personality disorder
Personality disorders are as complex as they are misunderstood; delve into this diagnosis and learn the typical cognitions, behaviors, and inner experience of those inflicted.
10-Year-Old Fourth-Grade Student Commits Suicide Due to Constant Bullying
The Tragic Case Highlights The tragic death of 10-year-old Sammy Teusch has shaken the Greenfield, Indiana community. Investigators confirmed that bullying played a significant role in Sammy’s life, both in and out of school, leading up to his death on May 5. This blog explores the details of the incident, the investigation, and the broader implications of bullying.
Simple Tips on Holding Space for Ourselves
In today's world, we are constantly connected to everything and everyone around us such as social media and smart devices. Yet, the world often feels more disconnected than ever, especially if you are neurodivergent community or have a mental illness. Why? Because when we take time to prioritize our mental health and symptoms, it is often frowned upon, leading us to disconnect from our thoughts and feelings, leading to us masking and neglecting our emotional well-being.
Sandy PacePublished 4 days ago in Psyche- Content Warning
what is schizophrenia ?
Schizophrenia was first identified more than a century ago, but we still don’t know its exact causes. It remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized illnesses today. So, let’s walk through what we do know— from symptoms to causes and treatments. Schizophrenia is considered a syndrome, which means it may encompass a number of related disorders that have similar symptoms but varying causes. Every person with schizophrenia has slightly different symptoms, and the first signs can be easy to miss— subtle personality changes, irritability, or a gradual encroachment of unusual thoughts. Patients are usually diagnosed after the onset of psychosis, which typically occurs in the late teens or early twenties for men and the late twenties or early thirties for women. A first psychotic episode can feature delusions, hallucinations, and disordered speech and behavior. These are called positive symptoms, meaning they occur in people with schizophrenia but not in the general population. It’s a common misperception that people with schizophrenia have multiple personalities, but these symptoms indicate a disruption of thought processes, rather than the manifestation of another personality. Schizophrenia also has negative symptoms, these are qualities that are reduced in people with schizophrenia, such as motivation, expression of emotion, or speech. There are cognitive symptoms as well, like difficulty concentrating, remembering information, and making decisions. So what causes the onset of psychosis? There likely isn’t one single cause, but a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors that contribute. Schizophrenia has some of the strongest genetic links of any psychiatric illness. Though about 1% of people have schizophrenia, children or siblings of people with schizophrenia are ten times likelier to develop the disease, and an identical twin of someone with schizophrenia has a 40% chance of being affected. Often, immediate relatives of people with schizophrenia exhibit milder versions of traits associated with the disorder— but not to an extent that requires treatment. Multiple genes almost certainly play a role, but we don’t know how many, or which ones. Environmental factors like exposure to certain viruses in early infancy might increase the chance that someone will develop schizophrenia, and use of some drugs, including marijuana, may trigger the onset of psychosis in highly susceptible individuals. These factors don’t affect everyone the same way. For those with very low genetic risk, no amount of exposure to environmental risk factors will lead them to develop schizophrenia; for those with very high risk, moderate additional risk might tip the balance. The antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia have helped researchers work backwards to trace signatures of the disorder in the brain. Traditional antipsychotics block dopamine receptors. They can be very effective in reducing positive symptoms, which are linked to an excess of dopamine in particular brain pathways. But the same drugs can make negative symptoms worse, and we’ve found that negative symptoms of schizophrenia may be tied to too little dopamine in other brain areas. Some people with schizophrenia show a loss of neural tissue, and it’s unclear whether this atrophy is a result of the disease itself or drug-induced suppression of signaling. Fortunately, newer generations of antipsychotics aim to address some of these issues by targeting multiple neurotransmitters, like serotonin in addition to dopamine. It’s clear that no one transmitter system is responsible for all symptoms, and because these drugs affect signaling throughout the brain and body, they can have other side effects like weight gain. In spite of these complications, antipsychotics can be very effective, especially when combined with other interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Electroconvulsive therapy, though it provides relatively short-lived relief, is also re-emerging as an effective treatment, especially when other options have failed. Early intervention is also extremely important. After months or years of untreated psychosis, certain psychoses can become embedded in someone’s personality. And yet, the dehumanizing stigma attached to this diagnosis can prevent people from seeking help. People with schizophrenia are often perceived as dangerous, but are actually much more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators. And proper treatment may help reduce the likelihood of violence associated with