What is Gambling Disorder?
Gambling Disorder is diagnosed when an individual cannot control their urge to continue gambling despite the toll that it takes in their life. In other words, they are willing to risk everything they have, even if it is something they truly value, in hope of getting something of even greater value. The urge to gamble can be as severe as the urge an individual may feel when they feel the need to consume alcohol or drugs. When an individual has a problem with gambling, they often chase bets that can lead them to losses, they may hide their behavior, finish any savings they may have, get into debt, or may even turn to theft as a resort to get what they want.
What are the symptoms of Gambling Disorder?
- An individual is constantly preoccupied with gambling (i.e. they are planning and looking for different ways to get more money, so they can gamble)
- An individual may feel an increased need to gamble a great amount of money
- An individual may try to stop gambling, but they do not succeed
- An individual may feel restless when they attempt to cut back on gambling
- An individual may engage in gambling to escape problems or feelings of depression or anxiety for example
- An individual will try to get the money lost in gambling by gambling more
- An individual may begin to lie to their loved ones so that they can get away with it
- Because of gambling, an individual may begin to lose friendships, relationships, jobs, or partners for example
- An individual may ask others to help them engage in gambling by asking them to lend them money or asking them to help them pay their debt
Individuals who gamble can stop when they want to or when they have lost however, when an individual begins to gamble excessively and express the symptoms above, they may be experiencing Gambling Disorder.
What causes Gambling Disorder?
Although there is not one known cause, individuals who may suffer from other mental health disorders (i.e. anxiety, depression, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders), a certain age (younger and middle-aged), men, or certain personality characteristics (i.e. competitive, impulsive, restless, or a workaholic) are at higher risk of developing such disorder. In addition, if your loved ones have problems themselves with gambling, you may also be at higher risk of developing such disorder. Furthermore, such disorder can lead an individual to develop relationship problems, financial issues, legal problems, poor general health, poor work performance, or even suicidal thoughts.
How is Gambling Disorder treated?
Although it can be hard to treat because an individual may not accept that they have a problem, the following may be used to treat such disorder:
- Therapy
- Behavior Therapy
- Uses systematic exposure to the behavior individual wants to unlearn and then the individual is taught skills to reduce the urge to gamble.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Medications
- Support Groups
What can I do to cope with Gambling Disorder?
- Stay focused on your number 1 goals
- Remind yourself of the consequences that gambling may bring to you
- Recognize and avoid situations that can trigger your urge to bet
Posted: April 23, 2018 by Yesenia Garcia Leave a Comment
Autism Spectrum Disorder
What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the umbrella term used to describe that it is not a single disorder, but rather there are a variety of closely related disorders to different degrees that fall under such disorder in the DSM-V. An individual who has been diagnosed with Autism tends to face social, communication, and behavioral challenges. However, it is important to note that the degree of these challenges vary from one individual to another. Moreover, such term is now the umbrella term for the following disorders (they fall under Autism Spectrum Disorder):
Experts say that individuals who fall under the Autism Spectrum Disorder may have difficulties with communicating and interacting with other people, they may have restricted interests and repetitive behaviors, and/or symptoms that may affect their ability to live their daily life (i.e. in school, work, or at home).
What are the symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?
It is important to note that not all people who are diagnosed with such disorder will have the following symptoms. The symptoms will vary from person to person.
Social Symptoms (communication & interaction behaviors):
Repetitive Behavior Symptoms:
What causes Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Although experts are still trying to find the cause, genetics (i.e. having a sibling or parent with such disorder), older parents, low birth weight, and having certain genetic conditions (i.e. Down Syndrome or Rett Syndrome) may increase the chances of an individual being affected by such disorder.
How is Autism Spectrum Disorder treated?
The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome when treatment is received. Early treatment is important because it can help an individual reduce their difficulties and increase their strengths.
What can I do to help an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism Facts:
Posted: April 22, 2018 by Yesenia Garcia Leave a Comment
Excoriation Disorder
What is Excoriation Disorder?
Excoriation Disorder, also known as Skin Picking Disorder, is when an individual begins to pick or scab their skin so frequently and intense that the individual causes their skin to bleed, sore, or to scar. It is common for us to pick our skin once a while, but when it gets to the point where the individual is provoking injury, it may then become a disorder and/or problem. Individuals who are diagnosed with such disorder are those who repeatedly scratch their skin in an attempt to remove what they see as an imperfection in their skin for example.
What are the symptoms of Excoriation Disorder?
What causes Excoriation Disorder?
Although the exact cause is not known, experts believe that genetics may play a role in the environment and that an individual who suffers from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder are at higher risk of developing such disorder.
In addition, the following factors may increase the risk of an individual developing Excoriation Disorder:
How is Excoriation Disorder treated?
How can I cope with Excoriation Disorder?
Posted: April 22, 2018 by Yesenia Garcia Leave a Comment
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder
What is Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)?
DSED is believed to be one of the two attachment disorders that tend to develop in childhood when an individual lacks appropriate nurturing and affection from their parent or primary caregiver (the individual is typically diagnosed before age 18). As a result of the lack of attention and affection to the child from the parent, the child is not only not closely bonded to their parents, but the child also feels as comfortable with strangers as they do with their parent and/or primary caregiver.
