Addictions and Compulsions

Last month I discussed the dilemma of a psychologically wounded person who feels torn between a yearning to get his deepest needs met – a need for connection, safety and love –  and ... Read More

Adolescents who exhibit mild psychotic episodes will rarely go on to develop full blown clinical psychosis. “Longitudinal studies in general population samples, using follow-up intervals ... Read More

Numerous studies have proven that physical exercise can improve both physical and mental health. The most commonly used tool for gauging decreases in anxiety resulting from aerobic activity ... Read More

Work and family problems often cause people who have quit smoking to relapse. Many people who smoke, or have recently quit, believe that smoking relieves negative affect (NA) and anxiety ... Read More

My 17-year-old son asked me the other day, “Why do people get depressed around the holidays? This time of year is full of great food, presents, music, lights, families being together, ... Read More

Online gaming addiction is an addiction to online video games, role-playing games, or any interactive gaming environment available through the Internet.  Online games such as World of ... Read More

In the last ten years, clinicians and researchers have noted that some individuals experience a compulsion to use the Internet or play computer games at the expense of other responsibilities. ... Read More

I’m struck by the fact that people with addiction issues, when confronted with the destructive effects of their behaviors, often find it harder to stop. This is especially true, in my ... Read More

This article is part of a series that explores the ways that specific “clusters” of depression symptoms manifest to create different experiences of depression. The previous article ... Read More

Many individuals find themselves shopping compulsively as a method for coping with stressful situations, but the behavior itself causes more stress. “These negative consequences are not ... Read More

Internet gambling has become an increasingly popular form of gaming. Through online web sites, users can gamble through interactive television and mobile phones. The convenience of 24-hour ... Read More

A very poignant comment to my article last month, Please Do Disturb: Creating Change in an Alcoholic Family, from H. Hall, really struck a nerve. Again, I am very grateful for feedback ... Read More