Many people use the terms “psychology” and “psychiatry” interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different areas of practice. Psychologists and psychiatrists are both trained to identify and treat mental health issues, and both regularly treat patients using psychotherapy (talk therapy). However, because psychiatrists are medical doctors who completed medical school and a residency, they can also prescribe medication and...[ read more ]

If your child regularly misbehaves, you may have wondered whether they’re simply acting out or suffering from conduct disorder. But what is conduct disorder, exactly, and how can you tell whether your child has it?Conduct disorder is a mental health condition that can cause various behavioral and emotional problems involving a disregard for others. Individuals with conduct disorder often find...[ read more ]

Anxiety can greatly impact a person’s overall health and well-being, and if you struggle with this condition, you may be willing to do almost anything to relieve your symptoms. There are numerous lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your anxiety—for example, you could try meditating, exercising, sleeping more, and reducing your caffeine and alcohol consumption—but did you know...[ read more ]

The brain has three main executive functions: working memory (which helps you remember what you’re doing at the present moment), cognitive flexibility (which helps you shift your thinking from one topic to another), and inhibition control (which helps you focus and stop yourself from saying and doing certain things). Executive dysfunction disrupts these functions, making it difficult for someone to...[ read more ]

You may have heard about the benefits of setting boundaries with family, friends, and coworkers—by communicating your needs and wants, you can boost your self-esteem, prioritize your mental and emotional health, and improve your overall well-being. In the long run, boundaries can also enhance the relationships you have with those around you since they can help you feel respected instead...[ read more ]

Rumination involves obsessively thinking about negative experiences and feelings. Some people replay events that occurred in the past, while others worry about situations that could potentially occur in the future.Rumination tends to have a snowball effect—certain mental health conditions (including generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder) can cause someone to ruminate, and rumination can in turn worsen the symptoms of...[ read more ]

Divorce is often one of the most difficult experiences that a person can go through. In many cases, it requires you to leave your family home, lose contact with couple friends, and miss out on time with your children. And it almost always involves losing someone that you once loved, as well as the future you had imagined having together.Despite...[ read more ]

If you regularly experience anxiety, you may have researched ways to relieve your symptoms and come across a coping mechanism known as the “333 rule.” But how does it work? The next time you’re feeling anxious, try:Naming three things you seeNaming three sounds you hearMoving three body partsHow Does the 333 Rule Reduce Anxiety?Although the 333 rule doesn’t work in...[ read more ]

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental disorder that can cause excessive movements, lead to poor impulse control, and make it difficult to focus. Researchers are still working to determine exactly what causes ADHD, but studies suggest that certain foods and beverages can worsen symptoms. If you have ADHD, you may want to stay away from:Soda and energy drinks –...[ read more ]

You might have heard that happiness is a choice and wondered if that’s actually true. Unfortunately, for some individuals, mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder make it difficult for them to feel happy. There can also be several factors outside someone’s control—such as their age, physical health, or geographic location—that could make it harder for them to achieve...[ read more ]