IMPORTANT NOTE: A caregiver is the individual who meets the child’s needs, spends time teaching and/or educating, and feeds, shelters, and provides the child with emotional support to say the least.
What are the symptoms of DSED?
Signs and symptoms begin to appear after the age of 9 months.
According to the DSM-V, in order for a child to be diagnosed with such disorder they must show at least 2 of the following symptoms:
What causes DSED?
Experts believe that an individuals caregiving environment plays a strong role in the development of such disorder. For instance, babies between 6 months and 2 years of age who are left in an orphanage, those who are going from one family to the next with no consistency, or those who have suffered some sever trauma (i.e. death of a parent or abuse) or social neglect, are at a higher risk of developing DSED. It is important to note however, that just because an individual has experienced a neglectful or inconsistent caregiver does it mean that they will develop the disorder. In fact, some individuals will not, but such characteristics in a caregiver do increase the chances of an individual developing DSED. In addition, it is believed that genetics also play a role.
How is DSED treated?
The goal of the therapies mentioned above is to foster the formations of attachments.
How can I help someone who has DSED?
Posted: April 19, 2018 by Yesenia Garcia Leave a Comment
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Is your child constantly having a persistent pattern of anger, irritability or they are arguing towards you? Your child may have Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).
What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
An individual who suffers from such condition displays an ongoing pattern of an angry and irritable mood. In addition, the child is constantly argumentative towards their authority figure causing disruptions in the child’s school and home environment for example.
What are the symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
Although it can be hard to distinguish between a child who has ODD and a child that is strong-willed, symptoms of ODD typically begin during preschool years. However, in order for an individual to be diagnosed with ODD the following emotional and behavioral symptoms must last for at least 6 months:
It is important to note that ODD can vary in severity:
What causes Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
Although there is not one known cause, experts believe that genetics and the environment may play a role. However, a child’s temperament (i.e. having trouble controlling their frustration), family issues (i.e. having a parent with mental issues themselves), and parent issues (i.e. abuse or neglect), can also increase the chances of an individual developing such disorder.
In addition, ODD may cause an individual to have poor school and work performance along with antisocial behavior, suicidal thoughts, and an impulse to control their problems for example. Moreover, such disorder can be in comorbidity with ADHD, Conduct Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, and Learning and Communication Disorders.
How is Oppositional Defiant Disorder treated?
What can I do to help my child cope with Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
Posted: April 18, 2018 by Yesenia Garcia Leave a Comment
Stress Management
What is Stress?
Stress is the way that your body may be responding to any kind of demand or threat (known as the stressor). When an individual feels threatened because of an event or a major change in their life for example, their body will react in a “fight-or-flight” causing such reaction in the body. When an individual experiences stress, they are likely to also experience an increase in their heart rate, a tightening in their muscles, and/or an increase in blood pressure for example.
Stress affects anybody and everybody at some point in their lives whether it is disciplining the kids, finding a job, working to complete a degree, finances, the home, or busy times in general to say the least. Although some stress may be okay, and some may even be beneficial, there is a point in which the amount of stress your body is experiencing will make you sick, tired, and will bring you down. It is important to note that every individual will experience stress differently and therefore, their reactions and symptoms will vary. Because of that, it is important for every individual to talk to their doctor about what they are experiencing.
For example, the following emotional symptoms may be present when experiencing stress:
On the other hand, the following physical symptoms may be present when experiencing stress:
In addition, the following cognitive symptoms may be present when experiencing stress:
Lastly, the following behavioral symptoms may be present when experiencing stress:
How can I cope with stress?
Posted: April 17, 2018 by Yesenia Garcia Leave a Comment
Cyclothymia Disorder
What is Cyclothymia Disorder?
According to the DSM-V, Cyclothymia Disorder is considered to be one of the several mood disorders that has similar characteristics to that of Bipolar Disorder. However, individuals who have Cyclothymia Disorder tend to have more mild and chronic forms of such characteristics. Individuals who suffer from such disorder experience mood swings between short periods of mild depression and hypomania. Furthermore, it is believed that between 0.4% and 1% of the population is affected by such disorder and that it is equally prevalent in both men and women.
What are the symptoms of Cyclothymia Disorder?
Although the pattern is irregular, and one may never know when an episode may occur, such episode can last for days or even weeks. However, it is important to note that the individual must present the following symptoms for a period of at least 2 years (1 year for children and adolescents):
What causes Cyclothymia Disorder?
Although there is not one known cause, experts believe that genetics play a big role in the development of such disorder. In other words, if an individual has a close relative (i.e. parent or sibling), they are more likely to develop such disorder.
How is Cyclothymia treated?
How can I cope with Cyclothymia Disorder?
Posted: April 16, 2018 by Yesenia Garcia Leave a Comment
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
What is Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
An individual who suffers from Intermittent Explosive Disorder expresses repeated and sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent or angry behavior. In turn, such behavior may cause an individual to have significant distress in their relationships, work, school, and may even end up having legal and financial consequences.
