All posts by Christine Hammond

Understanding Schizotypal Personality Disorder

by 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…)

Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder

by 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…)

Understanding Narcissistic Personality Disorder

by 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…)

Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder

by 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…)

Understanding Avoidant Personality Disorder

by 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…)

Understanding Antisocial Personality Disorder

by 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…)

Is Your Spouse’s Personality Normal or Abnormal?

by 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…)

Recognizing Exhausted Woman’s Syndrome

by 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…)

New Term: Brain Disorders

by 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…)

Parents Beware: 10 Stupid Things Your Kid Might Try Over Summer Break

by 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…)

We have detected that you are using Internet Explorer 8 or older.
Please upgrade your browser to access our website.
Upgrading your browser will improve your browsing experience.

Upgrade Your Browser.

© 2021 GrowWithChristine.com. All rights reserved.
Phone: 407-740-6838 · Fax: 407-740-0902 2737

Address: W. Fairbanks Ave· Winter Park, FL 32789