Rehab Industry Marketing Needs Federal Oversight, Regulation

Despite trying to clean up its act, the addiction treatment industry (also known as the “rehab industry”) remains a cesspool of bad marketing by too many companies to count. In July, industry experts tried to paint a different picture to a U.S. House of Representatives committee, suggesting that self-regulation was possible.

Yet in just a cursory look at some of the big players who are guilty, in my opinion, of deceptive marketing practices, nothing has really changed. And the industry...

[Read More ...]

Wearable Sensor Helps Bipolar Patients Monitor Lithium Levels

Individuals with bipolar disorder and depression may soon have the option of wearing a unique ready-to-go sensor designed to safely monitor their lithium drug levels.

Lithium is an antipsychotic drug often prescribed to treat mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression. The medication must be carefully monitored when given to patients, as the wrong dose could prove to be highly toxic.

After the first dose, lithium concentration levels should be checked in five to seven days. This...

[Read More ...]

Vacations May Be A Real Lifesaver

A new long-term study suggests taking vacations could prolong life.

Finnish researchers followed over 1,0000 middle age male executives in a 40-year study and found that even a healthy lifestyle may not compensate for working too hard.

“Don’t think having an otherwise healthy lifestyle will compensate for working too hard and not taking holidays,” said Professor Timo Strandberg, of the University of Helsinki, Finland. “Vacations can be a good way to relieve stress.”

The study...

[Read More ...]

New Personality Test is Harder to Manipulate

Psychology researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new personality test that the researchers say is both faster to take and much harder to manipulate by those attempting to control the outcome.

The new test is based on the well-established Big Five paradigm of personality traits, which focuses on five broad factors: extraversion, conscientiousness, openness, neuroticism and agreeableness. The test can be used as part of workplace training or for research...

[Read More ...]

Best of Our Blogs: August 31, 2018

What do you when you come to a fork in the road and you’re not sure what to do next?

You created a pros and cons list, sought advice from friends and family, but you’re no closer to knowing what to do next.

I often think that when we don’t have an answer, we don’t have enough information yet. You might need to spend more time in the unknown, do more research or go somewhere quiet to reflect.

This week’s post may help you make that decision by reading about a common issue-unhealthy...

[Read More ...]

Friendship with God Helps Lonely Religious People Find Purpose in Life

People who lack friends and purpose in life but who turn to God to fill those voids tend to do better than those who are lonely and non-spiritual, according to a new study published in the Journal of Personality.

Feeling like one belongs is closely related to having a sense of purpose. For example, when people feel like they do not belong or are unsupported by their relationships, they consistently have a lower sense of purpose and direction in life, says lead author Todd Chan, a doctoral...

[Read More ...]

Rehab Industry Marketing Needs Federal Oversight, Regulation

Despite trying to clean up its act, the addiction treatment industry (also known as the “rehab industry”) remains a cesspool of bad marketing by too many companies to count. In July, industry experts tried to paint a different picture to a U.S. House of Representatives committee, suggesting that self-regulation was possible.

Yet in just a cursory look at some of the big players who are guilty, in my opinion, of deceptive marketing practices, nothing has really changed. And the industry...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/rehab-industry-marketing-needs-federal-oversight-regulation/

Wearable Sensor Helps Bipolar Patients Monitor Lithium Levels

Individuals with bipolar disorder and depression may soon have the option of wearing a unique ready-to-go sensor designed to safely monitor their lithium drug levels.

Lithium is an antipsychotic drug often prescribed to treat mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression. The medication must be carefully monitored when given to patients, as the wrong dose could prove to be highly toxic.

After the first dose, lithium concentration levels should be checked in five to seven days. This...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/31/wearable-sensor-helps-bipolar-patients-monitor-lithium-levels/138256.html

Vacations May Be A Real Lifesaver

A new long-term study suggests taking vacations could prolong life.

Finnish researchers followed over 1,0000 middle age male executives in a 40-year study and found that even a healthy lifestyle may not compensate for working too hard.

“Don’t think having an otherwise healthy lifestyle will compensate for working too hard and not taking holidays,” said Professor Timo Strandberg, of the University of Helsinki, Finland. “Vacations can be a good way to relieve stress.”

The study...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/31/vacations-may-be-a-real-lifesaver/138259.html

New Personality Test is Harder to Manipulate

Psychology researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new personality test that the researchers say is both faster to take and much harder to manipulate by those attempting to control the outcome.

The new test is based on the well-established Big Five paradigm of personality traits, which focuses on five broad factors: extraversion, conscientiousness, openness, neuroticism and agreeableness. The test can be used as part of workplace training or for research...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/31/new-personality-test-is-harder-to-manipulate/138312.html

Best of Our Blogs: August 31, 2018

What do you when you come to a fork in the road and you’re not sure what to do next?

You created a pros and cons list, sought advice from friends and family, but you’re no closer to knowing what to do next.

I often think that when we don’t have an answer, we don’t have enough information yet. You might need to spend more time in the unknown, do more research or go somewhere quiet to reflect.

This week’s post may help you make that decision by reading about a common issue-unhealthy...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/best-of-our-blogs-august-31-2018/

Friendship with God Helps Lonely Religious People Find Purpose in Life

People who lack friends and purpose in life but who turn to God to fill those voids tend to do better than those who are lonely and non-spiritual, according to a new study published in the Journal of Personality.

