“Youth with ADHD are even more susceptible than average to these mental health conditions, and then the symptoms of ADHD make pandemic life more challenging, thereby increasing the stress and the risk for mental health problems—a vicious cycle,” says Michael Reardon, MD, a pediatric neurologist at Child Neurology Consultants of Austin. ADHD and Mental Health Statistics vary when it comes to ADHD in children in the United States. But according to the 2016 National Survey of Children’s Health, about 9....

This includes shifting from in-person conversations to online modes of communication such as video conferencing, phone calls, texts, or email, and wearing masks while indoors or when social distancing is not possible. And while this “new normal” is something that we will continue to adapt to, it comes at a highly emotional time with a certain level of confusion, frustration, and a loss of in-person connection we are used to....

DBT is a specific type of cognitive-behavioral treatment. It was developed in the late 1970s by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D. to treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is now recognized as the treatment of choice for this population. In addition, research has shown it is effective for a range of other mental disorders including substance dependence, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders. The word “dialectical” means that in DBT, therapists and clients work hard to balance change with acceptance, two seemingly opposing forces or strategies....

Whether that is someone bird watching in a park, entering an apartment building, or driving during rush hour, viral videos have shown us that an ordinary day can turn into a hostile situation caused by unconscious bias and someone being seen as threatening. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that this reality—either through actually happening or having the heightened awareness of an incident occurring—can be costly to a Black man....

While understanding of and treatment for misophonia remains an area that requires further research, there have been some promising advances made with regard to managing responses to triggering sounds as well as using white noise generators or other ambient noise to reduce discomfort. If you are a person living with misophonia or think that you may have this condition because of your reactions to certain sounds, then it’s important to know that there are treatment options available to you....

Dopamine has a direct impact on the central nervous system, which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. It also plays an essential role in the brain’s reward system, where it reinforces feelings of pleasure that people experience when they engage in rewarding activities. Characteristics of Dopamine While dopamine is often referred to as the “pleasure chemical,” this is a misnomer, as dopamine doesn’t actually produce pleasure. It does, however, reinforce feelings of pleasure by connecting sensations of pleasure to certain behaviors....

The update examines 50 studies (35 of which are new) representing 12,430 participants. Researchers found e-cigarettes had a moderate edge over NRT in some studies, but many findings were imprecise. That means unlike the smaller, original review, the update found insufficient evidence to conclude that e-cigarettes are significantly better for quitting than other methods like NRT and behavioral support. Added to that, e-cigarettes are not without concerns. Because they’ve only been on the market a relatively short time, their long-term effects aren’t yet known....

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed guidelines, which are regularly reviewed and revised. Recently, the CDC added certain “mental health conditions” to the high-risk COVID-19 list, which means people with a diagnosis of a mental health condition like depression or schizophrenia will qualify for the booster shot. An Important Step Forward Amy Morin, LCSW, psychotherapist, author, and editor-in-chief of Verywell Mind, thinks it’s somewhat surprising that mental health issues are being recognized as serious conditions that can put people at higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness....

With many individuals finally becoming increasingly aware of longstanding oppression, it will be more crucial than ever to think critically about how to foster empathy for future generations to make much-needed change. Encouraging the empathy needed for critical, social changes begins in the home when teens are supported within their own family. The Research Study This multimethod longitudinal study assessed how secure attachment predicted empathic support for friends from the ages of 14 to 18, among 184 adolescents across the Southeastern United States, of whom 58% identified as white, 29% identified as Black, and 13% identified as other racial backgrounds....

Meet Andrea Bonior Andrea Bonior a licensed clinical psychologist behind the popular “Baggage Check” mental health advice column for The Washington Post, now appearing as “Ask Dr. Andrea.” She is the author of several books, including Detox Your Thoughts, a book filled with helpful, actionable tips for dealing with unhelpful ways of thinking. In addition to serving on the adjunct faculty of Georgetown University, Dr. Bonior maintains a private practice where she specializes in the treatment of anxiety and relationship issues....

For example, when looking at a problem like aggression, one researcher might take an evolutionary perspective and look at how biology and genetic inheritance play a role in aggressive behavior. Another social psychologist might approach the same problem from the social learning perspective and try to analyze the various environmental influences that contribute to aggression including family, friends, and popular culture. 4 Major Perspectives Used by Social Psychologists Here are the major perspectives used by social psychologists:...

In addition to taking into account the family system as a unit, this approach to therapy also considers how generational, social, community, and cultural factors influence individuals and families. This article discusses how family systems therapy works, what it can help with, and some of the key techniques that may be used. It also discusses the effectiveness of this type of therapy and things you should consider before trying family systems therapy....

A History of Figure-Ground Perception The concept of figure-ground perception emerged out of the field of Gestalt psychology. According to the Gestalt approach, the whole is more (or different) than the sum of its parts. The term Gestalt itself comes from the German word meaning “form” or “shape.” During the 1920s, a number of German psychologists including Max Wertheimer and Wolfgang Kohler began studying different principles of perception that govern how people make sense of an often disorderly world....

A recent study from the Journal of Social Psychological and Personality Science looked into how common it is for romantic partners to start as friends. Of the 1900 participants involved, 68.2% reported that they had initially been friends before things turned romantic with their partner. The number was stable across genders. However, 84% of people in their twenties and 85% who identified as LGBTQ+ reported that their relationship began as a friendship....

What if there was a way to both express and hear each other’s complaints more effectively? Perhaps in a way that you both could take it in and make real changes instead of ignoring, dismissing or getting defensive. My guess is you would both be shouting hallelujah from the mountaintop! There Is a Right Way to Complain Effectively complaining isn’t that hard. In fact, there are three simple steps to follow....

Now, new research from the University of Pennsylvania is turning that frequently cited finding on its head. The study, which looked at data on more than 33,000 adults in the U.S., has found that people’s life satisfaction and experienced wellbeing continues to rise with income—even above that $75,000 mark. So does that mean money can buy happiness after all? Not necessarily. Here’s what mental health experts say about measuring our moods in dollars and cents....

Other names for post-acute withdrawal syndrome include post-withdrawal syndrome, prolonged withdrawal syndrome, and protracted withdrawal syndrome. Which Drug Addictions May Lead to PAWS? Post-acute withdrawal syndrome typically begins after someone has withdrawn from alcohol, a benzodiazepine tranquilizer, or a narcotic drug (opioid), such as heroin. About 90 percent of people who were addicted to opioids experience some degree of post-acute withdrawal syndrome, which occurs in about 75% of recovered alcoholics....

In this article, we will discuss how to live in the present moment more frequently, and some ways that can help you get back into living mindfully. Notice Your Surroundings One way to be in the present moment is by noticing your surroundings. How often do you take time out of your day to actually look around and see what’s going on? When was the last time you sat down, closed your eyes, took a deep breath, and just looked at everything around you?...

Amphetamine is a central nervous system stimulant that increases alertness, self-confidence, and concentration while creating a feeling of increased energy and decreased appetite. Amphetamine is available by prescription but is also used illicitly as a recreational drug. It is also sometimes used by athletes as a performance-enhancing drug. Prescription amphetamine-containing medications include: Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine) Adderall RX (a long-acting form of dextroamphetamine/amphetamine) Desoxyn (methamphetamine) Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) Amphetamines were also once used to treat narcolepsy and obesity, but this is less common today....