By Gina Marchando, DMFT, LMFT, CHT, CIT, Clinical Director at The Ranch The media’s various portrayals of people with dissociative identity disorder (DID) have one thing in common: They get much of it wrong. Dissociative identity disorder, formerly classified as multiple personality disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, is usually far […]
People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol can develop the symptoms of psychosis (hallucinations and/or delusional thinking) while intoxicated or in a state of withdrawal. They can also develop a distinct condition called alcohol-induced psychotic disorder or alcohol-induced psychotic syndrome (AIPS). The development of AIPS is a very serious occurrence that can lead to poor
Alcohol-Induced Psychosis: Causes, Concerns & Treatment Options Read More »
Prescription painkillers aren’t the only medicines being abused across America. Stimulants like Adderall are widely abused as “study drugs” – especially among college students – and can be just as deadly. Although all students are at risk, medical schools are particularly competitive and stressful environments, so it’s no surprise that Adderall abuse is an especially
Many people have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but there is a related condition known as acute stress reaction or acute stress disorder. The main difference is that the symptoms last much longer with PTSD than with acute stress disorder.
Acute Stress Reactions: Symptoms & Early Treatment Read More »
Even if we’re introverted by nature, we still like to make connections with other human beings, and social awkwardness can make this incredibly difficult to do. We’d like to enjoy our social interactions with strangers or casual acquaintances, but instead they leave us feeling embarrassed and uncomfortable.
10 Ways to Overcome Awkwardness in a Social Setting Read More »
When a person experiences the symptoms of psychosis, the line between fact and fiction can become blurred. For a person with psychosis, it becomes difficult to know what is real and what is imaginary.
By Meghan Vivo One of the biggest obstacles in treating people who self-injure is the toxic shame they feel as a result of their self-harming behaviors. The secrecy inherent in self-harm also creates obvious challenges for concerned friends and family, who may not know the depth of the person’s emotional pain until the problem has
When working with pregnant women affected by bipolar disorder, doctors inevitably face some stark choices. On one hand, suspension of the use of bipolar medications could lead to serious harm from a relapse back into active symptoms. On the other hand, many of the medications proven effective in managing bipolar symptoms can lead to serious
Bipolar Medication & Pregnancy: What Are the Risks? Read More »
Impulsive behaviors are behaviors that you engage in without really reflecting on the possible consequences of your actions or the potential to harm yourself or other people. Minor forms of this behavior are common even among generally functional adults. However, you can develop impulse control problems severe enough to qualify you for a mental health
If you’re going through a life-changing event such as losing your job, getting divorced or experiencing the death of a family member, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the stress and strain of your situation. In some cases, the impact on your mental health may be severe enough to qualify you for a diagnosis of
So You’ve Lost Your Job … Coping With the Effects of Adjustment Disorder Read More »
