Helping Psychology Posts - December 2009

Stereotypes & Selective Perception

Encounters with stereotypes are apparent in everything from music, movies and books to daily interactions.  According to sociologist Joseph F. Healey stereotypes are a cognitive form of prejudice, which can be categorized into varying theories such as attribution theory, labeling theory, conflict theory, symbolic-interactionism, human capitol theory and structural-functionalism. Click here to learn more.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Diagnosis of the Week

Continuing in the recent tradition of Diagnosis of the Week, December starts off defining a common anxiety-fueled mental disorder called OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Sufferers of this disorder experience symptoms of washing and cleaning, counting, checking, demanding reassurances and performing the same actions repeatedly. Effective treatment includes psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Interested in learning more?  Click here.

Is Brain Surgery a Viable Treatment for Mental Illness?

Mental illnesses are commonly treated using a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants, but China has seen a resurgence of mental illness as an indication for brain surgery in the past few decades. Is brain surgery really effective in curing mental disorders such as OCD and Schizophrenia? Some speculate it’s no more effective than a lobotomy. Form your own opinions of psychosurgery by clicking here.

Crisis Counseling: Effective Techniques

Treating patients using crisis counseling differs from traditional psychotherapy in that is meant as a one-time treatment versus consistent therapy sessions. Determining the best techniques to use really depends on the particular client. If the patient exhibits unpredictable behavior, then long term treatment or additional consultation with a psychiatrist for medication may be required. Click here to learn more.

Huntington's Disease: The Search for Hope

As a neurological disorder, Huntington’s disease disrupts personality, memory and mental function and eventually escalates into dementia. Onset of this genetic disease is generally between the ages of 35 and 44 and typically effects more males than females. Unfortunately no effective medical treatment for Huntington's disease currently exists, though research is ongoing. Discover more about this disease by clicking here.

The Reality of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a mental disorder that is similar to premenstrual syndrome, but symptoms are generally more intense and last longer than most PMS symptoms.  Usually misdiagnosed as a hormonal disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder affects women of childbearing age and can disrupt the daily life of sufferers. Symptoms include hopelessness, weight changes, uncontrollable rage, or suicidal thoughts/behaviors in addition to classic PMS symptoms. Think you’re suffering from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder? Click here.

Depersonalization Disorder: Diagnosis of the Week

Depersonalization disorder is characterized by a persistent feeling of detachment coupled with depression and anxiety. Symptoms may fluctuate, but eventually treatment may be necessary to control this disorder. A combination of antidepressants and psychotherapy is generally helpful to patients suffering depersonalization. Click here to learn more.

Is Facebook a True Predictor of Personality?

Nowadays, social media, namely Facebook, is everywhere. From laptops to cell phones people of all ages engage in Facebooking on a regular basis. But are these online counterparts’ people build a true representation of their personality? What’s to stop users from portraying themselves in an entirely different light? According to a new study by researchers at the University of Texas, Facebook pages more accurately reflect a user's true personality, as opposed to their ideal personality. Click here to discover the reason.

Psychology Career Interview Tips

Any college graduate could probably use a little help in the interviewing department, but psychology grads applying for high demand careers in the psychology field definitely need a leg up on the competition. Learn how to wow prospective employers by clicking here.

Psychology, A History

The history of psychotherapy is vast and began in ancient times when the Greeks learned the value of talk therapy. Psychologists such as Walter Cooper Dendy and Sigmund Freud went on to revolutionize the field with new techniques and theories. Psychotherapy today is a mainstream therapy technique used to help patients with a variety of mental disorders. Want to know more? Click here.

Methamphetamine Abuse Psychosis

Meth users suffer from a host of devastating symptoms, but psychosis may be the most debilitating. The longer a person abuses meth, the greater the potential to suffer from psychosis, at least 10 – 20 % greater. Symptoms of methamphetamine abuse psychosis include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, compulsive actions, irritability and violent behavior. Click here to learn more.

Psychology of a Midlife Crisis

When people think of a midlife crisis it usually involves fast cars, extra-marital affairs or wild behavior, but in reality those who suffer from midlife blues can feel depressed and anxious about the prospect of growing older. Several areas of concern are considered including relationship, health and lifestyle. Sometimes medication or intervention is needed in extreme cases. Know someone who is suffering a midlife crisis? Click here to learn more.

Social Phobia - Diagnosis of the Week

Social phobia, or social anxiety disorder, is characterized by feelings of intense fear associated with social settings such as parties, classrooms, workplaces or even just being in public. Those who suffer from this common mental disorder experience anxiety and panic that can cause agoraphobia, or the fear of leaving home. Treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy to elicit behavioral change. Want to learn more? Click here.

Consumer Reports Reviews Common Antidepressants

Consumer Reports, a leader in product investigation, recently reviewed a number of common antidepressants used by people experiencing mental disorders. The goal of the study was to determine the severity of side effects caused by the medication and to alert the public as to the safety of the medication. Find out the results by clicking here.