Feeling like one belongs is closely related to having a sense of purpose. For example, when people feel like they do not belong or are unsupported by their relationships, they consistently have a lower sense of purpose and direction in life, says lead author Todd Chan, a doctoral...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/31/friendship-with-god-helps-lonely-religious-people-find-purpose-in-life/138308.html

Are You Happy Being Miserable?

Everyone knows a few people who almost constantly moan and groan, complain and whine. They blame circumstances and concurrent emotions on others and take little responsibility for how they view the world or their role in their own unhappiness. You might live or work with such a person — or even be one.

In a recent conversation with a long-married woman, she divulged that her husband is a chronic complainer — generally finding the dark cloud surrounding the symbolic silver lining. She...

[Read More ...]

Are You Happy Being Miserable?

Everyone knows a few people who almost constantly moan and groan, complain and whine. They blame circumstances and concurrent emotions on others and take little responsibility for how they view the world or their role in their own unhappiness. You might live or work with such a person — or even be one.

In a recent conversation with a long-married woman, she divulged that her husband is a chronic complainer — generally finding the dark cloud surrounding the symbolic silver lining. She...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/are-you-happy-being-miserable/

The Therapist Speaks: The Benefits of Couples Counseling

There are many reasons why people seek couples counseling. There are also reasons why people don’t seek help with their relationship. You may feel as if the relationship is stagnant or deteriorating, and not know how to move forward. Your relationship may be filled with hurt, contempt, confusion, and sadness. You may feel disconnected from your partner over time, or due to hurtful things your partner has done. Your relationship may have spun out of control to the point where your...

[Read More ...]

Both Individual and Group Therapy Shown to Helps Kids with Tics

Involuntary stressful movements or sounds, called tics, can make life difficult for a child. New research finds that both group and individual therapy can be an effective method to overcome tic disorders.

In the new study, a group of Danish researchers compared the effect of different types of therapy to relieve tics. Their positive findings suggest that intervention by therapists can result in a better course of treatment for those children who experience a very difficult life with...

[Read More ...]

Depressed Kids Far More Likely to Have Social, Academic Deficits

Children with severe symptoms of depression in second and third grade are six times more likely to have skill deficits, such as problems with social skills or academics, compared to non-depressed children, according to a new study at the University of Missouri (MU).

And while depressive symptoms may not always be obvious to parents or teachers, identifying academic or social deficits may help detect either current or future depression in the child.

“The gold standard for identifying...

[Read More ...]

TPCS Podcast: Mental Health Resilience in Gay Men

 

It’s no surprise that gay men have been one of the many groups subject to mental health issues. What is surprising, though, is how well they bounce back from such issues. Our guest this week has studied resilience in gay men and literally wrote the book on the subject. He shares with us some stories found in the book and behind-the-pages experiences from the writing of it. He stresses that the book is not just for the gay community, however, as many of the issues are fairly...

[Read More ...]

The Therapist Speaks: The Benefits of Couples Counseling

There are many reasons why people seek couples counseling. There are also reasons why people don’t seek help with their relationship. You may feel as if the relationship is stagnant or deteriorating, and not know how to move forward. Your relationship may be filled with hurt, contempt, confusion, and sadness. You may feel disconnected from your partner over time, or due to hurtful things your partner has done. Your relationship may have spun out of control to the point where your...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-therapist-speaks-the-benefits-of-couples-counseling/

Both Individual and Group Therapy Shown to Helps Kids with Tics

Involuntary stressful movements or sounds, called tics, can make life difficult for a child. New research finds that both group and individual therapy can be an effective method to overcome tic disorders.

In the new study, a group of Danish researchers compared the effect of different types of therapy to relieve tics. Their positive findings suggest that intervention by therapists can result in a better course of treatment for those children who experience a very difficult life with...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/30/both-individual-and-group-therapy-shown-to-helps-kids-with-tics/138288.html

Depressed Kids Far More Likely to Have Social, Academic Deficits

Children with severe symptoms of depression in second and third grade are six times more likely to have skill deficits, such as problems with social skills or academics, compared to non-depressed children, according to a new study at the University of Missouri (MU).

And while depressive symptoms may not always be obvious to parents or teachers, identifying academic or social deficits may help detect either current or future depression in the child.

“The gold standard for identifying...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/30/depressed-kids-far-more-likely-to-have-social-academic-deficits/138292.html

TPCS Podcast: Mental Health Resilience in Gay Men

 

It’s no surprise that gay men have been one of the many groups subject to mental health issues. What is surprising, though, is how well they bounce back from such issues. Our guest this week has studied resilience in gay men and literally wrote the book on the subject. He shares with us some stories found in the book and behind-the-pages experiences from the writing of it. He stresses that the book is not just for the gay community, however, as many of the issues are fairly...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/podcast-mental-health-resilience-in-gay-men/

5 Personality Traits Happy People Share, According to Science

Are you happy? Only 33 percent of people would reply “yes” to that question, according to the 2017 Harris Poll Survey of American Happiness. Those results are perhaps unsurprising. We face more pressure now than ever before in our lives and careers. The world is an increasingly chaotic, noisy place.

Most of all, happiness means different things to different people, and because of that, there are many paths to achieve it. While one person may thrive in a fast-paced,...

[Read More ...]

5 Personality Traits Happy People Share, According to Science

Are you happy? Only 33 percent of people would reply “yes” to that question, according to the 2017 Harris Poll Survey of American Happiness. Those results are perhaps unsurprising. We face more pressure now than ever before in our lives and careers. The world is an increasingly chaotic, noisy place.

Most of all, happiness means different things to different people, and because of that, there are many paths to achieve it. While one person may thrive in a fast-paced,...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/5-personality-traits-happy-people-share-according-to-science/

9 Suggestions for Stressed-Out Working Moms

You’re a working mom who often feels stressed out. You’re exhausted. Maybe you feel like you’re not giving what you want to give to your kids and to your job. Maybe you also feel like you’re regularly running around and yet nothing really gets done. Maybe you don’t have enough energy. You certainly don’t have enough time.

Lack of time is a top stressor for Katelyn Denning’s clients. The moms she coaches feel like they don’t have enough time for their work, their kids,...

[Read More ...]

Deep Forehead Wrinkles May Signal Greater Risk of Dying of Cardiovascular Illness

A new French study finds that people with deep forehead wrinkles — more than is typical for their age — may be at greater risk for dying of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The findings, recently presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2018, suggest that simply assessing forehead wrinkles could be an easy, low-cost way to identify people in a high-risk category for CVD.

“You can’t see or feel risk factors like high cholesterol or hypertension,” said study...

[Read More ...]

Strong Dad-Daughter Relationship Can Ease Child Loneliness

In a new study on child loneliness, investigators discovered girls tend to report less loneliness as they advance from first grade to fifth grade. However, loneliness declined more quickly among girls who had a closer relationship with their fathers.

“The bond between fathers and daughters is very important,” said Xin Feng, co-author of the study and associate professor of human sciences at The Ohio State University.

“We found that closeness between fathers and daughters tends to...

[Read More ...]

Sensitivity to How Others See You May Emerge by Toddler Years

Toddlers appear to be sensitive to the opinions of others and will modify their behavior accordingly when others are watching, according to a new study published in the journal Developmental Psychology.

“We’ve shown that by the age of 24 months, children are not only aware that other people may be evaluating them, but that they will alter their behavior to seek a positive response,” said first author Sara Valencia Botto, a Ph.D. candidate at Emory University in Atlanta.

Although...

[Read More ...]

7 Tips to Take Charge of Your Time — and Your Life

“I know I should get to the gym every day but I don’t have time.” “I’d love to read to my kids every night but I don’t have time.” “I’d really like to get together with friends but I don’t have time.” “I know I should volunteer more but I just can’t fit it in.” “I’d work on the hobby I love but I don’t have time.”

Time. Time. Time. It’s such a common lament. I hear it every day — from my clients, from my friends, from my adult kids, from myself. The...

[Read More ...]

9 Suggestions for Stressed-Out Working Moms

You’re a working mom who often feels stressed out. You’re exhausted. Maybe you feel like you’re not giving what you want to give to your kids and to your job. Maybe you also feel like you’re regularly running around and yet nothing really gets done. Maybe you don’t have enough energy. You certainly don’t have enough time.

Lack of time is a top stressor for Katelyn Denning’s clients. The moms she coaches feel like they don’t have enough time for their work, their kids,...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/9-suggestions-for-stressed-out-working-moms/

Deep Forehead Wrinkles May Signal Greater Risk of Dying of Cardiovascular Illness

A new French study finds that people with deep forehead wrinkles — more than is typical for their age — may be at greater risk for dying of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The findings, recently presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2018, suggest that simply assessing forehead wrinkles could be an easy, low-cost way to identify people in a high-risk category for CVD.

“You can’t see or feel risk factors like high cholesterol or hypertension,” said study...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/29/deep-forehead-wrinkles-may-signal-greater-risk-of-dying-of-cardiovascular-illness/138206.html

Strong Dad-Daughter Relationship Can Ease Child Loneliness

In a new study on child loneliness, investigators discovered girls tend to report less loneliness as they advance from first grade to fifth grade. However, loneliness declined more quickly among girls who had a closer relationship with their fathers.

“The bond between fathers and daughters is very important,” said Xin Feng, co-author of the study and associate professor of human sciences at The Ohio State University.

“We found that closeness between fathers and daughters tends to...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/29/strong-dad-daughter-relationship-can-ease-child-loneliness/138252.html

Sensitivity to How Others See You May Emerge by Toddler Years

Toddlers appear to be sensitive to the opinions of others and will modify their behavior accordingly when others are watching, according to a new study published in the journal Developmental Psychology.

“We’ve shown that by the age of 24 months, children are not only aware that other people may be evaluating them, but that they will alter their behavior to seek a positive response,” said first author Sara Valencia Botto, a Ph.D. candidate at Emory University in Atlanta.

Although...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/29/sensitivity-to-how-others-see-you-may-emerge-by-toddler-years/138264.html

7 Tips to Take Charge of Your Time — and Your Life

“I know I should get to the gym every day but I don’t have time.” “I’d love to read to my kids every night but I don’t have time.” “I’d really like to get together with friends but I don’t have time.” “I know I should volunteer more but I just can’t fit it in.” “I’d work on the hobby I love but I don’t have time.”

