Helping Psychology Posts - October 2009

Addiction: Effective Treatment Methods

12-step programs, medication and therapy are the roads most traveled in the fight to treat addiction to drugs and alcohol. Addiction in general is a hard vice to beat, but doctors are learning that a combination of therapies allows for greater results in reducing symptoms. The discovery that there is a difference between chemical dependency, which is a physical symptom caused by the drug itself, and addiction, which is a compulsive disorder, is key to successfully breaking the cycle. To learn more about treating addiction, click here.

Panic Disorder: Controlling Fight or Flight

The flight-or-fight instinct is a vital part of the human psyche, allowing for self-preservation through awareness of our surroundings. It’s when this integral part of our subconscious goes haywire that life becomes an unending cycle of panic and anxiety. Controlling the intense need to flee is key to taking control of your fear and drastically improving your quality of life. Viable forms of psychiatric treatment include congnitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy and applied-relaxation therapy. Calm your nerves by clicking here.

Jung's Anima and Animus in the Modern World

Jung’s archetypes of Anima and Animus are gaining momentum in the psychology field as a way to reveal the true inner self of an individual. By examining the dichotomy between male and female roles in society, psychologists are able to use the Anima/Animus concept to promote balance within the mind. The goal of Anima/Animus work is to force patients to leave their comfort zones and confront patterns of thought that ultimately lead to positive self-discovery. Find out more about this school of thought by clicking here.

Compulsive Gambling: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The bright lights, the big bets and the suspense are what draw most people into the enticing world of gambling. However, when thoughts of placing the next bet consume every waking moment, the fun quickly turns turns to addiction. Individuals suffering from a gambling addiction have many options for receiving help such as group therapy, psychotherapy and medication to control the compulsive behavior. Find out the difference between a gaming enthusiast and a compulsive gambler by clicking here.

Psychology Literature: The Essentials

Psychology encompasses a broad spectrum of topics and theories that have developed throughout the centuries. For professionals and psychology students alike, reading is essential to promote higher learning. With a plethora of psychology literature available on the market, sticking with the classics is a great place to start. Find out what you need to read to succeed as a psychologist by clicking here.

Memory: Window to the Unconscious Mind

Unlocking memories past is a viable tool used by psychologists to access the inner-most workings of a person’s mind. Using a method similar to dream interpretation, psychologists analyze both long and short-term memories to uncover patterns of unconscious thought.The link between dreams and waking memories is strong and both can be used to help foster inner growth.What do your memories say about you? Click here to find out more.

Alcohol Use Disorder of Teenagers

Identifying Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in teenagers is a tricky task, as teens are known for exhibiting bad behavior which may mimic signs of a dependency problem. Lack of emotional maturity plays a large role in determining whether a teen is at risk for AUD. Low self-esteem, trouble at home and many other factors also contribute to alcohol abuse in teens. Treatment consists of therapy with a licensed professional and medication in extreme cases. Click here to learn more about Alcohol Use Disorder of teenagers.

Antidepressants: Our New Drug Of Choice?

Studies show that Americans are increasingly suffering from anxiety and depression. Whether fault lies with the economy, society or something else remains to be seen, but researchers are reporting an alarming new trend. Over 27 million Americans may be addicted to anti-depressants according to a survey by the Daily Mirror, with prescription drugs replacing illegal drugs as a primary cause of fatal overdose. The anti-depressant epidemic is sweeping the nation at an astonishing speed, but caregivers continue to hand out prescriptions like candy. Interested in learning more? Click here. 

Psychology Founding Fathers

The study of psychology has been traced back to ancient Greece, Egypt, China and India. Modern psychology, however, dates back only a few centuries. The debate rages on as to who is the true “Father of Psychology.” Several famous names come to mind including Sigmund Freud, Wilhelm Wundt and Ivan Pavlov. Each is renowned for their vital contributions to this comprehensive field. Decide what you think by clicking here.

Understanding Addiction From the Inside Out

Addiction has many sides; emotional, physical and even behavioral, but what accounts for the changes a person undergoes when under the influence of chemical substances? Addiction exacerbates the power that brain chemistry holds over the human body. The brain is composed of neurons and other nerve cells that dictate the body’s primary functions. Chemical dependency changes the way the body functions by flooding the brain with an excess of pleasure-inducing dopamine, thus creating a need that the body must continually fill to survive. Learn more about the science behind addiction by clicking here.

The Psychology of Sleep

Getting quality sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy body and mind. However, many Americans suffer from sleep deprivation. Sleep plays an integral part in treating illnesses such as depression, anxiety and ADHD, because without adequate sleep, the body is unable to process prescription medications as effectively. Learn how to get the sleep you need by clicking here.

Suicide Prevention Focus, Group or Individual

Learning how to work with suicidal patients is covered in the first year of psychology training. However, how much time is truly spent on understanding those with a death wish? The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention recommends an intensive course program aimed at reducing the number of suicides through prevention. Learn the steps to conducting a comprehensive suicide prevention program by clicking here.

Rankism: A Cause for Murder?

Rankism is a fairly new concept introduced by Dr. Robert Fuller, author of All Rise: Somebodies, Nobodies, and the Politics of Dignity. Rankism is another word for discrimination that stems from abuse of power and position in society. Those who suffer such abuse may be driven to commit horrible acts to assuage feelings of resentment. To learn more about the negative effects of rankism, click here.

Perfectionism: Overcoming the Inner Critic

Do you constantly listen to the voice in your head telling you that your life isn’t good enough; that you are not accomplished enough, pretty enough....the list goes on and on. Overcoming the inner critic isn’t easy, but learning to like yourself for who you are is essential to living a happy life. Mistakes made are not always the end of the world. Learn how to gain a new perspective by clicking here.

