Psychologists vs. Therapists: How to Choose | Healthline
Getting mental health treatment can be hard enough, but knowing what professional is best shouldn’t make it harder. The terms psychologist and therapist come up frequently, but what is the difference? Psychologists have backgrounds in behavioral science research and tend to have a more stress response focus. Counselors and therapists take a more philosophical approach that is less focused on research. Additionally, psychologists can make mental health diagnoses, while therapists require supervision from a psychologist to provide a diagnosis. This article goes in-depth about what qualifications psychologists and therapists have, the focal points of psychologists versus therapists, what each is best seen for, and what costs are associated with psychologists and therapists.
Article written by Kristeen Cherney and published by Healthline. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
16 Signs of a Good Therapist | Greatist
How do I find a therapist to work with? 16 signs to look for in a good therapist!
Written by Kevin Jiang and published by Greatist.com. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Therapy for Men: Why It’s Important | Greatist
Men are often told that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. This often means that they refuse to attend therapy despite needing it. Contrary to traditionally masculine norms, men’s mental health can be poor. And that is okay. Getting treatment is important. Knowing what therapy options are out there can make it easier to get help. This article addresses why men avoid therapy, therapy options for men, and common symptoms of mental illness in men.
Article written by Liam McMillan and published by Greatist. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Traumatic Events: Causes, Effects, and Management | Healthline
Traumatic events can experiences that cause physical, emotional, spiritual, or psychological harm to a person. Common examples of traumatic events are war, rape, witnessing a death, and natural disasters. Frequent responses to a traumatic experience include nightmares, flashbacks, irritability, anxiety, trouble sleeping or concentrating, and minor physical symptoms. It is normal for people to take up to four weeks to move past the experience of the trauma; this is the acute stress reaction period. When symptoms have persisted for four to six weeks, the diagnosis becomes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The article covers symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, how to manage it, and the benefits of seeking professional help.
Article written by Jacquelyn Cafasso and published by Healthline. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Screening Quiz I PsychCentral
After a traumatic event, people may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Post-traumatic stress disorder can be caused by events such as war, witnessing a sudden death, assault, or natural disasters. If symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, such as irritability, flashbacks, and nightmares, persist beyond four weeks after the traumatic event, it may be useful to seek out an evaluation from a medical professional. This quiz provides a quick and simple way to determine if getting evaluated for post-traumatic stress disorder may be of benefit.
Article written by Christina Ward and published by PsychCentral. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Low Self-Esteem and Ways to Boost Self-Esteem | Greatist
It is easy to feel down about yourself at points in life. Some individuals can experience low self-esteem at many points or continuously as time goes on. This article describes what low self-esteem can be like and gives ways to cope with low self-esteem and feel better about yourself.
Written by Lisa Bubert and published by Greatist. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Emotional Blunting: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment | Healthline
Emotional blunting is when a person shows an underwhelming emotional reaction. This lack of reaction seen in emotional blunting is often described as feeling numb. Emotional blunting can also be recognized by a lack of facial and behavioral reactions. Emotional blunting causes include some medications, mental illnesses, and substance use disorders. Treatments for emotional blunting can be both self-taught and worked with by a professional. This article covers common causes for emotional blunting, how to identify emotional blunting, and what treatment options are available for emotional blunting.
Article written by Erica Cirino and published by Healthline. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
10 Ways to Stop Depersonalization | PsychCentral
Depersonalization is a form of dissociation that is often caused by traumatic experiences. Experiencing depersonalization can be scary, so knowing how to stop depersonalization can be a big help. Short-term ways to moderate depersonalization include listening to music, acknowledging and challenging feelings, and reaching out to friends. Long-term options include improving sleep schedules, talk therapy, and getting more exercise. This article provides ten ways to manage and stop depersonalization.
Article written by Juli Fraga, Psy.D. and published by PsychCentral. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Is Depression Genetic? Research and Triggers | Greatist
There is an ongoing debate on whether depression is genetic or environmental. The answer is that the cause of depression varies by person. People going through a hard time are also more susceptible to depression. Similarly, people with family histories of depression are more likely to experience depression. Certain genes are more prevalent in people with family histories of depression. These genes may cause people to have a higher susceptibility to depression. This article explores how genetics may be responsible for depression. It also looks into gender differences in depression and how depression can be triggered.
