Mental Health

Problem-solving therapy: Uses, techniques, and limits

Problem-solving therapy (PST) helps individuals manage stress by breaking down challenges into practical, manageable steps. The aim of the therapy is to help people cope more confidently with adversity.

By breaking down complex challenges into manageable steps, PST empowers people to take control of their circumstances, build resilience, and develop a greater sense of self-efficacy. Its straightforward nature makes it a versatile therapeutic approach, suitable for various mental health conditions.

Bipolar disorder therapies: Options and how they work

Bipolar disorder therapies include dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family-focused therapy, and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.

These therapies may help people process emotions, learn healthy coping mechanisms, and regulate mood. While medication is often essential for stabilizing mood in people with bipolar disorder, psychotherapy can also be an important part of long-term management.

What is the best anxiety medication for AFib?

The best anxiety medication for atrial fibrillation (AFib) depends on the individual and their situation, but some options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and beta-blockers.

AFib is a common heart condition involving an irregular and often rapid heart rate. Some medications that treat AFib, such as beta-blockers, can also reduce anxiety symptoms. Other drugs are only for anxiety but may still be suitable for those with AFib.

The link between anorexia and OCD?

Anorexia and OCD are disorders that interconnect, often driven by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are two distinct mental health conditions that can intersect.

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by extreme food restriction due to a distorted body image. OCD involves intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that attempt to reduce anxiety.

Regression in autism: Signs and support

Regression in autism refers to the backtracking of skills, often in communication, social interaction, or daily functioning.

Regression in autism is a condition where an individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experiences a significant loss of previously acquired skills. It can manifest in various ways, including reduced verbal communication, decreased social engagement, or challenges with previously mastered tasks, such as self-care. Autistic regression can affect children and adults.

Managing political anxiety

Political anxiety refers to the stress, worry, and fear individuals experience due to political events, news, or current affairs.

Political anxiety is becoming increasingly common as politics become more contentious, uncertain, and omnipresent in various media forms. This anxiety may stem from the overwhelming amount of information available, much of which is negative or fear-inducing, leading to a persistent state of worry about the future.

PTSD fracture: How psychological trauma affects bones

There is evidence that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases the risk of fractures. This may be due to the effects of chronic stress on bone density and structure.

PTSD is a mental health condition that occurs in some people after they experience a traumatic event. It can cause symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety. Without support, these symptoms may affect someone for a long time.

Stress disorders: ASD, PTSD, and more

Stress disorders include acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. They originate from major stress or traumatic events.

Stress is a natural response to life’s challenges. However, when stress becomes overwhelming and persistent, it can lead to serious mental health issues known as stress disorders. These issues include acute stress disorder (ASD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

Signs of sexual abuse in children

This feature mentions experiences of trauma and sexual abuse. Please read at your own discretion. Recognizing these signs and responding immediately and appropriately can significantly affect a child’s life. This article will explore the various signs of sexual abuse in children, actions to take in response, and support resources. Sexual abuse in children is a disturbing and sensitive issue that requires immediate attention and intervention.

Sexual abuse signs in adults

The signs of sexual abuse in adults may include chronic pain, substance misuse, mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, and significant changes in behavior.

The trauma of sexual abuse can linger long after the event, often surfacing in ways that deeply affect an individual’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Adults who have survived these experiences may exhibit various signs that reflect the depth of their trauma.

Sexual abuse: Healing and recovery

Healing from sexual abuse involves addressing trauma, building a support network, and empowering oneself. Sexual abuse can leave behind physical wounds and emotional and psychological scars that can linger for years. People who experienced sexual abuse need to contend with complex emotions such as pain, shame, and guilt as they work to reclaim their lives. For many people, the healing journey begins with acknowledging the trauma and seeking the proper support.

Myers-Briggs: 16 personality types and their accuracy

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a well-known personality assessment tool based on the theories of psychologist Carl Jung. Research on its accuracy has had mixed results.

