Archives for 2013

The holidays are supposed to be a fun and merry time, but it doesn’t always turn out that way. The holidays can be stressful for many people. There are presents to buy, gifts to wrap, family events to attend and much office work to do on a shortened schedule. The holidays are also difficult for those coping with financial worries and loss of loved ones during the year.

If you’re feeling stressed and blue instead of merry and bright, you might wonder how to get through this difficult time. One important thing to remember is that stress is the body’s natural reaction to what it perceives as threats. This can range from truly dangerous situations to issues such as rushing to accomplish a long to-do-list or feeling apprehensive about family gatherings during the holidays. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the symptoms of stress include sleeplessness, headaches, weight fluctuations, an upset stomach and back pain. People who are under stress report feeling angry, irritable, depressed and unable to focus. It can ruin the holidays. Here are three tips to help you reduce stress and feel more joyful as you deck the halls.

1. Set a schedule. Make a prioritized list of things to do. Put the most important items at the top, and allow yourself time to get them done. Give yourself permission to leave some things off of your list. Don’t worry about them. Focus on your accomplishments instead.
2. Do something different. If spending two days with certain family members makes you feel anxious, consider what would happen if you made a change. Go beyond your initial reaction that the world may come to an end. Weigh the pros and cons, and find a solution that suits you without making you stressed. For example, don’t spend the night at your parents’ house if it causes you unhappiness. Drop by for dinner only, and enjoy the brief time that you do spend together.
3. Stick to your budget. You may want to show your affection and appreciation for friends and family by buying gifts for them during the holidays. Think of simple, inexpensive and creative ways to let loved ones know you care without overspending. Going over your budget may lead to stressful situations that take the joy out of giving. Perhaps you can babysit your sister’s children on a weekend night of her choice instead of buying her a new outfit that you can’t afford.

If you are feeling stressed, you may wish to talk with someone about how to cope with unpleasant feelings during the holidays and throughout the year. Click here to learn how an experienced clinical New York City psychologist can help assess your situation.

You’ve just left the doctor with a clean bill of health, but suddenly something’s wrong. Your heart is racing, your head is spinning, your chest is aching, and you’re certain you’re going to die.

Don’t worry. What you’re having is a panic attack, and in this, you’re far from alone.

That’s right. While it may feel as though fate has singled you out, you’re actually in good company. An estimated 60 million Americans have experienced some of the following panic attack symptoms at least once in their lives. That’s about one out of every five people you’ll pass on the street each day.

Emotional Distress
Nearly everyone in the midst of a full-blown attack feels a sense of danger or impending doom. Some believe they must be dying or, worse, going insane. This normally triggers a desperate desire for immediate escape. Losing control would be too embarrassing. What would people think?

Panic Attack or Heart-Attack City?
Thanks to the rapid heart rate and chest pains that often accompany a panic attack, many sufferers firmly believe they’re about to die on the spot. The accompanying hyperventilation, elevated pulse rate and shortness of breath only add to that conviction. Again, the need to beat a hasty retreat seems paramount. No one wants to drop dead in the middle of a crowd.

Changes in Body Temperature
During an attack, you might sweat uncontrollably or flush with hot flashes. The opposite could also be true, with chills and trembling ruling the day. Whichever it happens to be, the symptoms can be as frightening as they are uncomfortable and only add to the expectation that death or something worse is surely imminent.

Gastrointestinal Problems
During a panic attack, the digestion can often go haywire. A tightness in the throat can lead to difficulty swallowing, and nausea or abdominal cramps could have you running toward the exits in a hurry.

Fear of Falling
As if the other symptoms weren’t bad enough, a feeling of faintness, dizziness or even vertigo can have the sufferer clutching the nearest wall, lamppost or human for support: this, on top of everything else. What could be going wrong?

What Panic Attacks are Not
Although panic attack symptoms can closely mimic those of many diseases, a medical exam will normally produce a clean bill of health. During a panic attack, you are not dying, nor are you likely to float away or lose your mind completely. It only feels that way, and the feeling won’t last forever.

In fact, relief could be closer than you think. Many sufferers credit cognitive behavioral therapy with putting an end to these debilitating symptoms. A visit to http://comprehendthemind.com/panic-attack-treatment/ will show you how it could do the same for you. Take the time to check it out, for as you surely already know, a panic-free life could be priceless.