Article written by Tom Russell and published by Greatist. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Existential Depression: Overwhelmed by a Search for Meaning | Healthline
Existential depression develops when a person ruminates on questions about the meaning of life. People often ruminate on death, freedom, isolation, and the meaning of life during existential questioning. Focusing on them to an unhealthy degree can lead to an existential crisis or existential depression. Existential depression symptoms include feeling hopelessness, focusing on death or life’s meaning, losing interest in hobbies, and decreased motivation. This article addresses common symptoms of existential depression and who experiences existential depression most frequently. The article also offers tips on how to cope with existential depression and professional treatment options for existential depression.
Article written by Crystal Raypole and published by Healthline. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
The Symptoms of Major Depression | PsychCentral
Depression can sometimes be difficult to recognize. “How can I tell if I am experiencing depression?” There are many common symptoms of depression, most notably feeling “down” or low mood and/or having a lack of interest or pleasure in things you once enjoyed. This article identifies these and other symptoms of depression, potential causes of depression, and options for treatment. We hope this information is helpful if you do experience depression!
Written by Simone M. Scully and published by Psych Central. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Women | PsychCentral
Depression is more common in women than men. It is important to look out for common symptoms of depression in women. This article gives an in-depth breakdown of signs and symptoms of depression in women, causes of depression in women, and what to do when you develop depression as a woman.
Article written by Kasey Van Dyke and published by PsychCentral. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Symptoms of Depression in Teenagers | PsychCentral
For those of you who are teenagers and for those of us who remember being teenagers, we know that adolescence can be a difficult time. Many teenagers can experience mood difficulties, and depression can be relatively common in adolescence. This article describes the symptoms of depression in teenagers, related difficulties they may experience, and how parents and adults can help teenagers cope with depression. It also talks about how to find support and treatment for teenagers who experience depression.
Written by Gia Miller and published by Psych Central. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
What to Do When Depression Makes You Feel Worthless | PsychCentral
Depression is often associated with feelings of sadness, but depression can also cause feelings of worthlessness. Knowing how to fight back when faced with feeling worthless can reduce the feeling. However, when tips and tricks aren’t reducing feelings of worthlessness, it is important to know when to reach out for professional help. This article provides ways to reduce feelings of worthlessness, explains why people with depression feel worthless, and lists signs that professional help should be sought.
Article written by Juli Fraga, Psy.D. and published by PsychCentral. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Boosting Your Energy when You’re Depressed | PsychCentral
Depression has many symptoms that interfere with daily life. One of the most prevalent symptoms of depression is low energy. What tips and tricks are there to beat the drag when depression has you down? Therapy is a well-known method for addressing depression. There are also ways people can boost their energy on their own. From eating specific foods to boost energy while depressed to meditating, it’s important to know what works best. This article offers six ways to boost energy while suffering from depression.
Article written by Lela Moore and published by PsychCentral. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Options for Treatment-Resistant Depression | Psych Central
Depression can sometimes be difficult to treat. For some individuals, many treatments they have undergone for depression do not seem to work. This is referred to as “treatment-resistant depression,” and it can occur for multiple reasons. There are a number of alternative treatments for depression or alternative combinations of treatments that have been shown to be effective and promising when other treatments for depression have not been effective.
Written by Morgan Meisnner, M.S. and published by Psych Central. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
The Different Types of Anxiety | Healthline
What are the different types of anxiety? Anxiety can often feel the same (and not fun) no matter what type of anxiety it is. Anxiety is a natural phenomenon that can come in the form of a sense of general nervousness or worry about specific events in the future. Although anxiety can feel uncomfortable no matter what, there are different forms of anxiety depending on the nature of one’s experience and the types of situations we may become anxious or stressed about. Anxiety is considered a “disorder” when it becomes severe enough that it begins to create problems in people’s lives. This article reviews the types of anxiety, how they might be classified when they create difficulties and are considered disorders, and effective treatment options for anxiety.
Written by Sarah Lindberg and published by Healthline. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
What Causes Anxiety Disorders? | PsychCentral
There are many causes of anxiety disorders. Causes can include genetics, our environment, how we learn to cope with stress and with other people, stressful life events, and other causes. This article reviews the causes and contributors to anxiety disorders and how to get help for anxiety.
Written by Darlene Lancer and published by Psych Central. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Anxiety Facts and Statistics | PsychCentral
Are there different types of anxiety disorders? How often do anxiety disorders occur? There are multiple different types of anxiety disorders. They usually occur at different rates and for different people in different situations. This article reviews the different types of anxiety and how often anxiety disorders occur for people.
