. However, autism can be difficult to diagnose before a baby is one or two years old due to the lack of signs. But now, some U.S. researchers are claiming that a sign of autism may be present in the first months of life: a steady decline in attention to other ...
Continue Reading →The most wonderful time of the year can certainly wreak havoc on our mental health if we’re not careful. In addition to the short-term depression known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), the winter holidays can bring on bouts of sadness and despair. Part of what causes holiday depression is the stress and anxiety present this time of year. Overeating, drinking too much alcohol and not exercising enough can also contribute.
The demands of the holiday season are many. We’re expected to ...
Continue Reading →An innovative method of treating people on the autism spectrum is currently being studied, and it shows a lot of promise. The autism treatment, developed by Dr. Laurence Sugarman, will attempt to turn autistic children’s symptoms into strengths, leading to a productive adulthood and better quality of life. This method teaches affected children how to control their psychophysiology and behavior using computerized biofeedback and clinical hypnosis.
Dr. Sugarman developed his method in response to the recent increase in autism spectrum ...
Continue Reading →Beginning later this week with Thanksgiving and continuing through New Year’s Day, sticking to a strict family schedule may be impossible. With all of the parties, events, visitors, gifts and food, the holidays can be a stressful time for children with ADHD and their parents. Here are some mental health therapist approved tips for helping your ADHD child thrive this holiday season:
1. Set aside time before holiday visits begin to talk to your child about your expectations. They can ...
Continue Reading →It may have seemed like a dream come true gaining an extra hour of sleep over the weekend. But academic research shows that losing an hour of daylight can be linked to negative effects on both the mind and body. The change in time can lead to disturbed sleep patterns, seasonal depression and obesity. Those who are already prone to depression are encouraged to contact their Orange County psychiatrist.
Even when the clocks change by only an hour, circadian misalignment ...
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