We’ve all encountered someone who seems overly self-focused—maybe they always steer conversations back to themselves or make decisions that seem pretty self-serving. It’s tempting to call that behavior “narcissistic,” especially since the term has become so common in everyday conversation. But there’s actually a crucial distinction in psychology: having narcissistic…
Hyperfixation is a unique state of mind that goes far beyond a simple hobby or interest. Unlike casual interests, hyperfixations are intense, obsessive, and persistent—often taking precedence over everyday tasks and responsibilities. While commonly linked to conditions like ADHD, hyperfixation can happen to both neurodivergent and neurotypical people, shaping how…
We all want to feel like we belong, whether it’s with friends, family, or coworkers. But since everyone’s brain, personality, and quirks are unique, there’s no single “right” way to fit in. But sometimes we find ourselves toning down or hiding parts of who we are to blend in more…
Grief is a normal human response to the pain of losing someone. It can be brutal, anguished, disorienting, maddening, enraging, and lonely. But ultimately, most people will emerge from grief. They may feel forever changed; however, many find meaning in their lives again. Those difficult feelings eventually make way for…
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the current diagnosis for what may also be called chronic alcoholism, alcohol addiction, alcohol abuse, dipsomania, and alcohol dependence. This comprehensive look at alcohol use disorder will provide an in-depth explanation of the disorder, its causes, diagnostic criteria, symptoms, and treatments.
Mental disorders are health conditions that involve changes in thinking, emotion, or behavior—or some combination of the three. Mental disorders are connected with distress and/or impairment in functioning, whether that be socially, occupationally, or in some other dimension of life. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about…
Why is there a bipolar 2 and a bipolar 1? There’s no depression 2 or depression 1. There’s no anxiety 3.0. What makes bipolar disorder (formerly known as manic depression) different? The quick answer is that people with bipolar 2 have enough variation in their symptoms from type 1 bipolar…
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a condition that can make trusting other people and establishing lasting relationships extremely difficult. This can make coping with BPD in relationships frustrating for the person carrying the diagnosis, as well as for a loved one trying to understand and be supportive. While navigating borderline…
Attachment disorders in adults often stem from childhood issues and impact how a person relates and connects with others and themselves. If you think you have an adult attachment disorder, it can be worthwhile to explore the causes and symptoms. Once you better understand attachment disorders, you can begin healing…
Many mental health conditions and disorders can influence emotions and emotional stability, including histrionic personality disorder. Histrionic personality disorder involves a pattern of excessive sensitivity and attention-seeking behavior, sometimes causing people with the disorder to go to extreme lengths to garner attention for themselves. There are a few ways to…
Depression is one of the most well-known and studied mental health conditions. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness or emptiness, low energy, lack of concentration, and sleep and appetite changes, among a myriad of other symptoms, with episodes recurring over months or years. The different forms of depression are complex…
An “affect” is a nonverbal method of communication that expresses emotion on an individual’s face. Though people’s feelings can appear on their faces without conscious effort or even notice, one’s affect doesn’t have to match their feelings. Different from someone’s affect, mood is specifically what someone is feeling, something that…
