On This Page:ToggleTrainingSpecialtiesTreatmentsMany people tend to assume that ‘psychiatry’ and ‘clinical psychology’ are interchangeable terms, but these two specialties have numerous key differences.The main difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist lies in their training and treatment approaches. Psychologists typically hold a PhD or PsyD and focus on psychotherapy, psychological testing, and research. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who specialize in mental health. They can prescribe medication, conduct physical examinations, and use medical interventions alongside psychotherapy to treat mental health disorders....

On This Page:ToggleHPA AxisSympathomedullary PathwayEvaluation On This Page:Toggle On This Page: Diagram of the stress response showing how the brain activates ACTH which causes cortisol and leads to physical reactions such as increased blood pressure and sweating Stressis a biological and psychological response experienced upon encountering a threat that we feel we do not have the resources to deal with. A stressor is a stimulus (or threat) that causes stress, e....

Polyamory involves having open, honest, and consensual non-monogamous relationships with multiple partners. What is Polyamory? Polyamory is the practice of, or desire for, intimate relationships with multiple partners with the consent of all involved. People who identify as polyamorous may engage in open relationships and reject the idea that exclusivity is necessary for meaningful, sustainable relationships. In practice, polyamory sustains a near-infinite variety ofopen relationshipsor multi-partner arrangements, which differ in definition according to grades of intensity, closeness, and commitment (Klesse, 2014)....

On This Page:ToggleFunctionMyelination Formation and DevelopmentDamage On This Page:Toggle On This Page: Myelin sheath is the protective layer that wraps around the axons of neurons to aid in insulating theneuronsand to increase the number of electrical signals being transferred. Myelin Sheath Function The myelin sheath serves as the nervous system’s critical insulation system, similar to the protective coating on electrical wires. Its unique structure enables three essential functions. First, as a low electrical condenser with high electrical resistance, it dramatically increases the speed of nerve signal transmission....

At times, when you scroll through social media, you may be flooded with posts of seemingly happy couples sharing the best parts of their relationship, going on perfect dates, gushing over each other, getting engaged, and just simply being cute together. You may see these types of posts described as #CoupleGoals or #RelationshipGoals, as something that every couple should strive for. It is easy to find yourself looking at these posts and wondering, “This couple seems to have it all figured out,” and “Why don’t I have that?...

On This Page:ToggleWhat Is Self-Disclosure?Mutual Give-and-TakeRelationship DevelopmentHow to Self-DiscloseWhy People Share MoreFactors That Influence Self-DisclosureWhen A Partner Does Not Want to Self-DiscloseBenefits On This Page:Toggle On This Page: Key Takeaways What Is Self-Disclosure? Self-disclosure is the sharing of personal information with others that they would not normally know or discover. We form more intimate connections with people with whom we disclose important information about ourselves. This usually happens when trust has been established, and we can be confident that the information we reveal will not be released to others and cause us embarrassment....

On This Page:ToggleVerbal Abuse vs. Common ArgumentSigns of Verbal AbuseImpact of Verbal AbuseDealing with Verbal Abuse On This Page:Toggle On This Page: Verbal abuse is a form ofemotional harm, often prevalent intoxic relationships, where one partner uses words to control, belittle, or psychologically manipulate the other. Verbal abuse is when a person uses their words to dominate, assault, ridicule, manipulate, and degrade another person, negatively impacting their psychological and mental health....

On This Page:ToggleSigns of BreadcrumbingWhy Do People Breadcrumb?How Breadcrumbing Impacts YouDealing with BreadcrumbingHow to Respond to Breadcrumbing via TextFrequently Asked Questions On This Page:Toggle On This Page: Breadcrumbing is a term commonly used in the context of modern dating and relationships. It refers to a behavior in which one person sends intermittent and often vague messages to keep another person interested or engaged, without any intention of fully committing or entering into a relationship....

November is recognized asMen’s Health Awareness Month, and this November Talkspace is asking you to check in on men. Because if the men in your life aren’t talking, it may be that nobody is asking them the right questions. Talkspace data finds that men do have a lot to say once they’re in therapy—in written messages to their therapists they use nearly as many words as women do. “Societal norms play a huge role in how people think about expressing emotions....

The Schachter-Singer theory, often called the two-factor theory of emotion, proposes that a combination of physiological arousal and cognitive interpretation determines emotions. Here’s a breakdown of the theory: Schachter & Singer (1962) The Schachter-Singer experiment, often called the “epinephrine study,” was a foundational piece of research for the two-factor theory of emotion. The Schachter-Singer experiment remains a critical piece of research in understanding emotion, emphasizing the intertwined relationship of physiological responses and cognitive processes....

On This Page:ToggleWhat is depersonalization?What is derealization?When it becomes a disorderSymptomsCauses and risk factorsTreatment optionsManaging DPDR On This Page:Toggle On This Page: Having Depersonalization/Derealization Disorder feels like a constant state of detachment from oneself and the surrounding world as if living in a dream-like or unreal existence. What is depersonalization? Depersonalization is a complex symptom that can be defined as ‘a state in which the sense of self and the quality of subjective first-person experience are oddly altered’ (Medford, 2012)....

When you wake up from sleep in astate of panic, for no apparent reason, this is known as a nighttime or nocturnal panic attack. To cope with night panic attacks, practice deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding techniques. Establish a calming bedtime routine, limit caffeine and alcohol, and consider cognitive-behavioral therapy or professional help if attacks persist. Thesymptoms of panic attacksat night and during the day are very similar, including a rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, tremors and chills, and intense fear....

Glial cells, also called glial cells or neuroglia, are cell which are non-neuronal and are located within thecentral nervous systemand theperipheral nervous systemthat provides physical and metabolic support to neurons, including neuronal insulation and communication, and nutrient and waste transport.Glial cells are a general term for many types of glial cells, for example, microglial, astrocytes, and Schwann cells, each having their own functions within the body. Each type of glial cell performs specific jobs that keep the brain functioning....

The HPA axis, or hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, is a complex set of interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. It plays a critical role in regulatingstress responses, mood, digestion, immune function, and energy storage and expenditure in the body. The pathway of the axis results in the production of cortisol. The stress response aims to provide energy for an extended period of time. It does not need to be fast, so it uses hormones to transmit signals....

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) are two distinct conditions that often co-occur, with studies showing that around30–70%of individuals with ADHD also have SAD. This high comorbidity rate highlights the importance of understanding both disorders and their interplay. While these disorders are different, they can share some overlapping symptoms and challenges, particularly in social settings. The presence of both conditions can exacerbate difficulties in daily functioning and quality of life....