Time. Time. Time. It’s such a common lament. I hear it every day — from my clients, from my friends, from my adult kids, from myself. The...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/7-tips-to-take-charge-of-your-time-and-your-life/

Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Treat Teen Addiction

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help teenagers connect to their internal motivation by realizing the ways that their use of drugs and alcohol is destructive in their lives.

[Read More ...]

Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Treat Teen Addiction

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help teenagers connect to their internal motivation by realizing the ways that their use of drugs and alcohol is destructive in their lives.

[Read More ...]

source https://www.thefix.com/using-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-treat-teen-addiction

Therapeutic Ethics: A Sacred Bond of Trust

As a licensed Social Worker (MSW, LSW), I am required to take an ethics class every two years as part of my continuing education. These guidelines were established by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), for the purpose of framing behavior that is both beneficial to our clients and does no harm to them.

Each time I sit in the classroom and go over scenarios and structure, the take home message is, if it breaks confidentiality, don’t do it. If it puts the client in a lesser...

[Read More ...]

Therapeutic Ethics: A Sacred Bond of Trust

As a licensed Social Worker (MSW, LSW), I am required to take an ethics class every two years as part of my continuing education. These guidelines were established by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), for the purpose of framing behavior that is both beneficial to our clients and does no harm to them.

Each time I sit in the classroom and go over scenarios and structure, the take home message is, if it breaks confidentiality, don’t do it. If it puts the client in a lesser...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/therapeutic-ethics-a-sacred-bond-of-trust/

Laptops & Smartphones May be Hurting Your Ability to Learn in Class

It’s odd to me that society seems to embrace technology first, and asks questions later. We only conduct psychological research on its impact in our daily lives long after we’ve adopted our behaviors and habits to its use. No matter even if that use may negatively affect our relationships, social interactions, and even our ability to learn and retain knowledge long-term.

We just assume something that makes it easier to take notes in the classroom, for instance, would make learning...

[Read More ...]

Belief in Oneself, Unit Bond May Buffer Impact of War in Air Force Women

A new study finds that exposure to wartime experiences and levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increased from 2008 to 2013 among both deployed and non-deployed active duty female Air Force personnel.

Wartime experiences include events such as indirect exposure to combat and the perception of being in danger of being killed.

The findings show that rates of post-deployment PTSD were highest among women who reported wartime experiences during deployment. The likelihood of a...

[Read More ...]

Asian Study Finds Happier Older People Live Longer

A new study finds that happiness is linked to longevity among people 60 years old and older. In the investigation, researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore assessed a nationally representative survey to look at the link between happiness and risk of dying within the next 6 years.

They discovered an increase in happiness is directly proportional with a reduction in mortality. The study appears in Age and Ageing, the scientific journal of the British Geriatrics...

[Read More ...]

Best of Our Blogs: August 28, 2018

A professor once told me I loved school so much that I should be a “professional student.” True to form, I’ve recently signed up to take a few online classes and borrowed books to help me strengthen my writing. That’s how I’m going back to school this fall.

Is there something you’re interested in learning more about?

If emotional wellness is your forte, you’ve come to the right place. From answering your questions on childhood emotional neglect to signs you’re dating a...

[Read More ...]

Laptops & Smartphones May be Hurting Your Ability to Learn in Class

It’s odd to me that society seems to embrace technology first, and asks questions later. We only conduct psychological research on its impact in our daily lives long after we’ve adopted our behaviors and habits to its use. No matter even if that use may negatively affect our relationships, social interactions, and even our ability to learn and retain knowledge long-term.

We just assume something that makes it easier to take notes in the classroom, for instance, would make learning...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/laptops-smartphones-may-be-hurting-your-ability-to-learn-in-class/

Belief in Oneself, Unit Bond May Buffer Impact of War in Air Force Women

A new study finds that exposure to wartime experiences and levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increased from 2008 to 2013 among both deployed and non-deployed active duty female Air Force personnel.

Wartime experiences include events such as indirect exposure to combat and the perception of being in danger of being killed.

The findings show that rates of post-deployment PTSD were highest among women who reported wartime experiences during deployment. The likelihood of a...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/28/belief-in-oneself-unit-bond-may-buffer-impact-of-war-in-air-force-women/138218.html

Asian Study Finds Happier Older People Live Longer

A new study finds that happiness is linked to longevity among people 60 years old and older. In the investigation, researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore assessed a nationally representative survey to look at the link between happiness and risk of dying within the next 6 years.

They discovered an increase in happiness is directly proportional with a reduction in mortality. The study appears in Age and Ageing, the scientific journal of the British Geriatrics...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/28/asian-study-finds-happier-older-people-live-longer/138230.html

Best of Our Blogs: August 28, 2018

A professor once told me I loved school so much that I should be a “professional student.” True to form, I’ve recently signed up to take a few online classes and borrowed books to help me strengthen my writing. That’s how I’m going back to school this fall.

Is there something you’re interested in learning more about?

If emotional wellness is your forte, you’ve come to the right place. From answering your questions on childhood emotional neglect to signs you’re dating a...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/best-of-our-blogs-august-28-2018/

Bringing the Whole Family into Recovery

At Deer Hollow, family education helps interrupt the cycle of addiction.

[Read More ...]

Blog Post » From Student to Scientist: NIMH Training and Career Development

NIMH is committed to research training and career development of young researchers. As students across the country head back to school, Dr. Gordon discusses some of the ways NIMH supports and trains the next generation of researchers.
[Read More ...]