schizophrenia. That’s why education— for patients, their families, and their communities— helps erode the stigma and improves access to treatment.Schizophrenia was first identified more than a century ago, but we still don’t know its exact causes. It remains one of the most misunderstood and stigmatized illnesses today. So, let’s walk through what we do know— from symptoms to causes and treatments. Schizophrenia is considered a syndrome, which means it may encompass a number of related disorders that have similar symptoms but varying causes. Every person with schizophrenia has slightly different symptoms, and the first signs can be easy to miss— subtle personality changes, irritability, or a gradual encroachment of unusual thoughts. Patients are usually diagnosed after the onset of psychosis, which typically occurs in the late teens or early twenties for men and the late twenties or early thirties for women. A first psychotic episode can feature delusions, hallucinations, and disordered speech and behavior. These are called positive symptoms, meaning they occur in people with schizophrenia but not in the general population. It’s a common misperception that people with schizophrenia have multiple personalities, but these symptoms indicate a disruption of thought processes, rather than the manifestation of another personality. Schizophrenia also has negative symptoms, these are qualities that are reduced in people with schizophrenia, such as motivation, expression of emotion, or speech. There are cognitive symptoms as well, like difficulty concentrating, remembering information, and making decisions. So what causes the onset of psychosis? There likely isn’t one single cause, but a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors that contribute. Schizophrenia has some of the strongest genetic links of any psychiatric illness. Though about 1% of people have schizophrenia, children or siblings of people with schizophrenia are ten times likelier to develop the disease, and an identical twin of someone with schizophrenia has a 40% chance of being affected. Often, immediate relatives of people with schizophrenia exhibit milder versions of traits associated with the disorder— but not to an extent that requires treatment. Multiple genes almost certainly play a role, but we don’t know how many, or which ones. Environmental factors like exposure to certain viruses in early infancy might increase the chance that someone will develop schizophrenia, and use of some drugs, including marijuana, may trigger the onset of psychosis in highly susceptible individuals. These factors don’t affect everyone the same way. For those with very low genetic risk, no amount of exposure to environmental risk factors will lead them to develop schizophrenia; for those with very high risk, moderate additional risk might tip the balance. The antipsychotic drugs used to treat schizophrenia have helped researchers work backwards to trace signatures of the disorder in the brain. Traditional antipsychotics block dopamine receptors. They can be very effective in reducing positive symptoms, which are linked to an excess of dopamine in particular brain pathways. But the same drugs can make negative symptoms worse, and we’ve found that negative symptoms of schizophrenia may be tied to too little dopamine in other brain areas. Some people with schizophrenia show a loss of neural tissue, and it’s unclear whether this atrophy is a result of the disease itself or drug-induced suppression of signaling. Fortunately, newer generations of antipsychotics aim to address some of these issues by targeting multiple neurotransmitters, like serotonin in addition to dopamine. It’s clear that no one transmitter system is responsible for all symptoms, and because these drugs affect signaling throughout the brain and body, they can have other side effects like weight gain. In spite of these complications, antipsychotics can be very effective, especially when combined with other interventions like cognitive-behavioral therapy. Electroconvulsive therapy, though it provides relatively short-lived relief, is also re-emerging as an effective treatment, especially when other options have failed. Early intervention is also extremely important. After months or years of untreated psychosis, certain psychoses can become embedded in someone’s personality. And yet, the dehumanizing stigma attached to this diagnosis can prevent people from seeking help. People with schizophrenia are often perceived as dangerous, but are actually much more likely to be the victims of violence than the perpetrators. And proper treatment may help reduce the likelihood of violence associated with schizophrenia. That’s why education— for patients, their families, and their communities— helps erode the stigma and improves access to treatment.
julian briesnitzPublished 4 days ago in Psyche narcisists
Narcissistic individuals seek power for status and attention. They can be selfish and make risky or unethical decisions. They have a sense of entitlement and can be dishonest or unfaithful in relationships. When challenged, they can become resentful and aggressive. Narcissistic personality disorder affects 1-2% of adults, more commonly men. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including parenting styles and cultural values. The rise in narcissism as a personality trait may be linked to the self-esteem movement and the influence of social media.
julian briesnitzPublished 4 days ago in Psyche- Content Warning
How Feelings Shape Art: Exploring Mental Health and Creativity
Writing is like painting with words. It's a way to express feelings, ideas, and stories. But what happens when the mind behind the words is struggling with mental illness? Does it make someone a better writer? Let's explore this idea together.
