Psychology & Psychiatry - Topic | Brain Blogger

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Psychology & Psychiatry Topic

The Human Condition and the Mentally Ill

August 30, 2012 | By Ann Reitan, PsyD | 8 Comments

There are benefits to viewing the problem of psychosis from a variety of psychological and philosophical perspectives. In this article, several perspectives in psychology represent various useful angles with which to approach the problem of psychosis. This discussion includes elements of the following: the biopsychosocial perspective, the biological perspective, the humanistic psychotherapeutic perspective, the perspective of behaviorism, the Gestalt perspective, and a postmodern philosophical perspective.

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Building Character Strengths – The Road to Wellbeing?

August 15, 2012 | By Meena Kumar, BA, MA student | 4 Comments

When we describe a friend or acquaintance, we often assess their personality disposition, describing him or her as introverted, easygoing, or friendly. These personality traits are usually stable over time and result in specific behaviors in an individual. Character strengths are the positive traits that underlie good behavior and are displayed through one’s emotions, cognitions, and behavior. As opposed to the personality trait of extroversion that describes an individual who is social, outgoing, and assertive, the character strength of leadership describes an individual who effectively organizes activities and makes sure that tasks are completed.

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Schizophrenia and Psychosis – Brain Disease or Existential Crisis?

August 7, 2012 | By Paris Williams, PhD | 35 Comments

With the most recent schizophrenia/psychosis recovery research, we discover increasing evidence that psychosis is not caused by a disease of the brain, but is perhaps best described as being a last ditch strategy of a desperate psyche to transcend an intolerable situation or dilemma. To better understand how this conclusion which is so contrary to the widespread understanding of psychosis has come about, it will help if we break down this discussion into a short series of questions and answers.

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Good News for Postpartum Depression – Screening Tools are Effective

August 1, 2012 | By Jennifer Gibson, PharmD | 2 Comments

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant and prevalent mental health condition among new mothers. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, PPD can lead to countless adverse consequences for the mother and her child. Luckily, a new study shows that screening and treatment for PPD by family practice physicians improve outcomes related to PPD.

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