Sociopaths are more calculating, and have no regard for the welfare or pain of others. They are most likely to derive pleasure from their acts. Narcissists differ because their actions are usually targeted towards self-inflation, and any harm done to others is usually as a result of them pursuing some kind of goal. A person living with a narcissistic personality may also share certain similarities with a sociopath. Because of this, narcissism and sociopathy are often mistaken for one another....

How you choose to move forward is up to you. Do what you are comfortable with, but make sure you take some time to analyze and correct the underlying reasons why you picked up another cigarette in the first place. How to Prevent a Smoking Relapse A smoking “slip” means different things to different people. For instance, someone might view one puff of another’s person’s cigarette as a slip, whereas another person might smoke one or two cigarettes and call that a slip....

When stressed, you experience physiological symptoms like your heart rate quickening and your blood pressure rising. This is a normal response to stress, and your body returns to normal when the stressful event passes. However, when your body is exposed to prolonged periods of stress, you could develop certain medical conditions and worsen symptoms of some others. It’s not always clear what brings on seizures. While people with epilepsy, a neurological condition that causes recurrent and unprovoked seizures, are known to have seizures, some people have seizures that can’t be linked to any medical conditions....

During Pregnancy Thus far, Lamictal has not been shown to cause any significant increases in birth defects overall. Some data shows that there is an increased risk of cleft lip and palate malformations, but other data does not. In a 2009 article, Dr. Ruta M. Nonacs points out that many women with bipolar disorder may require a mood stabilizer during pregnancy. The alternatives to Lamictal, she says, may carry even greater risks....

Writing down what one is grateful for each day can positively impact the way the body and mind function—from quality of sleep to boosting immunity and happiness. A gratitude journal serves as a personal outlet to reflect on what one is grateful for in life. “Gratitude journals may allow individuals to better organize their thoughts and tasks, potentially leading to improved organization and clarity," says Leela R. Magavi, MD, a psychiatrist and Regional Medical Director for Community Psychiatry + MindPath Care Centers....

Definition of MBAT There are several components that are involved in creating the concept of mindfulness-based art therapy. Mindfulness The concept of mindfulness originated from Buddhist practice and reflects a focus on awareness of emotions, physical sensations in the body, and consciousness. When you are being mindful, you have an enhanced ability in terms of your self-awareness and capacity to reflect on your experience and daily life. Art Therapy Art therapy first became popularized as a form of treatment in the 1940s as a method of utilizing art either as an approach to therapy or as part of psychotherapy itself....

Journaling also helps people track their progress, as it documents challenges that have been overcome. Progress then inspires more progress. Because it’s a very simple act, many people doubt the degree of the benefits that can come from journaling. But its simplicity is precisely what makes this tool so effective. Journaling is an often-overlooked practice because of busyness, lack of faith in its effects, and struggling to know how to begin....

While the United States has a very diverse population, this diversity is not always reflected within children’s books. “Books about White children, talking bears, trucks, monsters, potatoes, etc. represent nearly three quarters (71%) of children’s and young adult books published in 2019,” reports the Cooperative Children’s Book Center. According to the first Diversity Baseline Survey from Lee and Low Books, 79% of those working in children’s book publishing were White in 2015....

It should be noted that the diagnosis of Asperger’s was removed from the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and is now diagnosed as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) instead. However, since this term is still used regularly, for simplicity’s sake, the term Asperger’s will be used in this article. What Is Asperger’s Syndrome? Asperger’s syndrome is the former name for a diagnosis that corresponds to high-functioning autism....

How Lexapro Works Lexapro is the brand name for the generic drug escitalopram oxalate. It’s a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is commonly used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and other mental health issues. It works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that affects a variety of functions in the body and mind. It helps balance out brain chemicals that contribute to anxiety and depression. SSRIs are among the safest classes of antidepressants, so they’re frequently prescribed....

Although it is estimated that around 12% of the U.S. population will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime, the American Thyroid Association reports that 60% of people with a thyroid problem are unaware of their condition. What Does the Thyroid Do? As part of the body’s endocrine system, the thyroid secretes hormones that help regulate energy levels and metabolism. Normally, the thyroid regulates various functions by releasing steady levels of thyroid hormones....

Here are some tips to help you make better use of your time while trying to juggle your job and your studies. Make a Schedule The suggestion to make a schedule is always near the top of the list when it comes to time management tips, and there is a good reason…it works. If you have been previously ignoring this good advice, I have included it here again in hopes you will reconsider....

The choice is yours—you can choose to disclose or not disclose, and you can choose at what time you wish to disclose. Deciding on Disclosure You might be asking, “Why would I want to disclose my condition?” At the same time, there are barriers to disclosure, such as the stigma associated with having a mental health condition and potential discrimination by employers and coworkers. Americans With Disabilities Act Any individual with a psychiatric disability is protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)....

When that late night phone call comes from a child who’s freaking out, the last thing they want to hear is a lecture on the importance of doing your homework and planning ahead. Instead, here’s a list of things you can advise that may offer immediate relief: Sleep Cutting back on sleep may seem like a good way to sneak in a few more hours for exam cramming, but missing even a few hours of sleep two or more nights in a row can result in sleep deprivation....

One goal of recovery and learning to live a sober lifestyle is to regain control over your life and your choices. Compulsive behavior, even with productive activities, does not allow you to exercise free choice and is not within your control. Substituting Compulsive Behaviors An example of a compulsive activity for people new to recovery is “workaholism”—which means becoming compulsive about your work, career, or job search. Working and improving your financial situation are noble goals, but if you’re working more than full time or spending most of your time thinking or talking about work, the behavior may be compulsive....