Sienna BlackwoodPublished 6 days ago in Psyche - Content WarningAI-Generated
Surviving the Storm: Navigating Life with a Narcissist
Imagine waking up every day to a world where the laws are always shifting and where affection and appreciation can quickly change to scorn and criticism. You can be the villain the next and the hero the first. This is the confusing reality of having a narcissist in your life: it's a life of highs and lows that make you doubt your own sanity. This piece delves into the intricate dynamics of living with a narcissist, examining the psychological tricks they play and providing advice on how to maintain your sense of self in the middle of their mayhem.
Corey SonnierPublished 6 days ago in Psyche - AI-Generated
Self-Discovery: My Journey from Birth to Present
**Introduction:** Hello everyone! In this storyl share the story of my life, from my birth to the present day. It's a journey filled with ups and downs, moving from one place to another, and discovering who I am. Let's dive into it!
Simple Ways to Empower Ourselves to Define Our Mental Health Journey
What does it mean to define our mental health journey? For me, defining my mental health journey is deeply personal. It has empowered me to foster a resilient and self-compassionate approach to how I relate to my Generalized Anxiety Disorder and ADHD diagnosis, treatment, and challenges.
Sandy PacePublished 8 days ago in PsycheThe Science: Why Do We Enjoy Horror Movies?
According to these researchers, the consumption of horror is driven by stimulation. Exposing ourselves to terrifying acts, such as stories of demonic possession or alien infestation, can be mentally and physically stimulating. These experiences can evoke both negative emotions, like fear or anxiety, and positive emotions, like excitement or joy. Interestingly, we tend to experience the most positive emotions when something triggers the most negative ones. Horror entertainment also offers a unique experience, like a movies of zombies, aliens, vampires that aren't occur in the real world. Simultaneously, it provides a safe way to explore our curiosity about the darker aspects of humanity through captivating storylines and characters facing the depths of the human condition. Not all tricks are treats The question remains: why do some people find pleasure in horror while others do not? Research suggests that those who enjoy horror have a psychological "protective frame" that falls into three categories. The first category is a safety frame. When watching a horror film or show, we need to feel assured that we are safe and that the evil entity is distant and incapable of harming us. The second category of protective frame involves a sense of detachment. We need to be reminded that the horror we witness is not real—it's simply exceptional acting, special effects, and art direction. Lastly, the protective frame encompasses our sense of control and confidence in managing the dangers we encounter. If we feel capable of controlling and overcoming the perceived danger, we can still derive excitement from a good scare. To fully enjoy the thrill of the spooky, we don't necessarily need all three frames. However, having fewer than all three tends to diminish our interest in the idea. Not surprisingly, some research suggests that individuals with a higher sensation-seeking trait and those who are more adventurous are more likely to enjoy horror. Horror movies have always captivated audiences, and there are several reasons why.
Tragic Legacy of Heaven's Gate: A Tale of Belief and Desperation
The group is known for the mass suicide of its members in 1997, where 39 people, including the leader Marshall Applewhite, lost their lives.
Deji AkomolafePublished 24 days ago in PsycheThe six pillars of self-esteem
The six pillars of self-esteem- Why it is not centred on how you feel but pivots essentially around what you think you are capable of
Hridya SharmaPublished 26 days ago in PsycheWhat is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline personality disorder is a mental disorder characterized by unstable moods, behaviors, and relationships, and it usually involves general instability, impulsivity, relationship difficulties, intense fears of abandonment and rejection, distorted self-image, and often self-harm. I wanted to make this video to kind of break down what borderline is, how to manage it and cope with it if you struggle with it, and if you don’t personally struggle with it, but you know someone who does, how you can help them. I was inspired to write this article based on an interaction I had in the comments on YouTube, so thank you to that viewer for the inspiration.
zoe frenchmanPublished about a month ago in Psyche