Mediterranean Diet Shown To Help Prevent Depression

A diet high in monosaturated fats such as olive oil, salmon, legumes and whole grains has been shown to reduce the development of depression in adults. A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry speculates that the abundance of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and other Mediterranean staples may improve central nervous system functions. Find out about the many benefits of a Mediterranean diet by clicking here.

Using Dream Therapy to Treat Patients

Do you suffer from recurring nightmares or have trouble sleeping throughout the night? Talking to your psychologist about undergoing dream analysis may be the key to understanding your thought process, especially your subconscious. The interpretation of dreams has been linked to ancient times and is used today to assist patients deal with underlying mental issues. Learn more about discovering your inner self using your dreams by clicking here.

Pyromania: A Burning Desire

The term pyromania describes an impulsive, all-encompassing need to start fires. This psychological disorder usually begins in early childhood with young children who feel neglected, abused and angry. Left-untreated, this disorder can escalate into more severe criminal behavior including arson and theft. To learn more about the psychology behind pyromania, click here.

The Consequences of Childhood Violence

Violence against children is on the rise, with homicide being the third leading cause of death in children ages five to fourteen. The devastating effects violence has on a child’s psyche is severe, as a recent study revealed that children as young as nine displayed symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Children who come from violent homes also tend to exhibit criminal behavior as adults. To learn more about the violence epidemic against children click here.

Rage Against the Economy

Feeling anger over the failing economy is not surprising, but it may actually be beneficial. Distinguishing between unhealthy and healthy anger is key to relieving stress associated with financial troubles. Healthy anger consists of feelings that spurn actions, such as creating a budget or working on a home improvement project. Find more ways to channel your anger by clicking here.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Research Center Established

The National Institute of Mental Health recently granted $10.5 million to the University of Rochester Medical Center to fund a new research center dedicated to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Treating the mental disorder is not an easy task, but doctors now have the tools to understand brain functions in patients with OCD. Using the process of deep brain stimulation, treating the underlying cause of OCD is the next step. To learn more about obsessive-compulsive disorder, click here.

Substance Abuse Risk Greater for Teens

Teens are naturally impulsive, but what happens when you combine insecurity with the mental disorder social anxiety? According to the National Institutes of Health, teens who suffer from social anxiety are at greater risk for becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. Using chemical substances is a way of self-medicating as many teens are unable to handle the pressures of life. Find out if your teen is suffering from social anxiety by clicking here.

Obesity Linked to Mental Disorders

Overeating, the major cause of obesity, has recently been linked to mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. The connection between obesity and depressive mental disorders stems from trying to pacify feelings of anger and loneliness with food. A recent study printed in the Archives of General Psychiatry reports that 25 percent of people with mood disorders are obese. To learn more, click here.

Vitamin D: Sunshine for the Aging Mind

As we age, our bodies produce less and less of the nutrients we need to stay healthy, and Vitamin D is no exception. Lack of vitamin D can cause symptoms such as forgetfulness and other forms of cognitive impairment. Getting the proper dose of vitamin D through diet alone is usually insufficient. Doctors recommend a daily dose of sunlight, sands sunscreen, for no more than 15 minutes a day. Need more of an excuse to bask in the sun’s warm glow? Click here.

Identifying Perfectionist Hunger

Are you hungering for attention, affection or validation? Perfectionistic hunger is the need to strive for perfection in all areas of life. Not satisfying this need can lead to feelings of fear and frustration. Dealing with disappointment and accepting life as it is may alleviate the constant need to feel perfect. If you are constantly worried about what others think and need guidance, click here.

Internet Addiction Disorder

If thoughts of checking your e-mail, browsing the Web and visiting social networking sites permeate your every waking hour then you may be suffering from Internet addiction disorder. There is no clinical definition of this disorder, but it is quickly gaining momentum within psychological communities nationwide. People with this disorder experience symptoms of withdrawal including anxiety and agitation after not engaging in Internet use for long periods of time. Sound familiar? Click here to learn more.

Psychotherapy by Phone is Affordable Alternative

People suffering from depression sometimes find it difficult to reach out and get the help they need to get better. Whether they feel intimidated by doctors, embarrassed by their condition or simply cannot afford face-to-face treatment, many people with depression struggle needlessly. With that in mind, more clinics are now offering telephone-based psychotherapy for patients who just want to discuss their condition from the safety of home. Discover the benefits by clicking here.

World Mental Health Day

Since 1992, the World Federation for Mental Health has hosted a celebration to foster public awareness of mental illness in 100 countries worldwide. Activities include advocacy campaigns, marches and educational events. The main goal of World Mental Health Day is to integrate mental health care into primary care. Click here to learn the importance of mental heath care.

The Psychology Behind the Green Movement
Thinking ‘green’ is more than just recycling and using less energy; it’s a mentality. Studies done by the American Psychological Association have discovered certain mental traits that contribute to a person’s willingness to go green. External factors such as media and friends and family also influence the way people react to environmental issues. To learn more, click here.

Does Eating Chocolate Improve Mood?
It’s that time of year again; Halloween candy fills the shelves at the local food mart, tiny tots scour the streets in search of sweets, and chocolate treats permeate the buffet tables at weekend parties. Basically from October through January there’s no escaping the cocoa confection, but are there any benefits to eating chocolate, aside from the taste? Some people think that eating chocolate is a mood elevator, but researchers see no scientific evidence to back up this claim. Find out what you think by clicking here.

Parapsychology - Fact or Fiction?

Parapsychology is the study of all things other-worldly, from ghosts to ESP to telekinesis. The scientific community as a whole disagrees on the validity of parapsychological research, but the subject is very popular among those interested in the paranormal. Excluded from this field of study are vampires, witchcraft and other mythological creatures. Learn all about parapsychology by clicking here.