While the signs and symptoms of depression are the same for adolescents and adults, depression in teens often presents very differently from adults (ibid.). It is imperative, therefore, for parents, teachers, and professionals involved with adolescents to know the different ways teens show their depression.
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December 26, 2014
by David Porter, MA
The use, popularity, and availability of illicit drugs changes from one geographical region and time period to another. Certain illicit psychoactive drugs will fade from common use and then re-emerge. Substances which may have been discovered decades ago will experience a sudden surge in popularity. Familiar substances may be administered in new ways, or chemically altered or combined for a different effect. In other instances, something truly new may emerge on the illicit drug market.
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Investigation into PANDAS has led to a newer line of thought regarding rapid-onset OCD symptoms (Mittelman, 2012). A broader category called PANS, Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Symptoms, is being investigated. This broader diagnosis has been suggested due to diagnostic difficulties with PANDAS.
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Dating is supposed to be a time for teens to explore relationships and learn about themselves. It is supposed to be fun--and safe. But sometimes things go terribly wrong. Too often, teens are resorting to emotional and physical violence to resolve conflicts and manage painful feelings. Teens and their loved ones must be able to recognize abusive behavior in relationships, and know how to safely leave a relationship and get help.
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October 28, 2014
by Marti Wormuth, MA
One of the most controversial topics out there today has to do with mental illness and its diagnosis in children. A lot of people claim that, especially in the United States, there are a lot of people that have been diagnosed with mental illnesses that really don't need the treatment that they are getting. Whether that is the truth or not (and it's likely not), the topic always comes back to children. Can children be diagnosed with mental health issues?
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Hazing is a widespread problem impacting not only colleges and universities, but high schools, as well. Rites of passage and initiation rituals are nothing new, but some of the hazing that goes on is devastating for victims and their families, and even illegal. Both victims and those participating in perpetrating the hazing can experience significant psychological effects including trauma reactions and shame and guilt. Joining any group, team, or club should not mean sacrificing your physical or psychological health and well-being.
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October 20, 2014
by Christie Hunter
Dr. Randall Green, PHD, LMFT, CAP, is not only an octogenarian (80-years-old); he is also 34-years sober. He recently stopped by a South Florida teen drug and alcohol addiction rehab to offer those in recovery eight slogans to live by that can change their life in a positive way.
While the speech was presented at a teen alcohol and substance abuse treatment center and the speaker is a clinical director in the drug and alcohol industry, I thought his points resonate with all teens – whether or not they suffer from alcohol or substance abuse addiction.
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September 12, 2014
by Cathy England, MA
Many children struggle with mental illness. However, unlike adults, the symptoms are different and can be more difficult to recognize. Sometimes parents are unaware of the warning signs of mental illness in children, and if it is recognized, they may not know who to turn to. Mental health issues affect children in school, at home and in the community, and left untreated can cause delays in development in those domains.
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These disorders are very dangerous, and must be taken seriously and treated by a professional. As a parent, it can be difficult to know what to do. You want more than anything to help your child, even while you and your family struggle with conflicting emotions, including fear that your child will seriously harm herself, or even die.
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Many of us have heard someone say they “are OCD”. We may have also told someone, “You are so OCD!” Some people do, in fact, have minor characteristics of OCD. They like things tidy, or they like to do things in a certain order and in a particular way. But clinical Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be a serious, even debilitating, mental illness for both adults and children. It can create significant distress, and interfere with daily functioning. People with severe symptoms of OCD may find it difficult to work, go to school, or carry out other daily activities.
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