A lot of media attention has been placed on bipolar disorder in recent years, and this has caused it to become a buzzword that is often utilized incorrectly. For example, many people have been inaccurately accused of being bipolar by their significant other for exhibiting behavior that their partner deems to be emotionally or mentally unsavory. However, this does not diminish the fact that 5.7 million Americans are currently battling this medical condition, and it is also important to note that the U.S. has a much higher percentage of cases than most other countries.

What are the Most Common Bipolar Symptoms?

There are multiple different types of bipolar disorder, and this can be confusing to people who are attempting to figure out whether they actually have a mental illness. Fortunately, there are a few common bipolar symptoms that can help you determine whether you need to talk to a psychiatrist or simply take a relaxing vacation. When considering these symptoms, it is vital to be aware that bipolar patients will experience them in cycles that alternate between highs and lows.

• Poor concentration
• Over sleeping or insomnia
• Extremely low or inflated self-esteem
• Very low or high energy levels
• Racing thoughts
• Impulsiveness
• Lack of interest in typical activities
• Helplessness
• Suicidal thoughts

If you have any combination of these issues, it is a good idea to seek medical attention. Otherwise, you are most likely simply dealing with the normal level of stress that can be caused by everyday life.

For people who suffer from panic disorder, lions and tigers and bears have nothing on the local shopping mall. When anxiety strikes from out of the blue, the most innocuous locations can trigger paroxysms of terror. What causes these attacks, and why don’t they happen to everyone?

What Are Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks often appear as part of a generalized anxiety disorder. Sufferers can become dizzy, short of breath and engulfed by a pronounced feeling of dread. Their heartbeats accelerate. A fear of losing control or dying on the spot consumes them. These symptoms can persist for 10 minutes or more, and as they increase in intensity, the person will experience a desperate need to escape.

Who Suffers From Panic Attacks?
While at least one in five American adults will suffer the occasional random attack, as many as 2 percent will experience full-blown panic disorder. The condition is twice as common in women as in men, and children are far from immune.

Regardless of the sufferer’s age, an initial panic attack can generate a phobia about the situation in which it originally occurred. As the attacks increase in severity and frequency, the victim may begin to avoid any situations and locations that he fears will trigger another. At this point, the condition can morph into agoraphobia, and the individual will frequently refuse to leave home at all.

Causes and Risk Factors
Causes of panic disorder will vary. Some research points to nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions and sensitivity to certain medications or food additives as potential instigators. Social stress, irrational fears and biological triggers can all play a part. However, although the condition also tends to run in families, not all cases have a genetic basis.

Effective Treatment of Panic Disorder
Although natural remedies for the condition are making the rounds, many question the safety and efficacy of unregulated over-the-counter supplements. In addition, prescription medications pose a possibility of serious side effects, potential for addiction and questionable effectiveness that should make their use a means of last resort.

Psychotherapeutic Treatment
Modern research currently highlights the importance of psychological therapy as an effective panic attack treatment. In many cases, nothing more is needed.

Cognitive behavioral therapy in particular will help the sufferer identify and directly address the irrational thought patterns and actions that lead to and reinforce panic attacks. Targeted relaxation techniques and gradual exposure to the situations that produce anxiety can prevent or decrease its intensity. The therapy can also assist the sufferer in thwarting the onset of a panic attack and putting the brakes on one that has already started.

Prognosis
The diagnosis of panic disorder need not be a life sentence. It is true that an untreated case can persist for years, but with prompt and proper therapy, the odds of a timely return to a normal life are excellent.

Ordinary people often express confusion about the difference between psychiatry and psychology. This is only natural as the fields overlap in several meaningful ways. Though these two professions certainly complement each other, it is important to understand the differences between these important disciplines.

Firstly, there are many similarities between the professions. Psychiatrists and psychologists alike conduct psychotherapy and research the human mind. However, psychiatrists are far more likely to focus on therapy. Critically, psychologists and psychiatrists undergo different types of academic training. All psychiatrists are medical doctors with degrees in medicine. Conversely, each psychologist must earn a Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy) or Ps.D (Doctor of Psychology). Psychologists generally specialize in clinical or counseling psychology.

