Breathing exercises are techniques that involve intentionally changing the way you breathe to promote relaxation and reduce stress. For individuals withanxiety disorderslikegeneralized anxiety, these exercises can be a powerful tool for bothimmediate reliefand long-term management. By focusing on slowing down and deepening the breath, breathing exercises activate the body’s natural relaxation response, helping to calm the mind and reduce physical symptoms of anxiety in the moment. When practiced regularly, these techniques can also help to improve overall emotional regulation and resilience to stress over time....

Camouflaging (also known asmasking) inautismandADHDrefers to the use of strategies to mask or hide traits associated with these conditions. Camouflaging can lead to late or missed diagnoses, as the individual’s struggles may not be apparent. It can also result in exhaustion, stress, and mental health issues due to the constant effort required to maintain a façade. Camouflaging may prevent individuals from receiving appropriate support and accommodations, negatively impacting their well-being and quality of life....

In 2020,estimates suggestedthat 1 in 36 children in the United States are autistic, with males being four times more likely to be identified than females. However, this gender disparity may be due to differences in presentation orunderdiagnosis of autistic femalesrather than males simply being more likely to be autistic. As our understanding of autism is increasing,the number of people receiving a diagnosis may also increase. The decision to pursue an autism diagnosis is a personal one that should be made in consultation with healthcare providers and with consideration of individual circumstances and goals....

Emotion dysregulation involves difficulties in modulating emotional responses appropriately. Signs include intense, rapidly shifting emotions, irritability, and anger outbursts. InADHD, emotion dysregulation is associated withimpulsivityand deficits inexecutive functioning, leading to challenges in managing emotions effectively. While not a core diagnostic criterion, research suggests that emotion dysregulation is a prevalent feature of ADHD that contributes to impairment in multiple domains, warranting further investigation into its nature, underlying mechanisms, andtreatment implications. Key Points Rationale Although not part of the core diagnostic criteria, recent evidence suggests that emotion dysregulation is a prevalent feature of ADHD that contributes to impairment (Shaw et al....

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are two distinct neurodevelopmental conditions that share some overlapping features, particularly in the domain of repetitive behaviors. This overlap can lead to challenges in diagnosis, assessment, and treatment. This article explores the similarities and differences between ASD and OCD, drawing insights from recent research to provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between these disorders. While both ASD and OCD involve repetitive behaviors, rigid routines, and intense interests, the underlying causes and functions of these signs may differ....

Interpretations are therapeutic techniques therapists use to raise patients’ awareness and understanding of recurrent maladaptive patterns. Interpretations label patients’ experiences in a new way and integrate various components of their experience, such as creating links between personal events and current functioning, past events and everyday experiences, or emotional and cognitive components, to uncover or reveal underlying conflicts. freud couch Key Points Rationale Interpretation is a central technique in psychodynamic therapy, aiming to raise patients’ awareness and understanding of recurrent maladaptive patterns in their lives (Gabbard, 2009; Summers & Barber, 2010)....

Lamictal (lamotrigine) can be effective in treatingsymptoms of bipolar disorderand some seizure disorders. Lamictal is in the prescription drug class known as anticonvulsants and is believed to balance levels in the brain to stabilize activity and prevent mood swings. It’s important to learn how any prescription drug works and most people wonder how long it takes for Lamictal to work before they decide to try the bipolar medication.Understanding more about the onset of action before starting a new drug can help manage expectations so you feel confident in your treatment plan....

Exposure therapy, a widely used psychological intervention, involves facing and gradually approaching the situations, places, or activities that trigger your anxiety. This type of therapy can be used for people of all ages, from children to older adults. Its efficacy intreating social anxietyis rooted in the idea of systematically confronting fears, to help you create resilience, and overall reprogram any negative associations you have with your triggers. Social anxiety can lead to isolation, missed opportunities, and reduced quality of life....

Read on to learn how you’ll feel when taking Lamictal, what Lamictal treatment is used for, pros and cons, common side effects and dosage information, how to take it, considerations to keep in mind, and alternatives you might consider. We’re covering everything you need to know about Lamictal medication for bipolar disorder here. What is Lamictal?Lamictal is an FDA-approved medication used to treat seizure disorders like epilepsy along with mood disorders such as bipolar....

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes extreme mood swings from depression to mania to hypomania. Anestimated 1% of the population— roughly 2.3 million people in the United States — are living with bipolar depression. Once known as manic depression or manic-depressive disorder, bipolar disorder can disrupt life, negatively affectrelationships, and impact your sense of self-worth. Periods of extreme lows (depression) and manic highs (mania) can last for a week or longer and cause radical shifts in your mental health with energy, mood, and behavior....

Deciding to get help and then figuring out whattype of therapyyou need is an excellent first step in improving your mental health. The process doesn’t end there, though. Understanding how insurance works and the differences between using in-network or out-of-network mental health care providers are big pieces of the puzzle, too. Check coverage Whether a therapist is in-network or out-of-network will significantly affect your cost of care. If you decide to go out-of-network, expect to pay much more for a therapy session because compared to in-network providers, out-of-network therapy costs are much higher....

Prenatal stress is the exposure of a developing fetus to maternal psychological distress during pregnancy. It has been linked to an increased risk of offspring exhibiting externalizing behaviors, such as aggression, hyperactivity, and conduct problems, throughout childhood and adolescence. Illustration of a pregnant woman sat on a chair looking sad and stressed with a rain cloud above her head Key Points Rationale Externalizing behaviors like aggression, hyperactivity, andimpulsivityoften emerge in early childhood and are the most common reason for children’s referral to mental health services (Hansen et al....

Medications used to manage ADHDsymptoms include stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) and non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine). Managing ADHD is crucial for improving functioning and long-term outcomes. Side effects may include decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular effects. Medication selection must be individualized considering factors like symptom severity, comorbidities, and patient preferences. Disclaimer: This review article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider....

Exposure therapyis a cognitive-behavioral treatment that involves gradually confronting feared stimuli to reduce anxiety. For social anxiety, this may include speaking in front of others or attending social events. Whileexposure therapy is effective for social anxiety, many individuals may be reluctant to seek in-person treatment due to fear of social situations or stigma. By providing a safe and accessible way to challenge fears, self-guided exposure and VRET may increase treatment engagement and effectiveness for social anxiety....

Though effective for some people, Lamictal treatment can cause a variety of side effects, ranging from mild to severe to extreme, so it’s important to understand this seizure medicine before taking it. If you have questions, make sure to discuss them with the doctor prescribing the medication. Read on to learn more about the various adverse reactions and side effects of Lamictal. Common Side Effects of LamictalYou should always be aware of the side effects of Lamictal — or any drug you’re starting....