What are the symptoms of Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
The sudden explosive eruptions occur suddenly with little or no warning and tend to last about 30 minutes. In addition, although these behaviors may occur frequently, they can also occur every couple of months or weeks.
Less severe outbursts may involve:
The aggressive episodes may involve the following:
What causes Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
Although the cause is not known, experts believe that the development of such disorder is influenced by biological and environmental factors. Furthermore, the following may increase the chances of developing such disorder:
How is Intermittent Explosive Disorder treated?
How can I cope with Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
If you notice that your loved one does not want to get help, or that their symptoms are getting worse, consider taking the following steps:
Posted: April 12, 2018 by Yesenia Garcia Leave a Comment
Gambling Disorder
What is Gambling Disorder?
Gambling Disorder is diagnosed when an individual cannot control their urge to continue gambling despite the toll that it takes in their life. In other words, they are willing to risk everything they have, even if it is something they truly value, in hope of getting something of even greater value. The urge to gamble can be as severe as the urge an individual may feel when they feel the need to consume alcohol or drugs. When an individual has a problem with gambling, they often chase bets that can lead them to losses, they may hide their behavior, finish any savings they may have, get into debt, or may even turn to theft as a resort to get what they want.
What are the symptoms of Gambling Disorder?
Individuals who gamble can stop when they want to or when they have lost however, when an individual begins to gamble excessively and express the symptoms above, they may be experiencing Gambling Disorder.
What causes Gambling Disorder?
Although there is not one known cause, individuals who may suffer from other mental health disorders (i.e. anxiety, depression, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders), a certain age (younger and middle-aged), men, or certain personality characteristics (i.e. competitive, impulsive, restless, or a workaholic) are at higher risk of developing such disorder. In addition, if your loved ones have problems themselves with gambling, you may also be at higher risk of developing such disorder. Furthermore, such disorder can lead an individual to develop relationship problems, financial issues, legal problems, poor general health, poor work performance, or even suicidal thoughts.
How is Gambling Disorder treated?
Although it can be hard to treat because an individual may not accept that they have a problem, the following may be used to treat such disorder:
What can I do to cope with Gambling Disorder?
Posted: April 10, 2018 by Yesenia Garcia Leave a Comment
Brief Psychotic Disorder
What is Brief Psychotic Disorder?
Individuals who are experiencing psychotic symptoms for a period of time (from 1 day to a month, but less than 1 month) are diagnosed with Brief Psychotic Disorder. When experiencing though, it is important to note that not just because they are brief episodes does that mean that they are not severe. In fact, they can be as severe that the person is at an increased risk of engaging in violent behaviors or suicide. In addition, it tends to happen for the first time during an individual’s 20s or 30s and women are at higher risk of developing such disorder. However, it is important to note that there are 3 basic forms of Brief Psychotic Disorders:
It is also important to note that although such episodes may only happen once, and individuals usually don’t experience it ever again, it can also be the first sign of a chronic mental health condition such as Schizophrenia.
What are the symptoms of Brief Psychotic Disorder?
What causes Brief Psychotic Disorder?
Although the cause is not known, experts strongly belief that the development of such disorder is linked to genetics. Having that said, individuals who have a family history of having psychotic or mood disorders (i.e. depression or bipolar disorders) are at a higher risk of developing Brief Psychotic Disorder. Also, if individual lacks skills that will help them cope with a trigger or stressful and/or frightening experience, the chances of them developing such disorder is also higher.
How is Brief Psychotic Disorder Treated?
One or a combination of the following are often used to treat such disorder:
What can I do to cope with Brief Psychotic Disorders?
Posted: April 9, 2018 by Yesenia Garcia Leave a Comment
Schizophreniform Disorder
What is Schizophreniform Disorder?
Schizophreniform Disorder is categorized under the “Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders” in the DSM-V. Individuals who suffer from Schizophreniform Disorder have similar symptoms to those individuals who suffer from Schizophrenia HOWEVER, the symptoms for individuals with Schizophreniform Disorder last less than 6 months. An individual who suffers from this disorder is not able to tell the difference from what is imagined to what is real and is really happening. In addition, the individual has problems with the way that they think, act, the way they express their emotions, and how they relate to others.
Also, it is believed to be equally prevalent in both men and women however, it tends to affect men at a younger age. It is also important to note, that about 1 in 1,000 individuals suffer from Schizophreniform Disorder.
What are the symptoms of Schizophreniform Disorder?
In order for an individual to be diagnosed with Schizophreniform Disorder, at least 2 of the following symptoms must be present:
It is important to note that at least one of the symptoms needs to be hallucinations, disorganized speech, or delusions. In addition, an individual who suffers from such disorder tends to have difficulty living their normal life, conducting tasks at work or school for example.
What causes Schizophreniform Disorder?
Although the exact cause is not known, it is believed that genetics, brain function and/or structure, and the environment may play a role in the development of such disorder.
How is Schizophreniform Disorder treated?
How can I cope with Schizophreniform Disorder?
Contact
260 Maple Court, Suite 228
Ventura, CA 93003
Call:
confidential
Email:
Like Us On Facebook
Pages