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Anxiety

Understanding Anxiety and How to Deal with It
  • March 30, 2023
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Understanding Anxiety and How to Deal with It

Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time; it’s a normal emotional reaction in anticipation of an unpleasant occurrence. Overwhelming distress is the benchmark indicator of anxiety.

What Is Anxiety?

Constant worry can leave the patient incapable of responding appropriately in daily interactions, making handling stress even more challenging. “Persistent and excessive worry” causing individuals to shift from a healthy perception of their life to an irrational view where they “expect the worst even when there is no obvious reason to be concerned” is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America’s definition for anxiety.

Although anxiety can bring fearful feelings, they are two different things. In psychological terms, fear rises from anticipating an actual future event, whereas anxiety is typically a nervous response to an irrational viewpoint of a potential occurrence.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety is an obstacle to daily function, engagement and a mental health condition. The various anxiety disorders each have particular indicators and challenges. Understanding the specific anxiety disorder plaguing you is essential to receive proper treatment and resolution.

The primary anxiety disorders are:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAC)
  • Panic Disorder
  • Phobias
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Agoraphobia
  • Social Anxiety

Some mental health issues like PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) exhibit elements of anxiety disorders

The Symptoms Anxiety

Aside from excessive worrying, fatigue, irritability, problems with concentrating, difficulty falling or staying asleep, are among the many problematic symptoms of anxiety disorders. Patients suffering from these conditions often experience sweaty palms, shaky hands, a racing pulse, and dry mouth, to name just a few of the unpleasant symptoms associated with anxiety disorders.

These symptoms result from your brain readying your body to face a perceived danger or threat. The fight-or-flight reaction kicks in, and blood is diverted from your gastrointestinal system and other areas not critical to defending against this threat.

While this reaction is natural, healthy, and beneficial in the face of actual danger, it is debilitating when the threat is not real. The heightened level of hormones and the diversion of essential blood flow remain at high levels far longer than in an actual threatening environment which can result in serious health consequences.

What Can You Do?

You can do several things to alleviate and even free yourself from anxiety. Changing your outlook and adopting a more rational and less fearful perspective is the first step.

Lifestyle choices can be crucial for moving beyond the burden of anxiety. Common sense solutions such as a balanced and healthy diet, going for a walk and experiencing nature regularly, and establishing a regular exercise routine are all healthy strategies to reduce or eliminate anxiety.

Setting limits on your commitments and learning to say no when necessary can provide substantial relief and make your life more fulfilling. Overcommitting due to the inability to say no can quickly become overwhelming.

While beneficial in certain circumstances, procrastination can become a significant source of anxiety when we let things slide and suddenly have a mountain of incomplete chores and obligations. Writing down all of those neglected tasks and completing them one at a time can be rewarding and will indeed eliminate substantial stress and anxiety.

Summary

Anxiety and anxiety disorders are treatable mental health concerns. Different anxiety disorders present particular symptoms and challenges that need specific treatment.

The main challenge to resolving these issues is adjusting your viewpoint, the perspective you hold about your life. Anxiety results from irrational and fearful thoughts regarding a perceived future event. Fostering a more realistic vision is crucial to move past this debilitating issue.

If you suffer from anxiety in any form, there are well-established therapies to help you live a less fearful and more productive life.

 

Check out our other blogs here. 

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social media

Mental Health and Social Media – What to Know
  • February 28, 2023
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Mental Health and Social Media – What to Know

Being social creatures, companionship, and connecting with others is essential and significantly impact our happiness and mental health. Social media connections can alleviate stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting self-worth, comfort, and confidence.

Conversely, lacking these connections can lead to severe emotional and mental health issues like increased anxiety and depression, to name only two. And while social media platforms promise to deliver these connections, they cannot replicate human-to-human real-time interactions.

The tactile experience of in-person collaborations causes the release of hormones that increase happiness, reduce stress, and help you feel healthier and more positive. Excessive social media use can bring on anxiety and depression while delivering feelings of loneliness and isolation, potentially exacerbating existing mental health issues.

The Downside

Among its most insidious faults, comparing one’s life to the exciting social media postings of others is a significant source of anxiety, depression, and envy. Pictures of exotic vacations, expensive toys, stunning physiques, and other enticing messages can trigger a negative emotional response.

Along with these unhealthy comparisons, cyberbullying and self-absorption lurk everywhere. Your impulse control is under constant assault from incessant notifications and the Fear of Missing out (FO MO).

Sleep

Research shows that social media users go to bed later, sleep worse and get less sleep, especially nighttime users. Screen time at night can stimulate your brain at a time when you want to relax and fall asleep.

Lack of sleep can pose serious health risks and inhibits our ability to function well in our daily lives. It is a problem you should take seriously.

Be Aware

It’s critical that each of us understand the potential pitfalls of these and make conscious decisions about our usage of these platforms. Otherwise, we risk this technology taking over our lives and steering us away from the people and things that are truly important.

Many individuals escape to social media as their “security blanket” to avoid anxious or awkward feelings, loneliness, or uncomfortable situations. We see it every day – people are seemingly obsessed with their devices and unable to communicate in real time.

If this sounds like you, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate how you spend your time.

What Are the Pluses?

It isn’t all bad; a lot of good things are available on these platforms.

Special interests abound on social media. You can find a support group for virtually any health condition, pets of all types, hobbies, professions, service groups, you name it, and you will find it somewhere online.

Almost anything you can do in the real world and many things you cannot are there to discover.

And perhaps most important is the connection social media can provide for families and friends to stay in touch across the miles. You can share pictures of grandchildren, vacations, gatherings, significant lifetime achievements, and everything that makes life available instantly, no matter where you are.

Final Thoughts

Social media platforms aim to keep you engaged for as long as possible and employ technologies that seem to foster a form of addiction. Many become obsessive users and find it virtually impossible to break their compulsive behavior.

So, what can you do to break your existing habit or avoid falling into the social media trap?

It all comes down to how you use and interact with these platforms.

What priority do they play in your life?

Like anything, social media can be a blessing or a curse.
It all depends on you and your choices.

 

Check out more of our blogs here.

 

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divorce stress

Effective ways to cope with divorce stress
  • January 30, 2023
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Effective ways to cope with divorce stress

Ending a marriage is one of the most stressful and emotionally draining situations of adult life. Not to mention the impact of divorce on children. Although there is not much you can do to eliminate divorce stress and pain, your hope for moving on is the gift of self-management because life goes on at the end of it all. 

It is essential to properly deal with the negative emotions that arise from divorce to enable you to move on and maintain optimal mental health. This way, you can avoid transferring your emotional baggage to your new relationships or wreaking your self-confidence and esteem going forward. Therefore this article will explore the most effective strategies for coping with divorce stress. Now let’s get started!

Make your mental, emotional and physical health your top priority 

Falling into substance abuse and other habits to elicit temporary relief from divorce stress looks like the best thing to do. However, it really isn’t. The reason is that it puts you on a downward spiral. Also, you never truly move on from there. If you have children, you should prioritize their health, too, from a holistic viewpoint. 

You should prioritize your mental, emotional and physical health because they are all you’ve got when your partner leaves. They make up all of YOU! Besides, sound health will see you through at the end of the day—during the long lonely nights or dull days. 

You need to be at your best to withstand the pain associated with divorce stress to enable you emerge stronger. You can achieve this by eating healthy, staying physically fit and getting plenty of rest. All these will help you build a stronger, healthier mind and body to see you through the pain you are experiencing. 

Increasing your awareness and being self-nurturing 

A practical method to gain control of your holistic health when dealing with divorce stress is by paying attention to your emotional needs and nurturing yourself emotionally and physically. Paying attention to your emotional needs means cultivating a heightened awareness of your emotions. The reason is that divorce stress can leave you feeling vulnerable and weak. As a result, you need more emotional awareness to figure out what you need in real-time. 

You could find and join a support group, visit a therapist or engage in mindful activities like journaling to help you process the many feelings flooding your mind per time—the general idea is to practice more self-care.

Show yourself a great deal of kindness to overcome divorce stress

The concept of self-responsibility that comes with our modern age can increase your tendency to beat yourself up in stressful situations like a divorce. This is where self-kindness comes in handy as research reveals that people with self-compassion handle divorce challenges better leading up to months after separation. You should not see your ending marriage as a representation of your failure. 

The truth is—there is no standard way to feel when dealing with a divorce. Yes, there will be tears and lots of them, but while you allow yourself to feel these intense emotions, your focus should be on healing. Your feelings are valid, no matter how they present themselves. 

Final Thought 

Truth be told, divorce stress is expected when a marriage ends abruptly. However, what counts is how you handle it and your ability to convert the stress into your leverage for stronger, healthier well-being because you are stronger than you know. Hopefully, the tips in this piece point you in the right direction for taking charge of your life and moving on after a divorce. 

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high functioning depression

How to Deal With High-Functioning Depression
  • November 20, 2022
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How to Deal With High-Functioning Depression

Depression is a severe mental disorder that affects millions of Americans every year. It often manifests as a distorted sense of reality and is worsened by certain health disorders and substances. One in five adults will experience a mental illness of some kind, with high-functioning depression prevalent among students and adults alike.

High-functioning depression is different than other forms of depression in that it has a higher threshold for triggering thoughts and feelings associated with the disorder. It is also often under-recognized or misdiagnosed, like bipolar disorder or another psychological disorder. This is partial because high-functioning depression can often mimic the symptoms of a different type of mental illness.

It is essential for people suffering from this to take steps to combat it. Here we will discuss the signs and symptoms of high-functioning depression and how to deal with it.

Signs and Symptoms of High-Functioning Depression

One of the most common signs of this type of mental illness is a general sense of emptiness. This can be described as an overall lack of motivation or emotion regarding people or events. People who suffer from high-functioning depression also usually report feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, and hopelessness. While they may not display significant changes in their living habits, their emotional well-being and overall personality will be negatively affected. However, people suffering from it often have difficulty differentiating between real and fantasy.

Second, many people with this depression are said to have a lowered threshold for experiencing symptoms of depression. They may feel perfectly fine at the outset and then suddenly “crash” into a depressive state. Other symptoms of this disease include isolation from friends and family, loss of interest in hobbies or pastimes, and even subtle changes in their diet and sleep patterns.

These signs and symptoms result from a complex mixture of biological and environmental factors. A biological component is present in people with a genetic predisposition to depression, while the environment triggers symptoms. This is also why some people with high-functioning depression can endure periods without experiencing severe symptoms.

Tips to Help Deal With This diagnosis

Healthy behaviors are essential in coping with this diagnsis. Experts recommend that you physically exercise, sleep as much as possible, maintain a regular diet and lifestyle, and engage in social activities. Taking stock of what helps you to stay positive can help you to feel better emotionally. However, not all treatments or therapies will work for everyone suffering from high-functioning depression.

Find a Reputable Psychologist in Virginia

If you suffer from depression, you will probably be concerned about finding a psychologist to treat you. Most people do not change their doctors because they fear being treated poorly or biased reports or recommendations. Find a high-performing and skilled psychiatrist and talk to them about your concerns.

Call to Action

Your health is of utmost importance, and you should always strive to maintain your mental health. If you suffer from high-functioning depression, do not hesitate to seek help. Remember that not all treatments and therapies will work for everyone. If you have trouble finding a reputable psychologist in Virginia, check out highly rated psychologists.

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postpartum depression

Three tips for coping with postpartum depression
  • May 31, 2022
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Having a child is a great privilege, but childbirth’s enormous responsibility can sometimes trigger postpartum depression in new mothers. Statistically,  about one in seven women experience baby blues yearly. Also, from a scientific standpoint, there is no specific cause for postpartum depression. 

However, there is a valuable strategy for treating women with the disorder. So in this blog post, we will go over several methods to help you cope with postpartum depression. Let’s get started!

What is postpartum depression?

Essentially, postpartum depression is a psychological disorder affecting women after childbirth. It is characterized by severe mood swings and unhappiness with the new state of motherhood, where the mother experiences difficulty bonding with her baby. Depressed new mothers may experience a strong urge to kill their babies and require critical psychological and medical attention in extreme cases. 

Fortunately, the psychological disorder is treatable. One of the first steps is caring for your psychological wellness during pregnancy to forestal postpartum depression. Most people refer to postpartum depression as baby blues. While both terms loosely mean the unhappiness and mood swings new mothers experience after childbirth, there is a slight difference. 

Baby blues are easily treatable and do not last long, while postpartum depression requires compulsory treatment and attention. However, several women do not report their episodes of unhappiness after childbirth and remain untreated.

Three Tips for managing postpartum depression

Postnatal depression does not make you a bad parent and does not require you to struggle in secret with it. Here are effective strategies to help you cope with the disorder.

Endeavor to establish a strong bond with your baby

Establishing a secure bond with your baby is vital for preventing postpartum depression. Some mothers immediately form this bond with their babies, while others require some time to build the bond slowly. 

Sometimes, it can take several weeks to even months to make a significant attachment to your baby. A secure mother-baby bond is beneficial for both mother and child. You can stimulate this bonding by cuddling, kissing, and responding to your baby’s emotional cues. This way, you reassure yourself of your child’s dependability while reassuring your child of your undeniable love and attention.

Take the time to care for yourself.

Taking care of yourself does more for your mental well-being than you realize. Essentially, most negative emotional responses after childbirth stem from the pressure new mothers feel about having to sacrifice everything continuously. As a result, the new mother subconsciously feels cheated or at a disadvantage, thus triggering a negative emotional response towards her baby. 

Taking a nap while your baby is asleep is one way to begin. Also, you can steal a few hours of sleep to compensate for the lack of sleep every time your baby demands your attention.

Additionally, you should nourish your body with high-quality foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Alternatively, you can engage in light exercise, pamper yourself, go for a makeover, dress shopping, etc. The idea is to give yourself enough attention to avoid feeling drained emotionally, mentally, physically, and otherwise.

Get professional help

Postpartum depression is not a disorder to manage alone and in isolation. You can get professional help by signing up for psychotherapy and counseling sessions. Also, your therapist might add some prescription antidepressants to your sessions to help ease your stress.

Bottom Line

Postnatal depression is normal and doesn’t require much worry. Taking care of your mental health before and during pregnancy will put you ahead of the situation. Furthermore, you get to condition your mind before your baby comes to help you bond better.  

 

    

 

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Wellness

Top Four Effects of Exercise on Psychological Wellness
  • April 30, 2022
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Believe it or not, exercise is as beneficial for your physical body as it is for maintaining psychological wellness. Several people are familiar with the physical benefits of exercise like weight loss, and increased flexibility/range of motion, including therapy for many illnesses. 

However, recent studies reveal that exercise is vital for psychological wellness and overall mental health. Whether you are a fan of aerobics, weight training, or mind-body exercises like pilates and yoga, this blog post will enlighten you on the mental health benefits of exercise. Now, let’s get started! 

Exercise reduces your anxiety and stress levels

Regular exercise offers one of the most effective ways to deal with stress and anxiety by putting you in high spirits. It creates an emotional buffering system that decreases your response to physical and emotional stressors. The elevated heart rate, sweating, and fast breathing associated with exercise mirror your natural stress response. The difference is in the dominant hormones and neurochemicals. 

While stress and anxiety-inducing situations cause the release of epinephrine, exercise stimulates the release of norepinephrine. In other words, exercise adds to your psychological wellness by counteracting stress agents biochemically.  

It helps psychological wellness by improving your sleep and energy levels

Better sleep is the end product of the stress-reducing effect of exercise. Regular night sleep is highly recommended for proper cognitive skills. Hence the relationship between exercise and better quality of sleep. Also, people who are unable to get some shuteye are prone to several cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure. 

Exercise raises the body temperature to stimulate a resultant cooldown relaxing effect. However, you should beware of exercising close to your bedtime as it can have the opposite effect and keep you awake for much longer. 

Exercise contributes to your psychological wellness by building a sharper memory

The brain is one organ that runs on increased oxygen supplies. When you engage in exercise, your heart pumps more blood, thus enriching your brain’s supply of nutrients and dissolved solute materials. 

Also, the increased blood supply invariably means increased oxygen supply. The reason is that the red blood cells are the oxygen-carrying component of the blood. The mental health benefits of exercise include but are not limited to improved memory, concentration, creativity, and relaxation. 

It balances your mood and boosts your self-esteem Wellness

If you’ve been having mood swings, exercise can be an excellent mood stabilizer the reason is that the brain produces a feel-good hormone called endorphins after exercise. Endorphins also trigger the release of oxytocin and together create the uplifting mood you feel after exercise. 

It is also the reason behind the runner’s high or yogi’s calm you feel after each practice, leading to psychological wellness. 

Studies show that people who engage in regular exercise are less likely to exhibit aggressive and passive-aggressive responses. 

Additionally, exercise bolsters your self-confidence levels. Essentially, you feel good about your creative abilities to move your body at will and perform incredible actions. Since exercise helps with weight loss and management, you are less likely to worry about your body image because of exercise— Talk about psychological wellness!

Bottom Line

There is no overstating the relevance of exercise. Hopefully, this blog post succeeds in exposing you to the benefits of exercise for maintaining psychological wellness besides its physical benefit. 