“The voices didn’t begin to manifest until I’d completed my college course” - Thomas's Story

[Read More ...]

Bringing the Whole Family into Recovery

At Deer Hollow, family education helps interrupt the cycle of addiction.

[Read More ...]

source https://www.thefix.com/bringing-whole-family-recovery

Blog Post » From Student to Scientist: NIMH Training and Career Development

NIMH is committed to research training and career development of young researchers. As students across the country head back to school, Dr. Gordon discusses some of the ways NIMH supports and trains the next generation of researchers.
[Read More ...]

source https://www.nimh.nih.gov/about/director/messages/2018/from-student-to-scientist-nimh-training-and-career-development.shtml?utm_source=rss_readers&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_summary

“The voices didn’t begin to manifest until I’d completed my college course” - Thomas's Story

[Read More ...]

source http://www.rethink.org/news-views/2018/08/thomass-story

3 Words to Say to Your Partner Before Declaring ‘I Love You’

And after, to be honest.

Nothing beats hearing the person you’re dating and falling in love with say, “I love you” for the very first time. Hearing your new boyfriend or girlfriend say these three magical words can bring you both closer and evoke a beautiful rush of positive feelings, such as warmth and compassion, toward each other.

However, many people say these words in new relationships without giving much thought to what they mean and signify, leaving the delicate balance...

[Read More ...]

Beneath the Surface of Helicopter Parenting

The prevalence and rise of anxiety is documented and, with the abundance of informational sources available at arms-length, you do not have to look far for bad news. A sense of danger, both subtle and blatant, projects from the screens that dominate attention.

As the world gets bigger in an interconnected way, the interpersonal sphere of those closest and most important to us becomes more influential, particularly to the basic needs of children. The holding environment created by parents...

[Read More ...]

3 Words to Say to Your Partner Before Declaring ‘I Love You’

And after, to be honest.

Nothing beats hearing the person you’re dating and falling in love with say, “I love you” for the very first time. Hearing your new boyfriend or girlfriend say these three magical words can bring you both closer and evoke a beautiful rush of positive feelings, such as warmth and compassion, toward each other.

However, many people say these words in new relationships without giving much thought to what they mean and signify, leaving the delicate balance...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/3-words-to-say-to-your-partner-before-declaring-i-love-you/

Beneath the Surface of Helicopter Parenting

The prevalence and rise of anxiety is documented and, with the abundance of informational sources available at arms-length, you do not have to look far for bad news. A sense of danger, both subtle and blatant, projects from the screens that dominate attention.

As the world gets bigger in an interconnected way, the interpersonal sphere of those closest and most important to us becomes more influential, particularly to the basic needs of children. The holding environment created by parents...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/beneath-the-surface-of-helicopter-parenting/

Impaired Mental Status May Hike Death Risk In Elderly After Heart Attack

Impaired mental status is associated with a doubled risk of death one year after a heart attack in elderly patients, according to new research.

“Cardiologists should consider conducting simple tests to assess mental status in elderly people after a heart attack,” said study author Professor Farzin Beygui of Caen University Hospital in France.

“Patients with reduced mental status can then receive more intensive management, such as regular follow-up appointments with their general...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/27/impaired-mental-status-may-hike-death-risk-in-elderly-after-heart-attack/138141.html

Ep 24: How Do We Deal With the Everyday Effects of Mental Illness?

In order to be diagnosed with any illness, a person must first show symptoms – in other words, something needs to go wrong. Living in recovery from mental illness doesn’t mean we are free from these effects; it just means that we’ve reduced our symptoms to a manageable level and learned to deal.

So, how do we do it? What’s life like on a day-to-day basis living in recovery? Do bipolar and schizophrenia still cause issues for Gabe and Michelle? Listen to this episode of a

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/ep-24-how-do-we-deal-with-the-everyday-effects-of-mental-illness/

Impaired Mental Status May Hike Death Risk In Elderly After Heart Attack

Impaired mental status is associated with a doubled risk of death one year after a heart attack in elderly patients, according to new research.

“Cardiologists should consider conducting simple tests to assess mental status in elderly people after a heart attack,” said study author Professor Farzin Beygui of Caen University Hospital in France.

“Patients with reduced mental status can then receive more intensive management, such as regular follow-up appointments with their general...

[Read More ...]

Ep 24: How Do We Deal With the Everyday Effects of Mental Illness?

In order to be diagnosed with any illness, a person must first show symptoms – in other words, something needs to go wrong. Living in recovery from mental illness doesn’t mean we are free from these effects; it just means that we’ve reduced our symptoms to a manageable level and learned to deal.

So, how do we do it? What’s life like on a day-to-day basis living in recovery? Do bipolar and schizophrenia still cause issues for Gabe and Michelle? Listen to this episode of a

[Read More ...]

Kratom: A Dangerous Opioid with Potential for Abuse and Addiction

Kratom is an opioid drug from Southeast Asia with similar properties as heroin and prescription opioids.

[Read More ...]

source https://www.thefix.com/kratom-dangerous-opioid-potential-abuse-and-addiction

Kratom: A Dangerous Opioid with Potential for Abuse and Addiction

Kratom is an opioid drug from Southeast Asia with similar properties as heroin and prescription opioids.

[Read More ...]

