Histrionic personality disorder: Common characteristics and effective treatment by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Jun 13, 2024 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics 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…
What is depression? Recognizing signs, symptoms, and finding solutions by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Jun 12, 2024 | Depression, Disorders, Mental Health Topics 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…
What is a flat affect? Is it a negative mental health symptom? by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | May 6, 2024 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics 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…
The Three Levels of Autism by Evan Csir, LPC | Mar 22, 2024 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics When it comes to diagnosing autism, several distinctions are made by clinicians, which separate the disorder into the three levels of autism. This condition is recognized as a spectrum disorder. The purpose of delineating these levels is to provide clinicians with insight into the severity of symptoms and the level…
Understanding autism therapy services by Evan Csir, LPC | Mar 4, 2024 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics Autism is a neurological difference that affects 2.2% of the general population in the U.S. While living with autism does not prevent anyone from having a rich and meaningful life, the stigma that continues to plague the diagnosis of autism still leads many people to have incorrect ideas about what…
BPD vs. bipolar disorder: What makes them similar, and how are they different? by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Feb 16, 2024 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics Despite being different disorders, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder have so many symptomatic similarities that they can often be mistaken for one another. That being said, the functioning and root causes, and therefore the treatment, of each disorder are quite different, which makes it very important to discern one…
Body dysmorphic disorder: Signs, triggers, treatment, and more by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Dec 15, 2023 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics It’s the little things about our appearance that often get to us—some crooked teeth, a few extra pounds, or maybe more gray in our hair than we’d like to see. The idea of perfect, the one our imagination creates, is unrealistic. However, recognizing when our self-judgment transforms into an unhealthy…
Understanding and overcoming personality disorders through therapy by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Dec 1, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Personality disorders can be multi-faceted, highly-individualized conditions that affect each person uniquely. But at Thriveworks, we understand this complexity— and that’s why we believe in the pivotal role that personality disorder therapy plays in treatment. Our specialized therapists offer tailored and compassionate interventions, aiming to support individuals in navigating these…
Megalophobia: Causes, symptoms, treatment options, and more by Evan Csir, LPC | Nov 15, 2023 | Anxiety, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Megalophobia is characterized by an irrational fear of large objects, which can encompass various entities such as skyscrapers, animals, landmarks such as mountains, and more. The manifestation of megalophobia varies among individuals, with some being comfortable around certain large objects but distressed by others. Learn more about megalophobia, including how…
Personality disorders: A detailed guide for understanding and managing personality disorders by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Nov 3, 2023 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics We all have distinct personalities — a combination of characteristics that make us, us. Funny, empathetic, agreeable, adventurous, charismatic, curious, dramatic, innovative, etc. Some of us, though, have personality disorders, which mean our thoughts and behaviors don’t align with what’s considered “normal.” This comprehensive guide answers the most frequently asked…
Petulant borderline personality disorder (BPD): Signs, causes, treatment options, and more by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Sep 10, 2023 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics, Personality Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex and multifaceted mental health condition known for its diverse symptoms. While it affects individuals differently, a subset of BPD patients exhibit distinctive behavior patterns characteristic of what is commonly referred to as “petulant BPD.” This variant presents a unique challenge for both clinicians…
Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome: Symptoms, causes, and treatment by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Aug 22, 2023 | Disorders, Medication, Mental Health Topics Antidepressants can help people effectively manage symptoms of depression as well as other mental health conditions. However, these individuals may, at some point, stop taking their antidepressant – for a wide variety of reasons – and if they do so abruptly, they’re at risk of developing a condition called antidepressant…