Doctorate programs for psychologists typically take five to seven years. After graduation, prospective psychologists must undergo one to four years of internships and supervised practice. After completing this extensive process, people are legally licensed to work under the professional title of “psychologist.” Without the appropriate licenses, people who perform this type of work use informal titles like counselor or therapist.

Though psychiatrists also study the human mind, psychiatry has unique focus. As licensed medical doctors, psychiatrists diagnose, treat and prevent mental illness. Performing these tasks, psychiatrists are on the front lines of the global mental illness epidemic. As more and more government bodies recognize the need for greater access to mental health care, psychiatrists experience increasingly plentiful job opportunities.

After completing medical school and earning their medical degrees, psychiatrists complete four years of psychiatric residency training. This step is critical for ensuring that all psychiatric professionals act with integrity and skill. When comparing psychologist vs psychiatrist jobs, people should know that psychiatrists generally access a higher pay scale. Interestingly, psychiatry is one of the lower-paying specialties for doctors. Nevertheless, psychiatrists are usually able to command very comfortable salaries. Though psychologists face a slightly lower pay scale, most psychologists enjoy strong job satisfaction. As they counsel clients and research solutions for human problems, psychologists do their best to make the world a better place.

Ability to prescribe medicine is another major difference between psychologists and psychiatrists. In theory, psychologists are fully capable of identifying and addressing psychological problems. In practice, most states only allow psychiatrists to prescribe psychiatric medicines. Notably, there is a broad-based push to allow more psychologists the freedom to prescribe. States like Louisiana and New Mexico now provide qualified medical psychologists with full prescription rights.

Though broadly similar, psychology and psychiatry are unique fields that attract different types of people. Members of both fields work with clients from all walks of life. However, psychiatrists are more likely to address the needs of deeply disturbed clients with serious mental problems. Ultimately, both fields are critical for developing a more peaceable modern society.

Why do individuals behave the way they do? Why do certain students have difficulty understanding a lesson? Will an employee who has experienced a personal tragedy be ready to return to work? Can different learning strategies help individuals with dyslexia? How does depression impact an individual’s interpersonal relationships? Is a parent who has undergone counseling a good candidate for full custody? These questions and more are what drive psychologists. As a research field and clinical practice, psychology seeks to understand human behavior and find practical means for individuals and groups to function more soundly in their environments. Psychology encompasses nearly every sector – industry, education, healthcare, and social services. In addition, psychology brings a highly dynamic range of research approaches, methodologies, and solutions. Although there are many different types of psychologists, all psychologists must pursue graduate study to practice psychology. While a master’s degree is sufficient for some jobs, most elect to pursue a doctorate. Below are descriptions of five different types of psychologists.

Clinical psychologists work with individuals, families, and groups that are facing mental health challenges, such as substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and other such difficulties. Clinical psychologists vary widely on their approach to patient treatment. Some use psychotherapy while others employ EMDR therapy, cognitive behavioral approaches, or gestalt therapy, to name a few. Sometimes they work with psychiatrists, who can prescribe medication, to create a more effective treatment plan.

Forensic psychologists work closely with professionals in the criminal justice and judicial systems. They provide impartial evaluations for individuals seeking to rejoin society after completing a sentence and can provide psychological expertise during trials. They play a crucial role in family court and criminal court. Their evaluations affect decisions regarding child custody, criminal motives, sentencing, and parole hearings. They may also help decide whether an individual is fit to stand trial or whether he/she is aware of the consequences of his/her behavior.

Organizational psychologists research and assess the psychological underpinnings affecting workplaces. They provide insight into employee and supervisor dynamics and can provide strategies to address worker productivity, employee satisfaction, and workplace conflicts.

Social psychologists focus on group behavior and the impact groups have on individual behavior. Family dynamics, social structures, and cultural dynamics are among the issues on which social psychologists focus.

Educational psychologists focus on the psychology issues affecting teaching and learning. They play a significant role in the lives of individuals with special needs, learning disabilities, or exceptional aptitude. They work with principals and educators to cultivate learning strategies and programming to help students with diverse learning needs. Like sports psychologists, who find strategies and techniques to motivate athletes to perform at their utmost level, educational psychologists seek means to help students reach their peak academic performance.

