Be Simple and Straightforward The first tip is to strip down to the basics. Explain that people with bipolar disorder have mood swings, from elation to depression, that do not necessarily have anything to do with what’s going on in their lives. Explain how this is because bipolar disorder is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, and not a reflection of a loved one’s behavior, words, or mood. This may also be a good time to state that there is a genetic link to bipolar disorder, which may be why you have a family history....

The great thing about a bachelor’s degree in psychology is that it provides preparation for graduate study in many different areas. Psychology majors often go on to study education, counseling, or social work in graduate school. Some students even opt for continued study in law or medicine. Alternative Master’s Degree Paths for Psychology Majors Before you choose a graduate program, it is important to consider your options and personal interests....

The following are just a few fun facts about different topics within psychology. Check through these lists to learn some new things about personality, social behavior, child development, and much more. 10 Things You Should Know About Psychology Psychology can seem a bit daunting to those who are completely new to the subject. Your first introductory course will cover an enormous range of topics, including psychology history, human development, social behavior, cognition, personality, and more....

The study of human development is a rich and varied subject. We all have personal experience with development, but it is sometimes difficult to understand how and why people grow, learn, and act as they do. Why do children behave in certain ways? Is their behavior related to their age, family relationships, or individual temperaments? Developmental psychologists strive to answer such questions as well as to understand, explain, and predict behaviors that occur throughout the lifespan....

Quitting smoking is not an easy task. Everyday life can present many triggers that may prompt someone to want to pick up a cigarette, from nicotine cravings first thing in the morning to routines like having a cup of coffee and a cigarette that feel impossible to shake. Here, we take a look at what someone who’s addicted to nicotine may encounter in their day. Morning for a Smoker Here are a few experiences starting first thing in the morning that may sound familiar to someone who smokes....

You mention hyperactivity, and this is one of the areas of ADHD that does seem to present a bit differently in adulthood. For example, the overt hyperactivity may not be as prevalent. Instead, a person may experience feelings of uncomfortable restlessness. Below is a listing of a few of the ways hyperactive or impulsive symptoms may present differently in children versus adults. Childhood Squirming, fidgetingCan’t stay seated in class, mealsCan’t wait ​a turnBlurts out answers before questions have been completely askedRuns and climbs excessivelyCan’t play or work quietlyOn the go, driven by a motorTalks excessivelyIntrudes on personal space; interrupts others...

While not all people with ADHD have sound sensitivity and not all with sound sensitivity have ADHD, the sensory issue is often comorbid (ADHD doesn’t cause sound sensitivity, but they are comorbid due to other conditions such as autism or misophonia). People with ADHD can experience distress due to sound when it is overwhelming and causes an inability to focus, often leading to increased distress and anxiety. When a person has both sound sensitivity and ADHD, each condition can be even harder to deal with....

In a recent study in Pediatrics, researchers discussed the ways in which involvement with the carceral system can increase ACE scores and lead to poor long-term health outcomes. What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences? Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can include household dysfunction and various forms of abuse and neglect occurring before the age of 18. This is a framework that aids medical and mental health professionals in better understanding the impact that negative childhood experiences have on an individual’s health....

The problem with the use of steroids is after prolonged use they can cause negative health effects. A greater risk of having a heart attack or stroke has been linked to the use of both injectable and oral steroids. Research has found that the risk of liver damage can occur with the use of most of the oral steroids used for bodybuilding. Therefore, the proper term for these substances should be “anabolic-androgenic steroids,” throughout this site, they are referred to as the more commonly used term “anabolic steroids....

It’s not clear whether or not gluten in the diet actually causes anxiety, or whether the anxiety is related to something else. It’s possible that nutritional deficiencies and malnutrition might contribute to anxiety in people with the diagnosed celiac disease (who have intestinal damage that prevents them from absorbing nutrients). But people with gluten sensitivity don’t suffer from this same intestinal damage, and yet, some experience similar or potentially even higher levels of anxiety....

This article contains information on why benzodiazepines are controlled substances, what the classifications of controlled substances are, and provides a benzodiazepines list along with their common side effects. The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 For many decades, the United States has fought what is often termed a “War on Drugs.” Recognizing the potential that certain medications have for misuse and dependence, Congress enacted the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) as part of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970....

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons. The current formal diagnosis is major depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern. As such, it begins and ends at about the same time every year. If you’re like most people with SAD, your symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and continue through the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody....

Dizziness or light-headednessFatigueHeadacheIrritabilityMental fogginessNausea and vomitingNegative mood Caffeine withdrawal occurs when someone who has been consuming caffeine regularly stops. Most people who regularly consume caffeinated beverages are familiar with at least some caffeine withdrawal symptoms. If you skip your morning coffee, you might start to feel some of these unpleasant effects just a few hours later. They can range from fairly mild to more severe, depending on your regular caffeine intake....

Anorexia usually progresses until a person becomes underweight. However, despite the obvious change in appearance, a person with this condition will continue to view themselves as overweight. This disorder is a recognized mental illness. It has the highest mortality rate of any mental disorder, making proper management a matter of urgency for anyone with the condition. Several factors may be responsible for developing anorexia. Eating disorders, including anorexia, are complex and include a range of risk factors, including biological, psychological, and cultural....

Experts fear that prolonged stress and ongoing uncertainty may have lasting consequences for our mental health. “The brain loves certainty, familiarity, routines, plans, and habits. When those are missing, it can be very challenging. When they’re missing for months, and potentially long into the future, then it gets even more problematic, " says Paul Nestadt, MD, assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine....