Behaviour therapy is generally the most effective treatment for this type of personality disorder
Dependency and co-dependency are psychological catch phrases that seem to come up a lot these days. It is common to hear these terms in every day conversations about relationships. But what is the actual psychiatric definition of a person who is dependent to the point of disorder? When does dependency change from being within the…
Research will hopefully lead to more successful treatments and possibly a cure for this devastating illness
In my previous column, I dealt in general with Alzheimer’s disease and the growing problem it is becoming for our aging population. Today I want to discuss in a little more detail exactly what we know about what happens inside the brain as the disease progresses. Research in this field is rapidly advancing and will…
While there is no way to stop the disease, it is possible to improve quality of life
Alzheimer’s is an ailment of the brain that touches almost everyone. Most of us know a friend or family member who suffers from this common and devastating disease. Once considered rare, Alzheimer’s is now known to be the leading cause of dementia in the aging population and is one of several disorders that cause loss…
The health benefits of companion pets are found in many settings and for people of all ages and situations
Anyone who has a pet will tell you that their furry, feathered or scaly friend provides companionship, entertainment, unconditional love and adds a layer of richness to their life. Some might even tell you that they suspect increased mental well being as a result of their animal companion. Not surprisingly, research to date proves that…
While boys bully using physical violence, girls bully by gossiping, manipulating others to exclude a victim, teasing or spreading rumours
The subject of bullying is widely publicized every time a severe case of bullying results in a killing or suicide. Citizens and parents express outrage and disbelief that such an incident could happen right in their school or neighbourhood. People are right to be outraged. This type of behaviour is potentially identifiable and preventable. Although…
Experiencing an intimacy problem should not be a reason for shame and there are several strategies that can help
Sexual dysfunction is a topic that makes most people a little antsy. Are you glancing around now to see if anyone notices you reading this? It’s a taboo subject – no one wants to admit they have problems in the bedroom. But sexual dysfunction is more common than often thought. And it can have psychiatric causes and implications,…
Memory is not a video camera accurately recording our experiences and is easily manipulated
People frequently ask me about the possibility of repressed memories being the origin of their problems. This is a holdover from the once dominant psychoanalytic approach to psychiatric treatment. On television and in the movies we frequently watch psychiatrists help people recover memories of events from their childhood that may somehow explain the way they…
Retirement is a choice, so get out there and get involved
We see them everywhere. Retired members of our community, all over town, enthusiastically engaged in activities. Either they are enjoying a game of golf or shopping at the mall; working in their gardens or swimming at the pool; sometimes taking the bus to an activity centre for a game of cards with friends. These are the…
Aging carries with it increased risk of depression, often as the result of other conditions and even as a side-effect of medication
Depression among senior citizens rarely gets get much public attention but it is a significant problem – and it can be addressed. In a culture that prizes youth and activity above most other things, the whole idea of aging is often considered depressing. So it is not uncommon for us to feel that loneliness, sadness and even…
But memory loss can also be a symptom of treatable disorders such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse
A very common concern among my patients aged 45 and older is a fear that they are losing their memory and may be on their way to Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Although these are possibilities, some memory loss is common as we age and not associated with a degenerative dementia. This kind of memory…