Psychology Blog

  This guide has been developed for GP practice nurses following a three year research study called ProCEED (Proactive care and its evaluation for enduring depression), conducted by Dr Marta Buszewicz and a research team at University College London.  The study involved a large number of practice and research nurses working in general practices throughout the UK. It was run in collaboration with the mental health charity Mind and funded by a grant from the Big Lottery fund.   Authors…

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By Drew Coster ~ 3 min read One thing that often surprises me is when a therapy user comments on how they admire the therapist because they must never get overwhelmed by the common issues or problems the rest of humanity experiences. The times I’ve heard people tell me, “I wish I was like you, you are so calm and together.” As much as I appreciate the compliment, that isn’t always true. I’ve been through psychotherapy before. As a trainee…

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Anorexia nervosa     Introduction The key feature of anorexia nervosa is self-imposed starvation resulting from a distorted body image and an intense and irrational fear of gaining weight, even when the patient is obviously emaciated. An anorexic patient is preoccupied with her body size, describes herself as “fat,” and commonly expresses dissatisfaction with a particular aspect of her physical appearance. Although the term anorexia suggests that the patient’s weight loss is associated with a loss of appetite, this is…

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The Neural Underpinnings of OCD Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety condition characterised by recurring, upsetting thoughts (obsessions) that are typically along themes of contamination, doubts, the need to order things, impending doom, or aggression, just to name a few. These obsessions are managed by ritualistic actions (compulsions) such as hand washing, checking, ordering, counting, praying, and other sequences of action or thought. People who suffer from OCD feel driven to perform specific compulsions to mitigate the anxiety generated…

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  Overview of Dialectical-Behavioural Therapy: DBT was derived from CBT (link) techniques but tailored to better treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder. DBT’s key feature is the use of acceptance strategies alongside CBT techniques (behavioural analysis, group skills training and homework) used to address and change the problem behaviour. CBT focuses on changing behaviour, however, some individuals with BPD need acceptance and validation of their intense emotions before they are ready to change the behaviour. Acceptance strategies enable this by…

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By Steve Bressert, Ph.D. ~ 4 min read Introduction Individuals who suffer from this personality disorder often are characterized by their lack of openness and flexibility in not only their daily routines, but also with interpersonal relationships and expectations. The overwhelming preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism and control of their lives and relationships means that most types of treatment are going to be, at best, difficult. Treatment options which do not fit within the client’s cognitive schema will likely be quickly…

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A Guide to Signs, Diagnosis, and Treatment By Christina Gregory PhD The Background It’s a nice feeling to be admired. It naturally makes us feel good and feel important. And, yes, we sometimes boast and brag on ourselves as well. But, if people start describing you as cocky, manipulative, and demanding, you might be suffering from a more serious condition. Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population, with a greater prevalence in men than…

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  Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer In-depth look at Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder – signs and symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and treatment. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is not the same as obsessive-compulsive disorder, an anxiety disorder that shares some symptoms but is more extreme and disabling. OCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by the presence of intrusive or disturbing thoughts, impulses, images or ideas (obsessions), accompanied by repeated attempts to suppress these thoughts through the performance of irrational and ritualistic behaviors or…

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By Athena Staik, Ph.D. ~ 5 min read Narcissistic abuse is what a person in a relationship with someone that meets the criteria for narcissistic (NPD) or antisocial (APD) personality disorder experiences. The potentially crippling, life long effects of narcissistic abuse on a partner’s mental health form a cluster of symptoms, not yet included in the DSM, known as narcissist victim syndrome.Narcissistic abuse Narcissists and sociopaths use language in specific ways, with a specific intent to take another’s mind and will captive….

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