Perfectionism, characterized by a person’s need to be perfect using unattainably high standards and a desire to succeed at any cost, is considered a personality trait and not necessarily a disorder on its own. Read more

Often, psychotherapy – or “therapy,” as it’s more often called – is the first line of defense, the first kind of treatment suggested to people suffering with depression. Psychotherapy is designed to help you find recovery from depression by giving you the opportunity to talk to a mental health professional in a safe, secure and confidential space. Read more

Children who have Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) seem to live by this definition. They are often angry, irritable, vindictive and insubordinate – these behaviors are typically and frequently directed at parents and other authority figures. Read more

Mental health professionals categorize the various types of personality disorders into three groups, or clusters – the personality disorders within each cluster are defined by similar symptoms and/or characteristics. Read more

While angry behavior could be attributed to various types of anger disorders, intermittent explosive disorder is explicit and defined. Intermittent explosive disorder, a chronic disorder known to begin in childhood, and which can continue to adulthood, is characterized by sudden and repeated episodes of violent, aggressive behavior and/or hostile verbal outbursts Read more

For all children, play is significant and necessary. It permits them to develop crucial abilities like gross and fine motor skills, communication skills (both verbal and non-verbal), problem solving, thinking, and social graces. For a child with autism spectrum disorder, play may be different, but no less necessary. Read more

Emily also has adult ADHD. Six months ago, she was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder. This is her story. Anxiety is often a standalone diagnosis. So is ADHD. But for approximately half of people living with ADHD, anxiety is present as well. ADHD and stress very typically go hand in hand. Read more

Traveling can be a very nerve-wracking and tense time for families affected by autism. Because kids who have autism spectrum disorder thrive on routine, regularity and predictability, parents should take care to ensure the travel experience is smooth, comfortable and unsurprising. Following are some tips on how to make the travel experience as enjoyable as possible for the whole family. Read more

Impulse buying. Compulsive buyers may or may not keep a list of the items they want to buy, but they also generally don’t think first before whipping out the plastic. They buy things they don’t necessarily need, but are instead overwhelmed with the desire to buy something just to have something new. Read more

Kleptomania is an impulse control disorder. It’s marked by the inability to stop oneself from the urge to steal. Usually, the individual with kleptomania steals item that he or she doesn’t even need, and are probably items that don’t have much monetary value. Experts explain that the disorder is characterized by challenges with self-control and emotions; when a person with kleptomania has the urge to steal something, the pressure is on until he or she commits the act. Even with the potential of major repercussions – guilt, remorse, even an arrest – the kleptomaniac feels the need to steal anyway. Read more

You may have heard of Dialectic Behavioral Therapy™ (DBT). It falls under and umbrella of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies that focus on changing thought processes and behaviors. It is most commonly applied to people diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder to regulate emotions. More recently we’ve seen practical applications for people with Autism and other Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. Read more

Learning to love and be in relationships with others in recovery can be challenging. You must first learn to love yourself before you love someone else. For someone in recovery, that can feel impossible. Learn how to manage relationships in recovery. Read more

Here are our best ways to stay sober at family or friends’ gatherings - It can be difficult but with these tips, staying sober is possible. Read more

Experts and mental health professionals will advise that the best time to get help for anyone abusing substances or addictive behaviors is always right now. Don’t wait. Addiction is progressive, and a person’s descent is often rapid. Read more

What makes drugs so addictive? Read on to learn what effects drugs have on the body as well as why some people are more predisposed to addiction and others aren't. Read more

Do you or someone you love suffer from ADHD? Learn more about Adult ADHD and how working memory plays a role. Read more