Psychology is perhaps one of the most innovative, rewarding, and exciting fields. Psychologists tackle some of the most fundamental questions of human behavior and identity. They provide essential tools and insight for those facing challenging circumstances. In addition, they help individuals attain the services and support they need to lead healthier lives at home or work.

If psychology is the broad study of human behavior and motivations for human behavior, then forensic psychology studies human behavior and its motivations in legal, criminal, and carceral contexts. Is a convicted felon ready to rejoin society? Is a particular parent suitable and ready for joint custody? Why did an individual without a previous record commit a violent crime? Is a victim of violence able and ready to testify? These are the questions with which forensic psychologists contend each day.

Forensic psychologists must bring an in-depth knowledge of clinical psychology and a broad knowledge of the legal, criminal, and carceral contexts to which they speak. Forensic psychologists often provide expert testimony, which, in many cases, is life-changing. Whether an individual will face challenges adapting to life after a lengthy prison term or whether a parent struggling with psychological issues can handle child custody are issues that require compassion, psychological expertise, and sensitivity to the needs of all parties. Our clinicians bring decades of legal experience to each case and a seasoned understanding of the law and criminal justice system.

In the legal world, testimony from a forensic psychologist can provide crucial evidence in a case. Our clinicians are highly respected professionals with a reputation for providing thorough, comprehensive, and impartial assessments of a case. They can assess whether individual’s mental health capacity if s/he must testify, represent themselves, or be cognizant of the charges s/he is facing.

In criminal justice contexts, forensic psychologists can provide psychological insight into the behavior of estranged parents, individuals in interpersonal and intra-familial conflicts, and child custody cases. Forensic psychology gives legal and criminal justice professional the tools to help predict future behavior and sensitively assess the needs of those affected by familial challenges. Similarly, forensic psychology allows employers to assess whether an employee who has experienced a crisis is ready to return to a working environment. Our experts bring years of experience working with diverse populations to each case and a deep ethical commitment to ensuring the optimal outcome for both parties.

Finding a forensic psychologist that suits your particular needs can be challenging. Fortunately, our clinicians represent an array of experience and expertise. Whether your case requires expert, impartial assessments in a civic context or a thorough, psychological evaluation in a criminal justice context, we will bring impartiality, compassion, and a deep knowledge of the psychological dimensions to your case. You can find more information on forensic psychology here if you wish to read more.

If you have ever watched Dr. George Huang offer a clinical interpretation of suspect’s family history or interpret a victim’s behavior after a violent crime, you may have an inkling of what a forensic psychologist does. However, life is more complex and challenging than any drama presented in the most gripping episodes of Law and Order: SVU. As forensic psychologists with decades of real-world expertise, we would know.

Forensic psychologists play a crucial role in the work place, the criminal justice system, and the family court system. They provide psychological analysis and expertise in a broad range of cases. They may provide insight into the motivations behind a crime, an assessment on a parent’s capacity to care for his/her child, or an evaluation on the emotional intelligence of a formerly incarcerated individual. Forensic psychologists often encounter individuals at some of the most vulnerable and painful periods of their lives. While every forensic psychologist seeks to provide a clinical assessment that is sound and unbiased, the best forensic psychologists do so with compassion and sensitivity.

The Criminal Justice System
Our clinicians at Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services are among the most respected and experienced forensic psychologists in the country. We provide comprehensive post-incarceration assessments for individuals who have been serving sentences and advocate for the optimal service options for each case. A well known forensic psychologist in NYC and member of New York State Psychological Association’s Forensic Division, Dr. Sanam Hafeez has received professional recognition for her exceptional forensic psychological evaluations through her appointment to the 18-B Counsel Plan.

Recommendations and Assessments
Forensic psychology is a broad field that extends far beyond the court room. Our clinicians can provide thorough assessments of employees who are embarking on the journey back to normal life after a traumatic incident. We are adept at assessing individual aptitudes and emotional needs and are highly sought by the legal community to assess the mental and emotional competency of those who may stand trial. Many individuals do not understand the impact of their actions; others simply are not able to understand. We bring a nuanced, careful perspective to each competency evaluation.

Understanding human behavior is challenging and often daunting. When individuals are experiencing trauma and stress or are in the midst of serious legal difficulties, such understanding must come from a professional, experienced source. Our forensic psychologists bring decades of insight and diverse professional experiences to court-ordered, legal, and forensic evaluations. If you seek further information on the specifics of our services, we invite you to read more.