How Parents Act at Playtime Can Impact Toddler’s Weight Years Later

A new study has discovered that toddlers who had poor self-regulation skills — the ability to control their behaviors and emotions — went on to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) as preschoolers if their mothers engaged with them during playtime and then helped direct them during cleanup.

“If parents can help their kids learn to self-regulate, that child can then use those skills in many other situations, including eating,” said Dr. Cynthia Stifter, a professor of human development...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/26/how-parents-act-at-playtime-can-impact-toddlers-weight-years-later/138147.html

Why Does Feeling Optimistic Feel So Weird to You?

When you have low self-esteem, optimism doesn’t come easy.

It doesn’t feel that way to everyone. It didn’t feel that way to my old college roommate, who saw every rained-out Sunday as a dazzling opportunity to stay inside cleaning closets and watching old movies while eating avant-garde ice-cream sundaes crafted with weird kitchen scraps — raisins, rock salt, Ritz-cracker crumbs.

She used to say that, having spent her high school summers laboring on a tomato cannery’s assembly...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/why-does-feeling-optimistic-feel-so-weird-to-you/

5 Solid Tricks to Improve Your Mood That Really Work

Attention problems are reaching epidemic proportions in a society increasingly driven by distractions. One survey found that between 85% and 95% of students struggle to pay attention. Another found that 40% of adults have experienced a financial loss due to procrastination. If you struggle to pay attention, you’re not alone. And while therapy, ADHD medication, lifestyle changes, and better time management can all play a role in attention challenges, your diet may also be a culprit....

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/solid-tricks-to-improve-your-mood-that-really-work/

How Parents Act at Playtime Can Impact Toddler’s Weight Years Later

A new study has discovered that toddlers who had poor self-regulation skills — the ability to control their behaviors and emotions — went on to have lower body mass indexes (BMIs) as preschoolers if their mothers engaged with them during playtime and then helped direct them during cleanup.

“If parents can help their kids learn to self-regulate, that child can then use those skills in many other situations, including eating,” said Dr. Cynthia Stifter, a professor of human development...

[Read More ...]

Why Does Feeling Optimistic Feel So Weird to You?

When you have low self-esteem, optimism doesn’t come easy.

It doesn’t feel that way to everyone. It didn’t feel that way to my old college roommate, who saw every rained-out Sunday as a dazzling opportunity to stay inside cleaning closets and watching old movies while eating avant-garde ice-cream sundaes crafted with weird kitchen scraps — raisins, rock salt, Ritz-cracker crumbs.

She used to say that, having spent her high school summers laboring on a tomato cannery’s assembly...

[Read More ...]

5 Solid Tricks to Improve Your Mood That Really Work

Attention problems are reaching epidemic proportions in a society increasingly driven by distractions. One survey found that between 85% and 95% of students struggle to pay attention. Another found that 40% of adults have experienced a financial loss due to procrastination. If you struggle to pay attention, you’re not alone. And while therapy, ADHD medication, lifestyle changes, and better time management can all play a role in attention challenges, your diet may also be a culprit....

[Read More ...]

Study: Nearly 1 in 3 Young Adults Struggle Financially

Nearly one-third of young Americans ages 18 to 24 in a study sample were deemed “financially precarious,” or financially unstable, primarily because of poor financial literacy, a lack of money management skills and little income stability.

Lead author and graduate student Gaurav Sinha from the University of Illinois, along with co-authors Drs. Kevin Tan and Min Zhan, both social work professors at the university, examined the financial attributes and behavioral patterns of emerging...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/26/study-nearly-1-in-3-young-adults-struggle-financially/138167.html

Ability to Recall Life Events May Help ID Early-Stage Alzheimer’s

Testing how well people remember past events in their lives could help medical professionals make early predictions about who is at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study.

University of Arizona researchers administered an “autobiographical memory” test to a group of 35 healthy adults, about half of whom carry the gene variant APOE e4, a known genetic risk factor that nearly doubles the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

As a group, those with the...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/26/ability-to-recall-life-events-may-help-id-early-stage-alzheimers/138144.html

​Activities & Tricks to Help Kids Learn Key Social Skills

​Seeing as most kids nowadays have their eyes glued on different types of screens, one might argue that social development is now more important than ever. Our children still need to learn how to interact with other people in the community and that’s where social skills come in.

Children with better social skills have a greater chance of cultivating more positive relationships and interactions with others and they generally have healthy self-esteem. Conversely, poor social skills have...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/%E2%80%8Bactivities-tricks-to-help-kids-learn-key-social-skills/

Study: Nearly 1 in 3 Young Adults Struggle Financially

Nearly one-third of young Americans ages 18 to 24 in a study sample were deemed “financially precarious,” or financially unstable, primarily because of poor financial literacy, a lack of money management skills and little income stability.

Lead author and graduate student Gaurav Sinha from the University of Illinois, along with co-authors Drs. Kevin Tan and Min Zhan, both social work professors at the university, examined the financial attributes and behavioral patterns of emerging...

[Read More ...]

Ability to Recall Life Events May Help ID Early-Stage Alzheimer’s

Testing how well people remember past events in their lives could help medical professionals make early predictions about who is at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study.

University of Arizona researchers administered an “autobiographical memory” test to a group of 35 healthy adults, about half of whom carry the gene variant APOE e4, a known genetic risk factor that nearly doubles the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

As a group, those with the...