Psychology Term Papers: Finding the Perfect Topic

Finding the perfect term paper topic to wow your psych professors is a difficult task, but Helping Psychology has the tips you need to succeed. From hints to help you get started to the proper way to format your paper, all you need to know is just a click away. 

Antidepressants Linked to Personality Changes, Depression Notwithstanding

Antidepressants are used to treat a variety of mental disorders including anxiety and depression, but researchers have also found that the drugs may alter a person’s personality regardless of any mental issue. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) may influence the levels of extraversion and neuroticism found in patients. People with high instances of both traits are found to be more susceptible to depression than those who exhibit low levels. Discover the reason by clicking here.

Exposure Therapy Treatment

One of the most popular treatments to cure anxiety, obsessive-compulsive and post-traumatic stress disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy, but psychologists are implementing a new similar treatment that consists of directly exposing patients to their fears. Exposure therapy is held in a controlled environment and is highly effective as it aids patients in gaining control over their anxiety disorder by confronting the triggers that cause negative reactions. Feel it may be beneficial? Click here.

Psychology Subfields 101

Psychology consists of numerous branches and subfields that make popular career choices for psych grads. Rather than just taking a job in clinical psychology, students have the option of exploring subfields such as Forensic, Industrial-Organizational, Social, School and Developmental. Learn more by clicking here.

Carl Jung: Extravert vs Introvert

According to Carl Jung people fit into two distinct personality categories: introvert and extravert. Psychologists use these classifications to help individuals discover their own personality type and understand how their mind works. Extraverts are thought to be gregarious and confident, while introverts are less like their charismatic counterparts being quiet and subtle. Are you an introvert or an extravert? Click here to find out.

Borderline Personality Disorder: Diagnosis of the Week

Perhaps you’ve heard the term borderline personality disorder somewhere in your studies, but what does it really mean? Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental disorder that affects mood, thought and social behavior. Symptoms include low self-esteem, destructive behavior, substance abuse and overall self-hate. People are generally diagnosed with the disorder in adulthood and require prompt therapy to avoid potentially devastating behaviors. Discover more by clicking here.

PsychologicalResearch: Using APA Format

The American Psychological Association has established guidelines for citing sources in psychology research papers called the APA format. Psych students must adhere to certain citation requirements such as references within the body of the text consisting of the author's name followed by the year of publication. Get an overview by clicking here.

Hierarchy of Needs: Abraham Maslow

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a classic psychological model that dissects human motivation. Maslow's theory states that individuals attempt to fill certain physical and emotional needs, such as love and security, before moving on to higher levels like self-actualization. Learn more about the five distinct levels by clicking here.

Myers Briggs Typology

The Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is another personality test that delves deeper into an individual’s personality by looking at four different category combinations including introversion/extraversion, sensing/intuiting, thinking/feeling and judging/perceiving. 16 sets of personality combinations can be created using this system. Want to learn more? Click here.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

A fairly new branch of psychology, Industrial-Organization, or I-O psychology, deals with the workplace environment and how workers interact and function as a whole. I-O psychologists aim to find ways to increase productivity and produce stable working conditions. Learn more about the education and salary of industrial-organizational psychologists by clicking here.

Popular Psychology Careers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic indicates faster-than-average growth in the field of psychology in the next several years. Students nearing graduation or just entering college may want to consider psychology as a career field. Possible psychology jobs include school counselor, forensic psychologist, clinical psychologist and more.

Separation Anxiety Disorder: Diagnosis of the Week

When most people think of separation anxiety the first thing that comes to mind is usually a fussy, scared child. Although it is seen most often in children, even adults sometimes suffer from separation anxiety in some form. Separation Anxiety Disorder is marked by extreme anxiety caused by the temporary separation from caregivers or loved ones. Click here to learn more.

Leadership Theories in Psychology

Leadership, like other personality traits, is continually a subject of study among psychologists. Several theories have been devised that divide people into several categories including dictators, democratic leaders, autocratic leaders and laissez-faire leaders. What kind of leader are you? Click here to find out.

Psychotherapists: Resources for Treating Patients

Beyond mere psychological training lies a wealth of information that psychologists can use to aid in treating patients and partaking in research studies. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, a publication of the American Psychological Association, is the go-to manual for psychologists and doctors alike. Discover several other important resources by clicking here.

Self-Report Inventories

Psychologists use personality assessment tools such as self-report inventories to elicit responses related to overall personality style, emotional state or perception of events, which can be useful in diagnosing and treating certain mental disorders. Several types of self-report inventories are available such as the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Click here to learn more.

Acetaminophen Linked to Reducing Psychological Pain

The acetaminophen found in over-the-counter medications like Tylenol is used to treat minor aches and pains, but has recently shown promise in treating mental pain as well. Researchers at the University of Kentucky have undergone two separate experiments to rate the effectiveness of acetaminophen in treating loneliness and social pain. Interested? Click here to learn more.