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Human memory involves the ability to both preserve and recover information. However, this is not a flawless process. Sometimes people forget or misremember things. Other times, information is not properly encoded in memory in the first place. Memory problems are often relatively minor annoyances, like forgetting birthdays. However, they can also be a sign of serious conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and other kinds of dementia. These conditions affect quality of life and ability to function....

A classic example is a young boy who bullies a young girl because, on a subconscious level, he’s attracted to her. Consciously, he can’t face the reality of his romantic feelings, so he expresses distaste toward her instead of appreciation. History of Reaction Formation The concept of defense mechanisms was initially proposed in the late 1800s by Sigmund Freud as part of his psychoanalytic theory. While Freud started the discussion on defense mechanisms, his daughter Anna Freud advanced the idea further by proposing 10 important defense mechanisms in her seminal book, The Ego and the Mechanisms of Defense, published in 1936....

This concept originally received support in the academic community with over 1000 citations (specifically, the positive psychology field) and was promoted in the popular media. Frederickson even wrote a book based on the concept titled “Positivity: Top-Notch Research Reveals the 3 to 1 Ratio That Will Change Your Life by Barbara Fredrickson” and Losada began a consulting business, Losada Line Consulting, as an offshoot. However, it was later subject to scrutiny, resulting in a retraction and general acceptance that it had been discredited....

The survey also found the average cost of a therapy session to be $178 per month. Considering the median household income as of 2020 in the United States is $67,521, receiving weekly therapy at that rate is a stretch for many. While many require financial support to receive therapy, what about those who simply can’t afford it? This article is for those who are facing the challenge of being unable to afford therapy....

While teletherapy existed prior to the pandemic, with apps like Talkspace and BetterHelp providing mental health services online, it skyrocketed during the pandemic because therapists and clients were left with no other option. The collective nature of the crisis taught many the importance of maintaining our mental health the same way we would our physical health. This rise in therapy options can only be beneficial to a world where mental health awareness has never been higher....

You cannot smoke while using nicotine lozenges, so many people use them as a quit aid, though there are many things you should know and understand about these lozenges before using them to help you quit smoking. Pros and Cons Nicotine lozenges offer quick relief from cravings that are part of nicotine withdrawal. However, they are not a fail-safe solution. Lozenges should only be used on an as-needed basis, but since they are similar to candy—both in taste and form—the potential to misuse this quit aid is significant....

There are some important questions you should consider. Do you need an ADHD diagnosis? What type of treatment do you prefer? For example, are you looking for a professional who can prescribe medication, or for someone who can teach you or your child practical ways of coping with ADHD? Knowing your goals will help make your search easier. Professionals Who Diagnose ADHD If you’re concerned about whether you or your child might have ADHD, the first step is to talk with a healthcare provider....

Here are some of the top courses you should consider when selecting classes to take as an undergraduate psychology major. You should also keep in mind your coursework if you are minoring in a related area. Remember, however, that the goal of this class is to provide an introduction to the history of psychology and the scientific study of the human mind and behavior. While it may seem like you are skimming over huge topics, you’ll be able to delve deeper into these subjects in later courses....

Though we like to think of our teens as carefree and oblivious to the noise, they’re impacted by the chaos, too. Teens may even experience the additional burden of worrying about their loved ones in a world where they don’t have a whole lot of control. They also contend with the extra layers of navigating a complex social sphere, the stress of social media, and a fluctuation of hormones and a changing body....

College students face greater responsibilities, less structured time, many more distractions, and new social situations. At the same time, they may lack many of the support systems they may have had in high school. This article discusses some of the challenges that college students with ADHD may face as well as some of the strategies you can use to succeed academically and socially. Qualities of a Successful Student Sarah D....

Many people with chronic pain conditions, including certain types of arthritis, are prescribed pain medication. Their medical condition dictates the need for such drugs—that’s why it was prescribed as part of their treatment plan. Yet, if you pay attention to the news, people who are legitimately prescribed pain medication are being lumped in with the abusers. We can easily understand how that developed. After all, there is an epidemic of opioid abuse in the U....

Consuming too much alcohol too quickly can lead to alcohol poisoning, which is marked by symptoms such as poor coordination, hypothermia, irregular heartbeat, slowed breathing, and unconsciousness. It is very dangerous and potentially fatal. This article discusses the causes and symptoms of alcohol poisoning. It also explains available alcohol poisoning treatments. Alcohol Poisoning Symptoms Learning the symptoms of acute alcohol poisoning can help you distinguish between a friend who is drunk and passed out and a person who is unconscious due to acute alcohol poisoning....

From Florida’s so-called ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill that passed earlier this year, to opposition to gender-affirming care, to the states attempting to bar trans girls from playing on girl’s sports teams, LGBTQIA+ rights are dominating the ‘culture war’ and the United States remains divided. Per the Human Rights Campaign, 2021 was the worst year in recent history for anti-LGBTQ+ legislation—but was 2022 worse? While Governor Ron DeSantis’ bill made many of the headlines, it’s just the tip of the iceberg....

Signs of a Problem Although you’ve noticed your friends aren’t drinking as much, you aren’t the only one to increase your alcohol intake during the pandemic. Many people are using alcohol to cope with the stress of everyday life right now. But turning to alcohol to cope also means many people are at an increased risk of health problems, substance use disorders, relationship trouble, and mental health problems. So while one person may have a few drinks every week without experiencing any repercussions, someone else might experience serious problems when they consume the same amount of alcohol....

Benzos, as they are often called, are central nervous system depressants that have a sedating and relaxing effect. Unfortunately, tolerance and dependence are not uncommon. Ativan Withdrawal Ativan is one of the most widely prescribed benzodiazepines. In 2017, doctors wrote almost 26.5 million prescriptions for Ativan alone. As of 2018, an estimated 5.4 million people over the age of 12 misused prescription benzodiazepines like Ativan. If you’ve been using Ativan daily for more than a few weeks, you can expect some withdrawal symptoms....

By learning how to control physical and psychological effects of stress using biofeedback, people are able to learn how to relax their minds and bodies and better cope with the symptoms of stress. The goal of biofeedback is to make subtle changes to the body that result in a desired effect. This might include relaxing certain muscles slowing heart rate or reducing feelings of pain. Some of the functions that people can learn to control include:...