Written by Kate Bettino and published by Psych Central. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
How to Calm Down When You Have Anxiety | PsychCentral
Everyone feels anxious. Knowing how to handle feeling anxiety is important and can help reduce anxious feelings. However, what works best for one person may not work for the next. People may find that exercises such as naming what they are feeling work best. Others benefit from breathing techniques. This article provides eight methods for reducing anxiety in the moment, ways to reduce chronic anxiety, and identifies when professional help is needed.
Article written by Simone M. Scully and published by PsychCentral. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Anxiety’s Effect on Memory and How to Cope | Healthline
Anxiety can make it much more difficult to remember things because it affects our ability to pay attention to present events and recall previous ones. This article describes the effects of anxiety on memory and how to cope if you experience anxiety and it affects your memory.
Written by Crystal Raypole and published by healthline.com. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Anxiety disorders vs. OCD | PsychCentral
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) was previously considered an anxiety disorder. It now occupies its own category. So, what is the difference between anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder? Anxiety is characterized by consistently feeling overly anxious or fearful regarding a situation. OCD manifests when excessive anxiety caused by thoughts manifests into obsessions and compulsions. This article discusses the difference between OCD and anxiety disorders and the symptoms of OCD and anxiety. The article also covers anxiety treatments, OCD treatments, and how common both conditions are.
Article written by Vikki Chan and published by PsychCentral. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
8 Best Anxiety Support Groups of 2021 | Healthline
Anxiety disorders are becoming more frequent. Seeking support and understanding in groups of people who have similar experiences with anxiety can provide relief, coping strategies, and a feeling of connectedness. It can be challenging to find the right support group for your anxiety. Groups can also vary in their mediums, such as online support groups, forums, or apps. This article recommends 8 support groups in different formats. It also helps narrow down which anxiety support group may be the most beneficial for individuals.
Article written by Lacey Bourassa and published by Healthline. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
5 Best Online Anger Management Classes 2021 | PsychCentral
Anger is a normal human emotion. But how do you seek help managing anger when it frequently is out of proportion with the cause? Anger management classes help people develop strategies to moderate their anger and understand where their anger comes from. This article identified 5 online anger management classes that meet different criteria that people often look for in anger management classes.
Article written by Steven Rowe and published by PsychCentral. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
What’s the Difference Between Borderline Personality and Bipolar Disorder? | PsychCentral
Due to many similarities between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder, the two are frequently confused with each other and misdiagnosed. It is important to know what symptoms of borderline personality disorder and bipolar overlap and what symptoms set them apart. There is also some overlap of causes between borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder. This article outlines the similarities and differences in causes, symptoms, and treatments for bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder.
Article written by Sian Ferguson and published by PsychCentral. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Causes of Borderline Personality Disorder | PsychCentral
There are multiple possible causes of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Experiencing traumatic events is one common cause. In addition to trauma, genetics and a highly critical or dismissive upbringing can also interact to increase the risk for BPD. This article explains the possible causes of BPD, symptoms and how it is diagnosed, and possible treatment options for borderline personality disorder.
Written by Traci Pedersen and published by Psych Central. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
What is Histrionic Personality Disorder? | PsychCentral
Those who experience Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) typically go to great lengths to seek approval from others, but this can cause many difficulties in their lives. HPD is difficult to treat, but there are treatment options that provide hope for those who experience this disorder.
Written by Sandra Silva Casabianca and published by Psych Central. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Avoidant Personality Disorder | PsychCentral
What is avoidant personality disorder? People who experience it often want to be connected with others and to accomplish things in their lives, but avoid many situations for fear of rejection, fear of failure, or other reasons. This article discusses what avoidant personality disorder is, its potential causes, how it differs from other difficulties and potential treatment options for avoidant personality disorder.
Written by Crystal Raypole and published by Psych Central. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
What Are the Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder? | PsychCentral
Antisocial personality disorder (APD) does not refer to people who often don’t want to be social. APD is characterized by a lack of regard for the welfare of others, lack of regard for rules or laws, impulsivity, irritability, and other symptoms.