[Read More ...]

​Activities & Tricks to Help Kids Learn Key Social Skills

​Seeing as most kids nowadays have their eyes glued on different types of screens, one might argue that social development is now more important than ever. Our children still need to learn how to interact with other people in the community and that’s where social skills come in.

Children with better social skills have a greater chance of cultivating more positive relationships and interactions with others and they generally have healthy self-esteem. Conversely, poor social skills have...

[Read More ...]

How You Can Help Make the Transition Back to School Easier

Most children love summers. But for children with mental health problems, the summer time doesn’t just signal fun in the sun. For these children, summer time is a time of emotional and physical relief. Which is why going back to school is so hard.

Asking children with mental health issues to think during school is like asking them to run when they just finished a marathon. With mental illness, the brain is on overdrive all the time. So when it is time to think about other things – like...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/how-you-can-help-make-the-transition-back-to-school-easier/

The Mental Health Toll of Disasters

In the last few months, people around the world have been mourning the death of celebrities by their own hand. Just days after the news of Kate Spade’s suicide rocked the fashion world, Anthony Bourdain’s untimely end sent shock waves through food lovers across the world.

These were not the first high-profile suicides to take the world by surprise, and they will not be the last. But these tragic deaths have garnered a great deal of global attention, helping to shine a spotlight on the...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-mental-health-toll-of-disasters/

People Tend to Choose Gifts That Wow Rather Than Satisfy Recipients

Gift givers tend to focus on the “big reveal,” leading them to choose a gift that is more likely to surprise and delight the recipient in the moment — even when other options are more likely to bring recipients the greatest satisfaction, according to new research.

“Our findings suggest that the pleasure that we can derive from others’ display of emotions is more powerful than previously considered,” said Dr. Adelle Yang of the National University of Singapore, lead author on the...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/25/people-tend-to-choose-gifts-that-wow-rather-than-satisfy-recipients/138150.html

How You Can Help Make the Transition Back to School Easier

Most children love summers. But for children with mental health problems, the summer time doesn’t just signal fun in the sun. For these children, summer time is a time of emotional and physical relief. Which is why going back to school is so hard.

Asking children with mental health issues to think during school is like asking them to run when they just finished a marathon. With mental illness, the brain is on overdrive all the time. So when it is time to think about other things – like...

[Read More ...]

The Mental Health Toll of Disasters

In the last few months, people around the world have been mourning the death of celebrities by their own hand. Just days after the news of Kate Spade’s suicide rocked the fashion world, Anthony Bourdain’s untimely end sent shock waves through food lovers across the world.

These were not the first high-profile suicides to take the world by surprise, and they will not be the last. But these tragic deaths have garnered a great deal of global attention, helping to shine a spotlight on the...

[Read More ...]

People Tend to Choose Gifts That Wow Rather Than Satisfy Recipients

Gift givers tend to focus on the “big reveal,” leading them to choose a gift that is more likely to surprise and delight the recipient in the moment — even when other options are more likely to bring recipients the greatest satisfaction, according to new research.

“Our findings suggest that the pleasure that we can derive from others’ display of emotions is more powerful than previously considered,” said Dr. Adelle Yang of the National University of Singapore, lead author on the...

[Read More ...]

Peaceful Waking Mind May Lead to Sweeter Dreams

A new Scandinavian study finds that peace of mind tends to result in a better dream life.  The study is the first to look at how peace of mind relates to dream content.

Since most dream research is conducted on those suffering from various disorders, researchers know surprisingly little about the positive side of dreaming. So, the question has remained unanswered: Do happier people tend to have happier dreams?

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, addressed how dream...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/25/peaceful-waking-mind-may-lead-to-sweeter-dreams/138161.html

High Levels of Gut Metabolite Linked to Overeating

People who have higher levels of a certain metabolite in the gut microbiome are more prone to engage in “hedonic” eating, or eating for pleasure rather than hunger, according to a new study published in the journal PLOS One.

The research is the first in humans to show a link between specific metabolites produced by gut bacteria and overeating behaviors.

The study of 63 healthy people revealed that those with elevated microbiome levels of the metabolite indole — produced when gut...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/25/high-levels-of-gut-metabolite-linked-to-overeating/138137.html

How Sleep Loss Can Lead to Weight Gain

Just one night of sleep loss has a tissue-specific effect on gene expression and metabolism regulation in humans, according to a new study by researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden.

The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, may help explain how over time, shift work and chronic sleep loss can impair metabolism and adversely affect body composition.

Previous research has shown that the risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes is elevated in those who suffer from chronic sleep...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/25/how-sleep-loss-can-lead-to-weight-gain/138172.html

Psychology Around the Net: August 25, 2018

Happy Saturday!

School just started back in my neck of the woods, so in addition to the connection between brain function and heart health, the psychology of food, and other mental health news, this week’s Psychology Around the Net takes a look at some important kid-specific topics like dealing with back-to-school anxiety, the impact of mental illness on teen friendships, and why doctors are going to start prescribing playtime!

How to Help Your Kids Cope With Back-to-School Anxiety: Some...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/psychology-around-the-net-august-25-2018/

Peaceful Waking Mind May Lead to Sweeter Dreams

A new Scandinavian study finds that peace of mind tends to result in a better dream life.  The study is the first to look at how peace of mind relates to dream content.

