Psychologist Training and Qualifications Psychologists are people who have either a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) in a field such as clinical or counseling psychology. In some cases, a psychologist may have an EdD (Doctor of Education). To get a PhD, PsyD, or EdD, a person must go to graduate school. Graduate programs in clinical or counseling psychology usually last about five to six years. During that time, psychologists receive extensive training in the assessment and treatment of various psychological disorders....

A study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin measured the physiological responses of participants as they performed stressful tasks. Results showed mindful participants displayed no evidence of a more positive psychological response during the stressor. The Study Researchers measured the cardiovascular responses of 1,001 participants during a stressful performance task, such as giving a speech. These responses also helped to determine the degree to which participants cared about the stressor in the moment....

A new study that builds off of previous research on the effect of daylight exposure on circadian rhythm shows that soaking up more sunlight at home can improve circadian alignment, sleep quality, and mental health. The Study In this recent field study, a group of researchers from the Light and Health Research Center at Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine observed participants in their homes, living their everyday lives, and adjusted daylight exposure to determine its effects on circadian rhythm, sleep and mood....

Many people who successfully quit used multiple approaches, including counseling or a support system, so you might find that a combination of methods works best for you. Be sure to talk to your doctor to make sure any alternative treatment you try is safe for you. Acupuncture Acupuncture may be effective for helping people quit smoking. An acupuncturist will insert thin needles (that are about as thin as a strand of hair) into certain pressure points on the body....

FeverDiarrheaDifficulty feeding NAS could lead to medical complications such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), developmental delays, or behavioral problems in severe cases. The condition is sometimes referred to as neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS); however, this term only accounts for opioids and not other drugs that can cause the same symptoms. Some research shows that every 25 minutes, a case of NAS is diagnosed in the United States. Symptoms of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Symptoms of NAS typically vary from child to child, depending on a myriad of factors....

The reactions are noted by a graph so that the person can see how they naturally react. Following this therapy, patients can then work with a professional to understand why they have these reactions. This can help patients better understand the root of their feelings based on their natural reactions that they may not even realize are occurring. This article covers the types and techniques of neurofeedback therapy, its benefits and efficacy, and what you should consider before trying it....

Although the generic term “opioid” is given in the DSM-5, the diagnostic guidelines indicate that the actual opioid drug being used by the individual should be specified in the diagnosis. For example, a person who has developed heroin addiction would be diagnosed with heroin use disorder. Types of Opioids Opioids are a drug class that acts on opioid receptors in the brain. They come in many forms, including: Analgesics used mainly in hospital settings such as morphine (brand names include Roxanol-T and Avinza) Illicit drugs such as heroin Painkillers that are available with a prescription such as Abstral, Actiq, Onsolis, Fentora, Sublimaze (fentanyl); Oxycontin, Xtampza ER, Oxaydo (oxycodone); Vicodin, Hyslinga, Zohydro (hydrocodone); Dilaudid (hydromorphone); and codeine Substitution drugs used to treat addiction to other opioids such as methadone...

I showed my mother, a registered nurse, and immediately her eyes widened. She pressed her fingers to the bump and said, “This could be a tumor.” I didn’t know enough about tumors to know what that meant or how it would impact my life, but then my mother said, “You might have to take a semester off.” The next day, a doctor pressed her hands to the bump. She didn’t think it was a tumor....

Fear of Cold The fear of cold, or cryophobia, is often worst during the winter months. Some people are afraid of cold air temperatures, while others fear touching cold objects. Cryophobia may stem from many different root causes but is most often linked to a subjective perception of “cold” and negative associations with the sensation of cold. However, each person experiences temperatures differently, so the threshold for “cold” is different for everyone....

OEF/OIF soldiers face a number of highly stressful situations, including deployment, combat exposure, and reintegration. Given this, it is really not that surprising that OEF/OIF veterans are showing high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use, anger management problems, physical health problems, and suicide. However, many do not seek out treatment for these difficulties. Multiple studies suggest only about half of veterans get treatment. Stigma as a Barrier to Seeking Treatment According to a report by the RAND National Defense Research Institute, a major reason many service members do not seek out treatment is the stigma associated with receiving mental health care....

Indications Remeron is indicated for the treatment of clinical depression. A major depressive episode is defined as at least two weeks of persistently depressed mood or loss of interest accompanied by several other symptoms that cause significant distress and impact one’s functioning. Other symptoms of clinical depression include: Feelings of guilt or worthlessness Increased fatigue Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping) Psychomotor agitation or retardation Significant changes in weight and/or appetite Slowed thinking or impaired concentration Suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt...

An adjustment disorder is a mental health condition that may require professional help. With appropriate intervention, adjustment disorders usually respond well to treatment. Causes People of all ages can have adjustment disorders, but they’re especially common in children and adolescents. Adjustment disorders are caused by a maladaptive response to stress. They are brought about some type of change in a child’s life. There are many types of stressful events that could lead to an adjustment disorder in children, including:...

Cocaine is an addictive substance that triggers the brain to release a chemical called dopamine, which produces a euphoric high. This high can be addictive, causing people to consume more and more of the substance in order to achieve it. Recreational use of cocaine is illegal because it is dangerous and can lead to severe health consequences, including stroke, heart attack, and overdose. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 100,000 people in the United States died in 2021 as a result of drug overdose....

Understanding Anxiety Triggers Anxiety disorders like SAD are believed to be caused by a variety of biological and environmental factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, and stressful life experiences or trauma. Anxiety triggers, on the other hand, are people, places, or things that cause an anxiety response. Anxiety triggers are things that your brain has adapted or learned to perceive as dangerous and, as a result, cause acute symptoms of anxiety such as muscle tension, gastrointestinal upset, and shortness of breath....

If you want to get better at starting a conversation, explore some tips to improve your communication. Preparing ahead, avoiding communication killers, and using simple conversation starters can be helpful. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts Prepare Ahead of Time If a room full of strangers is your idea of a waking nightmare, starting a conversation at a party or work event can be incredibly daunting. These social situations can be challenging if you are introverted, shy, or socially anxious....

As a defense, the body produces chemical reactions that prepare it to respond in the moment,, like an increase in blood pressure, altered breathing, and muscle tension. The body is built to undergo the reactions to stress, but when stress is chronic, it can place more pressure on the body than usual. The body can react to chronic stress in multiple ways. For example, sometimes, a person doesn’t realize how stressed they are until it begins to expose itself in the form of physiological symptoms....