Developed in the 1980s by New Zealand-based therapists Michael White and David Epston, narrative therapy seeks to have an empowering effect and offer counseling that is non-blaming and non-pathological in nature. Techniques There are a variety of techniques and exercises used in narrative therapy to help people heal and move past a problematic story. Some of the most commonly used techniques include the following. Putting Together Your Narrative Narrative therapists help their clients put together their narrative....

A massive report recently published in the journal Pediatrics reviewed nearly 300 studies and found a strong connection between the presence of green spaces near homes and schools and positive mental health outcomes in children. It also uncovered a connection between exposure to nature and improved physical activity in kids, which may, in turn, offer added mental health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the latest research on nature and emotional well-being in children....

Researchers looked at seven studies that involved probiotic and prebiotic therapy in depression and anxiety disorders. They found significant improvements in one or more outcomes related to their symptoms, even among those with more severe depression. However, some of the studies indicated this needs to be maintained for the benefits to keep going. For example, one study cited by the review showed improvements after eight weeks of daily probiotic use, but those gains were undone after eight more weeks without probiotics....

However, there’s a huge amount of uncertainty around the concept of TRD, with no universally accepted definition for the condition. This makes it more difficult to address the characteristics of TRD, compared to cases of depression that do respond to initial treatments, says Aron Tendler, MD, board-certified psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer of BrainsWay. “There may be a difference between the definitions of treatment-resistant depression within research and those applied in practice,” Dr....

This doesn’t mean that being open-minded is easy. Being open to new ideas and experiences can sometimes lead to confusion and cognitive dissonance when we learn new things that conflict with existing beliefs. Being able to change and revise outdated or incorrect beliefs is an important part of learning and personal growth. This article discusses what open-mindedness means, the benefits of having an open mindset, and how you can work on building this ability....

Opioid drugs are most often used in medical settings as powerful painkillers, although the euphoria that is part of the effect makes them attractive to drug dealers and drug users as recreational drugs. They are also typically highly addictive, producing tolerance quickly, and withdrawal if the person taking the drug for a period of time suddenly stops taking it. Opioid drugs, whether natural or synthetic, also carry a significant risk of overdose, and for that reason are highly risky to take without medical supervision....

Taking oxycodone for more than a few weeks causes tolerance and dependence, regardless of whether or not you are using it as directed. Whether you’ve been using oxycodone for pain or abusing it to get high, you can expect withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal From Oxycodone Oxycodone withdrawal is different for everyone and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Your withdrawal experience will depend on a variety of factors, including your current dose and how long you’ve been using opioids....

In addition, the parent wears a Bluetooth or earbud device that allows the therapist to provide real-time feedback and suggestions for how the parent can respond to the child’s behavior and facilitate positive attachment. There is an extensive body of evidence for the effectiveness of PCIT for both emotional and behavioral issues in children. Treatment Plan PCIT is conducted in two phases. First, the therapist emphasizes building a positive relationship between the parent and child....

While systemic shortcomings are certainly a factor contributing to these numbers, it’s more important now than ever to advocate for the mental health of children and teens at home. In order for a young person to get the help or treatment they need, parents and caregivers need to have conversations around mental health. However, a recent survey conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Nationwide Children’s Hospitals found that, while over 90% of parents of children under the age of 18 feel it’s important to discuss mental health with their kids, nearly 60% of parents need help when it comes to starting those conversations....

Maybe you love psychology but are not interested in working in a mental health profession, or you started in mental health or counseling but decided that it isn’t right for you. You might want to consider experimental and applied fields instead. There are many reasons why a person might want to work in a non-clinical field. Many start out planning to become practitioners but change their career direction in response to their interests, available opportunities, and the changing job market....

However, sometimes PTSD can also occur with psychosis. Psychosis involves losing connection with reality, which can lead to symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and incoherent behavior. One study suggested that around 2.5% of people with PTSD also have psychosis. This article discusses the connection between PTSD and psychosis and how having both conditions can affect diagnosis and treatment. The Connection Between PTSD and Psychosis Psychotic symptoms might be related to the severity of an individual’s PTSD symptoms....

Approximately 25% of people gain weight from taking lithium, according to a review article published in Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. After analyzing all relevant published medical studies, the authors reported an average weight gain of 10 to 26 pounds among those who experience this troubling side effect. Although the biological mechanisms that lead to lithium-related weight gain are not entirely clear, researchers speculate that several processes are likely involved. Additionally, several factors can influence the likelihood of gaining weight while you’re taking lithium....

During Yerkes’ tenure as President of the APA, he became involved in developing the Army’s Alpha and Beta Intelligence Tests as part of the World War I effort. The tests were extensively used during this time and were taken by millions of U.S. soldiers. While Yerkes believed that the tests measured native intelligence, later findings revealed that education, training, and acculturation played an important role in performance. Yerkes also became a prominent figure in the eugenics movement, which advocated for harsh immigration restrictions in order to combat what he referred to as “race deterioration....

School violence may be committed by students, teachers, or other members of the school staff; however, violence by fellow students is the most common. “School violence can be anything that involves a real or implied threat—it can be verbal, sexual, or physical, and perpetrated with or without weapons. If someone is deliberately harming someone or acting in a way that leaves someone feeling threatened, that‘s school violence,” says Aimee Daramus, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of “Understanding Bipolar Disorder....

Early Signs of AUD AUD is a progressive disease that develops over time. Contrary to stereotypes, the signs can be subtle. When someone at risk for developing an alcohol use disorder continues to drink, the signs become more apparent and numerous until the problem finally becomes obvious. Here’s what to look for if you’re questioning whether your significant other is developing alcohol use disorder. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database....

Possible Side Effects Xanax and Klonopin belong to a class (or type) of medications known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety and help many people who have a panic disorder. Both of these medications can cause undesirable side effects in some people, including: Abdominal distressAbnormal involuntary movementAgitationAllergic reactionAnxietyAppetite decreasedAppetite increasedConfusionConstipationCoordination abnormalDepressionDermatitisDiarrheaDizzinessDream abnormalitiesDry mouthEdemaFatigueHeadacheHypotoniaInsomniaIrritabilityLibido decreasedLibido increasedMemory impairmentMenstrual disordersNauseaNervousnessPalpitationsSalivation increasedSleepinessSlurred speechTremorUpper respiratory tract infectionVision disordersWeaknessWeight gainWeight loss Also, these drugs can become less effective over time, and some people increase the dose to help relieve anxiety....

Marijuana is also surprisingly available to youths, even in middle school. In 2019, nearly one-third of 8th graders said it would be “fairly easy” or “very easy” to get marijuana. Nearly 60% of 10th graders and over three-quarters of 12th graders said the same. The marijuana legalization movement has played a role in sending mixed messages to young people that marijuana is safe because “it’s medicine” or “it’s legal.” This leaves it up to parents to help set things straight....

Teletherapy can occur in real-time, such as in phone conversations and text messaging, or in a time-delayed format, such as through email messages. Though this type of therapy has limitations, it is quickly becoming an important resource for a growing number of people. Techniques The primary tools for communicating in teletherapy include: Email Mobile device apps Real-time instant messaging Telephone Text-based chats Video conferencing Such services may be accessed via a desktop computer or laptop, but mobile apps are also becoming an increasingly popular option....