The definitions and discussions of the various Paraphilic Disorders, like those of Sexual Dysfunctions, while adult in nature, are also strongly influenced by the norms of the particular society in which they occur. (Bhugra et al., 2010) Some clinicians argue that paraphilic behaviors should be considered only when other individualsContinue Reading
The American Psychiatric Society’s categorization of gender dysphora in its DSM-5 is controversial. (Sennott, 2011; Dannecker 2010) Many people believe that transgender experiences reflect alterative rather than pathological ways of experiencing one’s gender identity. There is even an argument that transgender experiences that bring about unhappiness should not be consideredContinue Reading
People with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, just as those afflicted with the more commonly known Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), are overly preoccupied with perfection, order and control – at the expense of losing all flexibility, openness and efficiency. (APA 2013) Their obsession for doing everything “right” impairs their productivity. They become soContinue Reading
Overdose deaths from substance abuse involving methamphetamines, cocaine and most recently opioids, have been growing exponentially for nearly forty years, according to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health in a report recently published in the journal Science. Middle-aged Americans overdose on different drugs than youngerContinue Reading
Some people mistake evidence of cuts, burns, or needle punctures on someone’s arm, leg or other body parts as an indication of suicide attempt. While there is some truth to connecting cut marks with a sign of suicide hesitation or acting out, experts who study post-traumatic stress (PTSD) victims believeContinue Reading
Many people experience little or no relief from conventional anti-depressants. But there may be hope for tens of thousands of people who suffer with the devastating effects of depression. A new nasal treatment, Esketamine, made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, recently won Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval according to a March, 2019Continue Reading
Two groups of drugs developed in the 1950s for treating tuberculosis had the interesting side effect of making patients happier. (Sandler 1990) They were found to have the same effect on depressed individuals. (Kline, 1958; Loomer, Saunders & Kline, 1957) What these drugs had in common was their ability toContinue Reading
Through mindfulness we can learn to intentionally use the power of our mind to help us channel and focus even the most intense and negative feelings into constructive and positive action. Awareness is the way. The fundamental philosophical principle that the Buddha taught more than 2,500 years ago is thatContinue Reading
Self-blaming is simply finding fault with yourself. To hold yourself responsible for your actions when bad things happen to you. Ordinarily this would be an admirable quality. Knowing that you did something wrong is a useful lesson learned, so as not to repeat the same mistake. Guilt and self-blaming keepsContinue Reading
Have you ever been told that anger has become a problem for you? Perhaps your significant other has mentioned it. Or someone at work or school brought up the subject. Have you been aware that the anger within you is often seen by others and has become a concern toContinue Reading