by Christine Hammond on September 24, 2013
Pop quiz: what word is similar to “schizotypal”? If you said “schizophrenia”, then you are right. Schizotypal is derived from the two words schizophrenia and genotype. Schizophrenias see, hear and believe things that aren’t really there. Genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual, think DNA. So putting the two together a Schizotypal Personality Disorder… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 23, 2013
The name Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) often gets confused with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) but it is definitely not the same. It is however the same in that there are obsessive and compulsive traits, thoughts, and actions. For instance, OCDs are obsessed with being clean and therefore do compulsive behaviors such as excessive hand… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 20, 2013
The name “Narcissist” comes from Narcissus who was a beautiful hunter in Greek Mythology but also exceptionally proud. In order to reveal his arrogance, Nemesis drew him to a pool of water. Upon seeing his reflection and not realizing that it was his own image, Narcissus became so attracted that he refused to leave… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 19, 2013
What does “Borderline” mean? What are you a borderline to? It is almost as if the author of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) came up with the most confusing name possible to express just how confusing it could be to deal with a BPD. Whatever the reason, the name does not describe the disorder as… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 18, 2013
In a social media rich environment where a person is frequently overexposed, those with Avoidant Personality Disorder (APD) are a welcome change. APD pretty much sums up the disorder in one name. In nearly every environment of family, work, or community involvement, APDs avoid social interaction. Think of a recluse, hermit, outsider, lone wolf, or… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 17, 2013
The name “Antisocial” does not adequately explain the disorder. It is similar to calling an aggressively trained pit bull, an unfriendly puppy. The former names of psychopath or sociopath are much more understandable and create a more immediate comprehension. Since APDs (Antisocial Personality Disorder) tend not to care too much about what other people think,… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 17, 2013
Is it normal or abnormal if your spouse… Does the exact same routine every morning and is resistant to any variation or change. Losses their temper over minor traffic infractions and threatens harm. Craves being the center of attention and is constantly seeking recognition. Shuts down and refuses to speak for days with no explanation… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on August 13, 2013
“Burn-out” is an understatement to what some female clients’ experience. After other severe diagnoses have been ruled out, anxiety mixed with depression might be the closest explanation. But the long term presence, the feelings of depletion, and the chronic nature of stress symptoms, is beyond anxiety. If this sounds familiar, then they might be suffering… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on July 29, 2013
Instead of calling disorders such as ADHD, PTSD, OCD, and schizophrenia mental or behavioral disorders, Dr. Thomas Insel the National Institute of Mental Health Director suggests calling them brain disorders. This shift highlights changes in how the diagnosis can be made. In the past, ADHD, PTSD, OCD and schizophrenia were made by observing behaviors that… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on May 31, 2013
Just compiling this list of stupid things your kid might do over summer break was enough to drive me, as a parent, into a massive anxiety attack. After all, summer break should be about camps, swimming, going to the beach, parks, and hanging out with friends. Unfortunately the combination of unsupervised kids, the internet and… (more…)