Articles
Disassociative Identity Disorder
Definition: Dissociative identity disorder (DID), previously referred to as multiple personality disorder, involves a disturbance of identity in which two or more separate and distinct personality states (or identities) control an individual's behavior at different...
Bulimia Nervosa
Definition: Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by frequent binge eating followed by behavior such as self-induced vomiting to avoid weight gain. To meet the criteria for a bulimia diagnosis the behavior must occur at least once per week for three months. Many people...
Anorexia Nervosa
Definition: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by emaciation, a relentless pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a normal or healthy weight, a distortion of body image and intense fear of gaining weight. Anorexia nervosa is a potentially life-threatening...
What does anxiety look like in a child?
Childhood Anxiety By Abby Watel, LCSW What does anxiety look like in a child? Isn’t it normal and common for children and adolescents to be anxious? Should parents see anxiety in their child as something temporary – a phase that will be outgrown? Should parents push a...
Learn about ADHD in children and approaches used to help them cope with the disorder
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) By Lorraine LaSusa Weymouth, LCSW “My mind is all over the place, jumping from one thing to another.” ADHD is a disorder that affects the part of the brain which is associated with planning, organization and impulse...
Is my child going through a “phase” or is there an underlying disorder that requires treatment?
Child and Adolescent Treatment By Greta Nielsen, LCPC, NCC Today children and their families are faced with a multitude of stressors and parents wonder if their child’s response to the stress is serious enough to necessitate outside involvement, or are they just going...
Autism/Aspergers
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Definition: People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) tend to have communication deficits, such as responding inappropriately in conversations, misreading nonverbal interactions, or having difficulty building friendships appropriate to...
Oppositional-Defiant Disorders
Definition: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) often manifests itself through excessive stubbornness, revenge-seeking behavior, and an inability to compromise. Children with ODD may test limits by deliberately ignoring others, instigating arguments, and blaming...
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Definition: a pervasive and persistent low mood, accompanied by low self-esteem, and a loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities for more than two weeks. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a disabling condition that adversely affects a person’s...
Dysthymic Disorder (now replaced by persistent depressive disorder)
Definition: Depressed mood for most of the day, for more days than not, as indicated by subjective account or observation by others. During a 2 year period (1 year for children/adolescents), individual has never been without symptoms for more than 2 months at a time....