 

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Two seniors on a stroll

How to maintain your mental health as a Senior
  • February 14, 2022
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Maintaining golden-age health and vitality can be pretty challenging. Even more, your mental health, especially as more and more seniors suffer from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, muscle dystrophy, etc.

Nonetheless, taking care of your mental well-being in your golden age can be fun and less burdensome if you know the right tips. This blog post will enlighten you with four essential tips for maintaining your mental health as a senior. So read on to learn more!

  • Eat more golden-age friendly foods

Good nutrition is essential for maintaining overall health, your mind inclusive. The reason is that your brain needs energy from food to function effectively. Essentially, your brain derives its primary nutrients from glucose, a metabolic byproduct of carbohydrate digestion. As a result, your diet should include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fish, lean meat, and healthy fats.

Additionally, you should avoid highly processed foods and trans fats as you age. The idea is to eat more natural foods for a healthy mind while in your golden years.

  • Stay properly hydrated

Your body is made up of 75% water. Also, it would help if you had more water and fluids in your system to maintain your inner transport or circulation. When poorly hydrated, you predispose your brain to shock, leading to a coma. It helps to know that your mind is an integral part of your body. Your mind is what makes you, you. 

Suppose you find plain water unpalatable. There are other ways to spice up your drinking water so that you’re more motivated to drink more. You can add fruit slices to flavor your water. Alternatively, you can consume more tea and eat more citrus fruits. That way, you’re indirectly hydrating without dealing with the bland taste of plain water. 

  • Keep your mind engaged in your golden years.

Usually, your mind is the first recipient of the golden-age call. A big part of enjoying your golden years is when your mind remains active. As a result, you should get into the habit of learning. Read books, watch worthwhile videos, learn a skill, a game, etc. For example, if you like music, you could play an instrument. 

The more new things you know, the more neurons your brain develops through a process called neuroplasticity. This way, you keep your mind young and sharp. So join that chess club today!

Alternatively, you can engage in helpful conversations with others and maintain an active social life. What’s more? Several young people will be interested in learning from your life’s story.

  • Get adequate golden-age physical exercise.

Physical exercise is not exclusive to professional athletes and younger people who want to look sexy. Exercise is beneficial to everyone regardless of their age. As a result, getting older doesn’t stop you from getting adequate training. 

Additionally, you should engage more in golden-age exercise to ward off bone diseases, like arthritis and other golden-age-related diseases. Exercise also puts you in a great mood because it lifts your spirit. Several methods exist for seniors to get plenty of exercise like walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, dancing, etc. 

Conclusion

Getting older is both a privilege and a blessing. As a result, a sharp mind will assist you in looking back through life and passing on your wisdom and experiences to the younger generation. While there are other methods to keep your mind sharp as you age, we hope this article gives you an excellent head start.

 

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PTSD

A Clinical And Forensic Look Into PTSD
  • October 26, 2021
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Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition triggered by a traumatic event that is either experienced or witnessed by an individual. The event is perceived as too overwhelming and terrifying, and causes symptoms that affect one’s normal way of life. PTSD is often misdiagnosed or dismissed by healthcare professionals. This is the reason why many people with PTSD are usually untreated. 

Symptoms often vary from person to person, but usually develop immediately after the trauma. However, they can also develop years later. As a result, people are often taken by surprise with smothering and irrational emotions. Consequently, significant problems occur in all areas of life. In addition, they profoundly interfere with our daily activities and peace of mind. PTSD affects people of all ages. 

The Past Revisited

PTSD is characterized by constant and painful memories of the traumatic events of the past. This includes:

  • Intrusive and distressing flashbacks of the traumatic experience
  • Frequent and recurrent nightmares about or relating to the trauma 
  • Paralyzing fear when confronted by a situation similar to the event. These situations are referred to as “triggers” which can be visual or auditory triggers.
  • Reliving and re-experiencing the terrifying ordeal

Emotional and Behavioral Changes

PTSD is also characterized by negative thoughts and emotions that cause negative changes in mood and behavior. This includes:

  • Mood swings, anxiety and depression
  • Feelings of hopelessness and a negative outlook
  • Irrational fear, phobias, and distrust of people
  • Lack of interest in social activities
  • Problems maintaining close and intimate relationships
  • Detachment with friends and family
  • Avoidance of anything that can be a reminder of the trauma
  • No concrete plans for the future 
  • Easily startled and chronic nervousness
  • Irritability and aggression
  • Suicidal thoughts

Physical Changes

  • Insomnia or poor sleeping habits
  • Anorexia and loss of interest in food
  • Inability to focus or concentrate, leading to  poor academic and job performance
  • Chronic aches and pains
  • Medication abuse
  • Substance abuse
  • Lack of energy 
  • Regression in children by bedwetting and tantrums

Not all traumatic experiences lead to PTSD. This depends on many factors such as age, severity of trauma, and coping abilities of the individual. Many associate PTSD with war veterans. However, this condition has expanded in modern times. It is now a worldwide phenomenon that affects millions of people in a variety of ways.

