Overview In many cases, the depressive episodes may be the defining feature of bipolar disorder. At other times, a person may experience a less severe form of mania known as hypomania, in which the elevated mood may not be so apparent, especially to casual observers. Another condition, known as bipolar disorder with mixed features, causes a person to simultaneously experience depression and mania. While this may seem contradictory—to have a manic and depressed state at the same time—it is more common than you may think....

By parsing through existing research on this topic, a group of researchers set out to determine the true cognitive impact of these technological developments. While they found that most claims suggest digital technology worsens cognition and public opinion reflecting that notion, says lead researcher Lorenzo Cecutti, their conclusion is quite different. “If you try to google ‘smartphones make us stupid’ you can find several articles in support of this statement,” Cecutti says....

Topics like COVID-19 vaccines or election politics have elicited strong opinions. And pointing out another’s wrongdoing can often be perceived as a personal attack, fanning the flames of heated discussions and escalated behavioral responses. Responding defensively to transgressions can negatively impact relationships, individual well-being, and decision-making within government and organizations. A recent study published in The British Journal of Social Psychology examined this type of defensive response in regard to social and moral identity to determine the ways in which the behavior can potentially be reduced....

If you always see the brighter side of things, you may experience more positive events in your life than others, find yourself less stressed, and even enjoy more significant health benefits. Signs of Optimism There are many key characteristics that optimists tend to share. Some signs that you tend to be optimistic: You feel that good things will happen in the future.You expect things to work out for the best....

If you are new to the study of psychology, then you probably have quite a few questions. Among these: What exactly is psychology? What do psychologists do and where do they work? What can a person do with a psychology degree? Let’s tackle some of these all-important questions in this quick introduction to the subject of psychology. Get a brief overview of the topic that will help guide further study of this fascinating subject....

Phone coaching is one of the essential elements of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), a very effective form of psychotherapy that is used for borderline personality disorder (BPD). While there is no cure for BPD, DBT has been proven to decrease the occurrence and severity of symptoms. When you begin a DBT program, you will have regular sessions with your therapist, so it’s imperative that you feel comfortable with that person....

Renee Schneider, PhD, vice president and head of therapy at Brightline, says COVID has had a tremendous impact on almost every aspect of children’s lives, including fewer opportunities to interact and communicate with peers, changes in routine, and challenges around emotion regulation. Add in more school closures due to the omicron variant, and all of these challenges are intensified. “School closures have led children to feel more isolated and alone, and to experience a sense ofuncertainty about their world and the future,” says Schneider....

The exact causes of BPD are not yet known, but most experts believe that BPD develops as a result of biological, genetic, and environmental factors. The following are theories that have some support in support but are by no means conclusive. More research is needed to determine how and why the factors discussed below are related to BPD. Environmental Influences There is strong evidence to support a link between distressing childhood experiences, particularly involving caregivers, and the development of BPD....

This method offers a number of advantages, such as standardization of diagnoses across different treatment providers. But increasingly, mental health professionals are considering the drawbacks of the DSM, including the possibility of over-diagnosis. In order to understand the debate, it is first necessary to understand what the DSM is and is not. History of the DSM Although its roots are traceable to the late 19th century, the standardization of mental illness classifications really took hold in the years immediately following World War II....

Early Life Sabina Spielrein was born in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on November 7, 1885, into a wealthy Jewish family. Her father, Naphtul Arkadjevitch Spielrein, was a successful businessman and her mother, Emilia (Eva) Marcovna Lujublinskaja, was a dentist. Her maternal grandfather and great-grandfather were rabbis who had arranged Emilia’s marriage to her Jewish husband. While the household was strict and at times even abusive, her parents placed a heavy emphasis on education and Sabina grew up speaking Russian, German, French, and English....

Punishment is often mistakenly confused with negative reinforcement. The difference: Reinforcement increases the chances that a behavior will occur and punishment decreases the chances that a behavior will occur. Types of Punishment Behaviorist B. F. Skinner, the psychologist who first described operant conditioning, identified two different kinds of aversive stimuli that can be used as punishment: Positive punishment: This type of punishment is also known as “punishment by application.” Positive punishment involves presenting an aversive stimulus after a behavior has occurred....

From those early dating days where you’re trying to understand who the other is, to later stages where you’re determining whether the relationship is moving toward a forever commitment, we’re sharing important questions to ask your partner at every stage of your relationship. Early Relationship If you’re serious about getting serious, asking your mate key questions is vital in the early stages of dating. This can help you determine whether you’re aligned on non negotiables, determine your overall compatibility, and help you figure out whether the person you’re dating is on the same page....

Let’s first define the terms: A lapse or slip is the occurrence of a minor symptom while a relapse refers to a recurrence of frequent binge eating or purging. Because a lapse is a single event it does not necessarily lead to a relapse. Additionally, how one responds to a lapse plays a big role in whether it becomes a relapse. Looking at Statistics If you have experienced a relapse, you are in good company....

A recent study looked at data on more than 3.5 million people admitted to the hospital and found that ICU survivors had a 22% higher risk of suicide than patients who spent time in other hospital departments. Their risk of self-harm also increased by 15% and remained elevated for years after their discharge. Here’s what the research shows about mental health outcomes after a stay in the ICU, along with suggestions from experts on improving care....

Get the Facts About OCD Perhaps the most important OCD self-help strategy is to learn as much as you possibly can about your illness. OCD is a chronic illness that requires day-to-day management of symptoms instead of focusing on an ultimate cure. Having a chronic illness requires that you become an expert on your condition and getting informed is the first step. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts...

Research recently published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships analyzed the power dynamics of 181 couples. The results showed that objective power, measured by education or income, didn’t make a difference in the quality of a relationship. However, when both partners felt they had the power to influence one another and decisions in their relationships, they tended to be more satisfied as a couple. Here’s what the latest research shows about power dynamics in relationships....

While not always recognized as a legitimate diagnosis, sex addiction does have real consequences. This addiction can have a negative impact on a person’s relationships, occupation, mental well-being, and more. Symptoms of Sex Addiction How do you know if you or someone you care about may have an addiction to sex? Some of the signs of sexual addiction include: Sex dominates the person’s life to the exclusion of other activities....

Many of the individuals profiled in the series are leaders or influencers who are profiting off of their involvement in conspiracy theories. While these individuals may be motivated, at least in part, by the possibility of amassing recognition, influence, and economic advantages, there are also millions of people in America who believe in conspiracy theories who are not seeking those things. In this article, we’ll explore the psychology of these individuals, including what makes people vulnerable to belief in conspiracy theories, what the mental health consequences of those beliefs can be, and what people whose loved ones have adopted conspiratorial thinking can do to help....