Separation Anxiety is defined by the DSM as developmentally inappropriate and excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the individual is attached. In children and adolescents it must be present for at least four weeks and in adults at least six months. This anxiety is considered excessive and inappropriate to the…
DetailsPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is an anxiety disorder that is triggered by exposure to a traumatic event that meets certain criteria such as exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violation resulting from either direct experience of the traumatic event, witnessing the traumatic event in person, learning of a traumatic event…
DetailsA phobia is an overwhelming and unreasonable fear of an object or situation that poses little real danger but provokes anxiety and avoidance. Phobias are not temporary or a short lived, but rather a long term fear of a specific trigger. These fears impact a person’s daily life and ability to function or face certain…
DetailsPanic Disorder is characterized as recurrent panic attacks which are sudden intense episodes of fear which triggers physiological reactions without a clearly identifiable cause. Panic attacks are generally very frightening and cause significant distress. A panic attack can cause the feeling of losing control or having a heart attack or even dying. They frequently cause…
DetailsWhat is Grief? Grief is the emotional reaction to a significant loss. Bereavement refers to the typical period of mourning and grief after a loss. Grieving is the act of experiencing grief. There are many things that can cause grief, not just a death; including, loss of a relationship, traumatic events, loss of support, etc.…
DetailsIn children and adolescents, ODD is a pattern of angry and irritable mood, argumentative and defiant behavior, and possibly vindictiveness beyond what is considered typical and that is present for a minimum of six months. Aggressive and destructive behavior is not present, but rather a disregard for rules and an intentional power struggle when structure…
DetailsOCD is an anxiety disorder characterized by unreasonable or irrational thoughts and fears (obsessions) that can lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions); however, both obsessions and compulsions are not always present. In some cases people may not realize that their thoughts or obsessions are irrational, making it more difficult to overcome them. Within OCD there are…
DetailsMindfulness is more than just a therapy technique, rather a lifestyle change. It is a component of a few different forms of therapy, most commonly associated with Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or Cognitive Therapy. It involves an awareness of all that is around while being present and in the current moment, without judgment. In a sense…
DetailsThis week marks the beginning of the National Eating Disorder Awareness Week for 2019. The theme chosen for this year is COME AS YOU ARE. This year’s theme is hoping to send the message to anyone wrestling with an eating disorder, or even just struggling in their relationship with their body and food, that each…
DetailsInsomnia is a persistent disorder that effects a person’s ability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or both and includes a poor quality of sleep. A person with insomnia will generally wake up not feeling rested, which negatively impacts their ability to function throughout the day. The lack of restful sleep impacts mood and health as…
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