MBTI classifies people into 16 distinct personality types based on preferences in four key areas: extroversion or introversion, sensing or intuition, thinking or feeling, and judging or perceiving. These categories aim to capture differences in how people interact with others, interpret information, and make decisions.

What is moral distress?

Moral distress occurs when someone feels constrained from acting on their ethical beliefs due to institutional or other external pressures. Moral distress is a significant challenge that may confront professionals in high-stakes fields, particularly in healthcare. It happens when a person feels they have to act against their ethical convictions due to external factors, such as institutional policies, legal requirements, or limited resources.

C-PTSD vs. BPD: Symptoms, differences, and treatment

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are two distinct mental health conditions that can share overlapping symptoms.

Both C-PTSD and BPD may cause feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or emptiness. Both conditions also have links to trauma to varying degrees. However, while traumatic experiences directly cause C-PTSD, their role in BPD is less certain.

Vitamins for stress

Vitamins that help with stress include vitamin D, C, and B complex. Other potentially helpful supplements include ashwagandha, L-theanine, magnesium, melatonin, and ginseng.

Modern lifestyles can be high-pressure, so stress has become an inevitable part of many people’s lives. From demanding jobs and academic pressures to personal responsibilities and unforeseen challenges, stressors are everywhere, and their impact on mental and physical health is significant.

What to know about gender socialization

Gender socialization is a fundamental development aspect, shaping how people perceive themselves and interact with the world. Gender socialization is the process of a person learning and internalizing the norms, behaviors, and roles that a particular society expects of their gender. From a young age, individuals experience exposure to specific messages about what it means to be male or female, influencing their behaviors, interests, and self-perception.

Can gender dysphoria go away? What to know

Gender dysphoria may be a lifelong condition, but people can find ways to change their feelings about their bodies. Gender dysphoria is a condition involving significant distress or discomfort due to a discrepancy between an individual’s gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. It can lead to profound emotional, psychological, and social challenges. The intensity and experience of gender dysphoria can vary widely among individuals.

Laxative abuse: Consequences and getting help

Laxative abuse can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, organ damage, and dependence. Anyone who misuses laxatives should seek medical advice. Laxatives are a convenient solution for addressing occasional constipation or related discomfort. Options such as sennosides (Senokot, Ex-lax, Senna) and others are readily available over the counter without a prescription. Although laxatives are safe for occasional and legitimate use, there exists potential for misuse.

Bipolar disorder vs. mood swings: What is the difference?

Bipolar disorder causes significant and sustained fluctuations in mood. This differs from the fleeting mood swings that many people experience from time to time. Mood swings are very common and may happen in response to daily stress, hormonal changes, or lack of sleep. They are usually short-term, lasting less than a day. In contrast, bipolar mood episodes can last and may affect a person’s decision making or judgment. People may experience euphoria, depression, or a combination.

Triggers for bipolar mood episodes and what helps

Potential triggers for bipolar disorder mood episodes can include stress, hormonal fluctuations, and changes in sleep patterns. Depending on the person, triggers may induce periods of mania or depression. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes significant shifts in mood and energy levels. These shifts can be challenging to manage. By identifying triggers, people may be able to manage them more proactively.

Bipolar disorder and aging: Does it get worse as you age?

Many experts consider bipolar disorder a progressive condition that worsens with age, especially without treatment. Some people notice changes in the frequency and severity of episodes as they age. Bipolar disorder (BD) causes extreme changes in a person’s mood and energy, leading to emotional highs and lows. Although symptoms can vary between individuals, the frequency and severity of episodes tend to shift as people age.

Atypical anorexia: What it is, symptoms, treatment, and more

Atypical anorexia nervosa (AAN) is a condition where a person has the typical signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa. However, their weight remains within or above the medically defined healthy range. As individuals with AAN are not within the underweight range, doctors may not immediately detect the condition, posing significant challenges for diagnosis and treatment. However, people with AAN demand the same degree of support and therapy as those with more conventional presentations. They are s
Load More