Like any profession, psychology has evolved since its inception. It has been shaped by some of the greatest thinkers and scientists of the human mind. Their work has influenced society’s ability to understand why people are the way they are, why they do the things that they do and how their behaviors can be changed. Five famous psychologists in history stand out above the rest for their contributions to this field.

1. Sigmund Freud – Freud is perhaps the most well-known psychologist in history. He explored the personality and human psyche as it relates to the id, the ego and the superego. A phrase named after him is the Freudian slip. It refers to the subconscious substitution of one word for another that people sometimes make while they are talking to others.

2. B.F. Skinner – The study of behavior modification and reinforcement significantly influenced how people are treated in society today. He received several awards over his lifetime. These honors included the National Medal of Science in 1968, the Human of the Year Award in 1972 and a Citation for Outstanding Lifetime Contribution to Psychology in 1990.

3. Albert Bandura – Bandura’s groundbreaking theories on personalities and therapy put him on the short list of famous psychologists in history. His approach is more oriented to action than that of others who came before him in this field. A native of Canada, the specialist in social cognitive theory has worked in the field of psychology in the U.S. for many years and is still active today. His work in a person’s ability to exercise control over their actions has been at the root of several 12-step programs.

4. Carl Jung – Jung was influenced by Freud in his work, although he disagreed with some of those theories. Jung’s contributions to psychology involved new ideas about the human psyche and the collective unconscious.

5. Mary Ainsworth – Ainsworth provided great insight into child behavior as it relates to development. She delved into the field of attachment theory and broke ground with her Strange Situation Assessment study on toddlers and their relationships with their parents.

Some of the greatest minds in psychology are quite famous. Their theories have led to breakthroughs in helping everyday people to cope with their lives and the world around them, but a psychologist doesn’t have to be famous to make a difference. If you’re in New York and you need clarity from a professional, Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Service can help. A psychologist in NYC can analyze the issues at hand regarding personal situations or business-related scenarios. Contact our office to find out how.

October is ADHD awareness month and I am here to teach you more about what ADHD is, symptoms, how you can get tested if you think you have ADHD and new developments on the horizon. With this knowledge it will not only make you more aware of those around you with ADHD but also more tolerant.

What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is something that affects young children and can continue into their adult life. Symptoms include an inability to pay attention for long periods of time, having a short fuse or getting frustrated easily during a task. These behaviors affect children at home and at school. ADHD is also common in adults. Adults with ADHD will have issues with time management, setting goals in a professional setting and they will sometimes have difficulty holding down a job.

ADHD Symptoms in Children and Adults

Children will experience

• Is easily distracted
• Is forgetful about daily activities
• Avoids or dislikes activities that require sitting still or a sustained effort
• Talks excessively
• Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
• Often interrupts others

Adults will experience

• Chronic lateness and forgetfulness
• Anxiety
• Impulsiveness
• Low self-esteem
• Procrastination
• Mood swings
• Issues maintaining relationships

ADHD Possible Causes
There is no one complete cause for children being diagnosed with ADHD. Doctors have concluded that it could be due to a couple factors including: genetics, poor diet, exposure to toxins like lead, injury to the brain or a chemical imbalance that children will be born with.

Ways ADHD is Tested
First, the doctor will begin taking a medical history examination of the child as well as a physical examination including blood tests. If no physical disorder is found the doctor will recommend the child go and see a specialist in childhood development disorders.

ADHD Testing in NYC
It wasn’t until July 2013 when the Food and Drug Administration announced that they had approved the first brain wave test to diagnose ADHD in children. The test is very similar to EEG’s that are administered to people who have experienced major head injuries, where sensors will be attached to the children’s head and wires attached to the plugs will also be put into the computer so that doctors can read the brainwaves of children to measure different electrical impulses. Doctors had already discovered that certain types of brain waves were more connected to children with ADHD compared to those without ADHD. So far this has been the biggest progress in ADHD testing in NYC.

During this month I encourage you to read up on recent news articles regarding ADHD developments and I hope you will also talk to your friends about the symptoms of ADHD, the more you talk the more it will break the stigma of these types of behavioral disorders.