Written by John Grohol, PsyD and Courtney Telloian, and published by Psych Central. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
What Does ADHD Look Like? Symptoms and Signs | PsychCentral
ADHD symptoms in adults and ADHD symptoms in children often differ. It is important to recognize the symptoms of ADHD that manifest at all stages of life. Symptoms of ADHD fall into three categories: Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined. People may have additional mental health conditions. Co-occurring disorders that accompany ADHD may also have symptoms that change with age. This article breaks down what ADHD symptoms might appear and how they may manifest in both children and adults. It also addresses co-occurring disorders that frequently occur with ADHD.
Article written by Noreen Iftikhar, MD and published by PsychCentral. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Is ADHD Considered a Mental Illness? | Healthline
ADHD is technically considered a mental illness. However, difficulties with attention and feeling hyperactive can feel like a normal experience for many individuals. For some children and young people, attention difficulties and/or hyperactivity can occur frequently and interfere with everyday routines (e.g., work, school, social life, etc). This article explores whether ADHD is considered a mental illness, how it can create difficulties for people, and ways to treat ADHD and difficulties with attention.
Article written by Jaime Herndon and published by Healthline. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
12 FAQs about childhood ADHD | PsychCentral
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) manifests differently in children than it does in adults. This can make it hard to get answers about childhood ADHD and its symptoms. To make learning about ADHD harder, the way ADHD is diagnosed has been changed recently. Previously a person could have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADD has since been removed as a diagnosis, and ADHD has been given three subcategories. Even more difficult can be determining if medicating ADHD is the right path to take. This article delves into how a child is diagnosed with ADHD, ADHD medication, and childhood ADHD symptoms.
Article written by Margarita Tartakovsky, MS and published by PsychCentral. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Treatment of ADHD for Children and Teens | PsychCentral
ADHD stands for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a term often heard when discussing difficulties with attention. However, ADHD is a definable condition that can create social and academic difficulties for many children and teenagers who experience it. This article reviews multiple treatment options and discusses what parents can do to support children experiencing ADHD.
Written by Traci Pedersen and published by Psych Central. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) | PsychCentral
Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder characterized by chronic weight loss and little or no interest in food. People with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder are unlikely to recover on their own. This article discusses symptoms of avoidant restrictive food intake disorder, common treatments for ARFID, and how to prepare to enter treatment for avoidant restrictive food intake disorder.
Article written by Jocelyn Solis-Moreira and published by PsychCentral. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Causes of Schizophrenia | Greatist
What causes schizophrenia? Many suspected causes of schizophrenia concern biological factors, like genetics, misuse of certain drugs or chemical substances, and complications at birth. Some biological factors like genetics can interact with environmental factors, life extreme stress or trauma, to activate schizophrenia. This article is full of more great info on common suspected causes of schizophrenia.
Written by Lianna Bass and published by Greatist. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Types of Schizophrenia | PsychCentral
“Are there different types of schizophrenia?” The DSM-5 (the main diagnostic manual for mental health clinicians in the United States) stopped specifying different types of schizophrenia. However, many clinicians still like to think about schizophrenia as taking different forms. Schizophrenia can often look different for different people who experience it. It can present as hallucinations and delusions around a particular theme (for example, being chased or persecuted in some way), disorganized speech and/or behaviors, or other symptoms. This article reviews the types of schizophrenia and introduces options for how schizophrenia is often treated.
Written by Michael Ashworth, Ph.D. and published by Psych Central. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
Psychotic Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (NOS) | PsychCentral
Not all symptoms of psychotic disorders fully fit a recognized psychotic disorder. When a person displays multiple psychotic disorder symptoms, but they don’t match the criteria for schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, the person would be diagnosed with psychotic disorder not otherwise specified (PNOS). This article explains the change from the Not Otherwise Specified diagnosis into the categories, what qualifies people to be placed into these psychotic disorder categories, and what symptoms may appear when experiencing a psychotic disorder.
Article written by Leah Campbell and published by Healthline. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
How to Treat Agoraphobia | PsychCentral
There are multiple treatments for agoraphobia, including counseling and medications. Some self-care strategies can also help.
Written by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. and Suzanne Arthur, and published by Psych Central. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
The Psychology Behind Conspiracy Theories | Healthline
Misinformation can be very common, especially in uncertain times of political or social unrest. Conspiracy theories always exist but can develop and grow more quickly in times of uncertainty.
Written by Beth Ann Mayer and published by Healthline.com. Reviewed for scientific accuracy by Dr. Matt B.