Since most dream research is conducted on those suffering from various disorders, researchers know surprisingly little about the positive side of dreaming. So, the question has remained unanswered: Do happier people tend to have happier dreams?

The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, addressed how dream...

[Read More ...]

High Levels of Gut Metabolite Linked to Overeating

People who have higher levels of a certain metabolite in the gut microbiome are more prone to engage in “hedonic” eating, or eating for pleasure rather than hunger, according to a new study published in the journal PLOS One.

The research is the first in humans to show a link between specific metabolites produced by gut bacteria and overeating behaviors.

The study of 63 healthy people revealed that those with elevated microbiome levels of the metabolite indole — produced when gut...

[Read More ...]

How Sleep Loss Can Lead to Weight Gain

Just one night of sleep loss has a tissue-specific effect on gene expression and metabolism regulation in humans, according to a new study by researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden.

The findings, published in the journal Science Advances, may help explain how over time, shift work and chronic sleep loss can impair metabolism and adversely affect body composition.

Previous research has shown that the risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes is elevated in those who suffer from chronic sleep...

[Read More ...]

Psychology Around the Net: August 25, 2018

Happy Saturday!

School just started back in my neck of the woods, so in addition to the connection between brain function and heart health, the psychology of food, and other mental health news, this week’s Psychology Around the Net takes a look at some important kid-specific topics like dealing with back-to-school anxiety, the impact of mental illness on teen friendships, and why doctors are going to start prescribing playtime!

How to Help Your Kids Cope With Back-to-School Anxiety: Some...

[Read More ...]

OCD and Flooding Exposure

As an advocate for OCD awareness and proper treatment, I thought I was familiar with most things related to obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, it was not until recently that I heard the term “flooding” in reference to OCD, and over the past couple of months I have connected with three parents of children with OCD who have dealt with this technique.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with flooding as it relates to OCD, it involves the use of exposure and response prevention...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/ocd-and-flooding-exposure/

Here’s Why Your’s & Elon Musk’s Lack of Sleep is Bad

If you wonder what lack of sleep looks like, look no further than Elon Musk’s erratic behavior over the past few months. From believing that he alone had the time and unique resources to save the Thai boys trapped in a cave to prematurely tweeting that he had “funding secured” (when he didn’t) for a private buyout of Tesla, his embattled electric car company, Musk has shown a troubling pattern of ignoring his own self-care.

So what does lack of sleep look like, and why is it so bad?...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/blog/heres-why-yours-elon-musks-lack-of-sleep-is-bad/

OCD and Flooding Exposure

As an advocate for OCD awareness and proper treatment, I thought I was familiar with most things related to obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, it was not until recently that I heard the term “flooding” in reference to OCD, and over the past couple of months I have connected with three parents of children with OCD who have dealt with this technique.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with flooding as it relates to OCD, it involves the use of exposure and response prevention...

[Read More ...]

Here’s Why Your’s & Elon Musk’s Lack of Sleep is Bad

If you wonder what lack of sleep looks like, look no further than Elon Musk’s erratic behavior over the past few months. From believing that he alone had the time and unique resources to save the Thai boys trapped in a cave to prematurely tweeting that he had “funding secured” (when he didn’t) for a private buyout of Tesla, his embattled electric car company, Musk has shown a troubling pattern of ignoring his own self-care.

So what does lack of sleep look like, and why is it so bad?...

[Read More ...]

Friends Who are Former Smokers Can Help Those with Serious Mental Illness Quit

An estimated 53 percent of adults with serious mental illness (SMI) — including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and major depression — smoke cigarettes, compared to only 18 percent of the general population.

In fact, smoking is one of the primary reasons those with serious mental illness have a decreased life expectancy of up to 25 years.

Although research has shown that most smokers with SMI want to quit, they are less likely to do so or to take advantage of...

[Read More ...]

Older Canadian Cancer Patients and Survivors Report High Quality of Life

A new Canadian study finds that two-thirds of current cancer patients and over three-quarters of former cancer patients aged 50 and over report having a high quality of life despite their illness.

“Cancer patients were doing much better than we had expected,” write researchers Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson, lead author of the study, and Sandra Rotman, Endowed Chair and Director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto.

“Two-thirds met our very stringent...

[Read More ...]

Friends Who are Former Smokers Can Help Those with Serious Mental Illness Quit

An estimated 53 percent of adults with serious mental illness (SMI) — including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder and major depression — smoke cigarettes, compared to only 18 percent of the general population.

In fact, smoking is one of the primary reasons those with serious mental illness have a decreased life expectancy of up to 25 years.

Although research has shown that most smokers with SMI want to quit, they are less likely to do so or to take advantage of...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/24/friends-who-are-former-smokers-can-help-those-with-serious-mental-illness-quit/138109.html

Older Canadian Cancer Patients and Survivors Report High Quality of Life

A new Canadian study finds that two-thirds of current cancer patients and over three-quarters of former cancer patients aged 50 and over report having a high quality of life despite their illness.

“Cancer patients were doing much better than we had expected,” write researchers Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson, lead author of the study, and Sandra Rotman, Endowed Chair and Director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging at the University of Toronto.

“Two-thirds met our very stringent...

[Read More ...]

source https://psychcentral.com/news/2018/08/24/older-canadian-cancer-patients-and-survivors-report-high-quality-of-life/138104.html