A recent news story made some of us feel guilty about our cluttered homes and work spaces - were we unintentionally turning our family, friends, and co-workers into bigots? The headlines read: "How litter and graffiti can poison our minds by turning us more racist;" "Racism and homophobia worse in chaotic environments;" and "Dutch study finds that unclean environments feed stereotypes."
Researchers in Utrecht, Netherlands, took advantage of a strike by cleaning staff at the city's train station. Amidst the gathering trash, they asked white travelers to fill out surveys about Muslims and homosexuals. They also took note
Mental Health Testing
by Jane Wangersky February 21st, 2011 | Mental Health
You've likely heard of National Depression Screening Day, or read that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could soon be used to predict risk for Alzheimer's and other disorders. You may even have seen ads for services that promise to evaluate your risk for many disorders -- including schizophrenia -- based on a saliva sample you mail them. It's comforting to think of simple, reliable tests for mental illness; early detection and treatment would prevent much suffering. But how close are we to that point?
Is it really possible to spot mental illness in the DNA from your saliva?
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Is it really possible to spot mental illness in the DNA from your saliva?
Schizophrenia: What It Is and Isn’t
by Jane Wangersky January 24th, 2011 | Mental Health
The word "schizophrenia" was in the news frequently after the fatal shootings in Tucson, Arizona, on January 8th. Though the suspect had not been diagnosed, several mental health professionals said he had appeared schizophrenic. For many, it served as an explanation for something they couldn't understand (as "political rhetoric" or "gun laws" served the same purpose for others).
What is schizophrenia, and how does it cause someone to do the unthinkable? Is violence typical schizophrenic behavior?
The word means literally "splitting of the mind" in Greek, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. This causes many people (including some in
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What is schizophrenia, and how does it cause someone to do the unthinkable? Is violence typical schizophrenic behavior?
The word means literally "splitting of the mind" in Greek, according to the Online Etymology Dictionary. This causes many people (including some in
Neurofeedback — Taking Charge of Your Own Brain
by Jane Wangersky November 1st, 2010 | Mental Health
Neurofeedback, also known as EEG biofeedback or sometimes just "neuro", is an alternative therapy used to treat ADHD, depression, anxiety, and many other disorders. Though, as the National Institute of Mental Health says, "scientific evidence of its effectiveness remains limited," many patients--and their families--find it helpful. In one study, for example, 102 kids with ADHD went through either 36 neurofeedback sessions or an "attention skills" course on a computer. The improvement in the behavior of the kids who'd had neurofeedback, as rated by their parents and teachers, was superior to improvement in behavior of the
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Time for You
by MPK October 8th, 2010 | Mental Health
When you ask most adults about their lives, the common theme in their answers is, "Life is busy." It's true. Regardless to what your marital status is, how many children you have, or the type of job you have, most likely your life is busy. While being busy can be good for the body and mind, you need to make sure you take time for yourself.
Many of you may read that last statement and say that you don't have the time or money to do so. However, taking time for yourself does not need to be expensive or an
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Many of you may read that last statement and say that you don't have the time or money to do so. However, taking time for yourself does not need to be expensive or an