These traumas of the mind and body result in powerful emotional episodes in those with PTSD. Furthermore, these events are usually life threatening and something rare. The rarity of the event creates trauma that enters deeply into the psyche. The events range from accidents, to natural disasters, to wars, witnessing a crime, or being a victim of a crime. 

PTSD in Victims of Crime

PTSDThere is a much higher incidence of PTSD among victims of crime. Moreover, researchers looked at 80 different types of disasters and compared severity of trauma from them. Not surprisingly, mass violence was the most traumatizing of all. Consequently, 67% of people exposed to mass violence developed severe trauma. Natural disasters usually cause a slightly higher amount of trauma (42%) when compared to technological disasters (34%).

According to the PTSD Alliance, the estimated risk of developing PTSD among crime victims are: rape (49%), physical assault (31%), sexual assault (23.7%), shooting and stabbing (15.4%), and witnessing a murder (7.3%). Studies also show very high rates of PTSD among children. As a result, 100% of the victims of parental homicide develop PTSD. In addition, PTSD forms for around 90% of sexually abused children,  77% exposed to shootings, and 35% exposed to community violence.

PTSD in Crime Offenders

PTSD is often used to as an insanity defense for a crime offender. But this is rare, as these types of defenses are difficult to win. Insanity pleas have a high failure rate and account for only 1% of criminal pleas in the United States. Furthermore, out of that 1%, only 25% successfully get an NGRI verdict (Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity). 

An NGRI states that a person cannot be held criminally responsible if the act was committed because of mental disease. Meaning, the offender isn’t of a sound mind during the criminal act. For this reason, PTSD is highly criticized as a defense for crime. However, a few successful cases exist.

The Role of A Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists apply their knowledge to criminal behavior in order to accurately assess a case. Therefore, bridging the gap between psychology and law. It is the application of psychological principles in the legal world. A forensic psychologist evaluates PTSD in offenders and victims. They are highly trained in psychological assessment and forensic evaluations. 

Crimes, disasters, and tragic events do not discriminate. They can happen to anyone. And when they do, the consequences are life changing. Oftentimes, survivors are left to deal with the aftermath on their own. As a result, anxiety, depression and even rates of suicide can increase. If you or a loved one is a victim of crime or a traumatic event, please get help before it is too late. Forensic psychologists can provide counseling and therapy for victims of PTSD. 

 

Sources:

PTSD and Crime Victimization

Mental Health Issues

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Forensic Examinations And PTSD

PTSD Within the Forensic Arena

 

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insanity assessment

Insanity Assessment: When A Guilty Mind Is Absent
  • September 21, 2021
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THE JUROR STANDS IN THE COURTROOM. Everyone is silent and is seemingly holding their breaths. After a few seconds that lasted more like minutes, the juror declares in a loud voice, “We find the defendant not guilty by reason of insanity”.  Scenes such as this are highly popularized and dramatized in TV shows like Criminal Minds, CSI, or Law And Order. And like any avid fan of crime dramas, we think we know what it means. But do we?

Establishment of Guilt

insanity assessmentIf someone accidentally hits another person with their car, is the driver guilty of a crime? If a person kills in the act of self defense, will that person be held liable for taking a life? What if the perpetrator is mentally insane? What happens when a guilty mind is absent?

There are three elements of a crime, and these elements come together to establish guilt or criminal liability. Every crime involves an act (actus reus), state of mind (mens rea), and causation. Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) revolves around the second element, mens rea. Mens rea is the qualification that a person had the required state of mind during the commission of the crime. Examples of this would be premeditation, recklessness, or negligence. If this qualification is absent, a guilty verdict cannot be found. Under this framework, an NGRI  plea proposes that a defendant is not guilty because of insanity.

Insanity Assessment

Insanity is not just a psychiatric term. It is actually a legal term. In a legal perspective, insanity goes around the premise that the defendant was not of sound mind when a criminal act was committed. However, an NGRI does not apply to every mentally ill defendant. This is because suffering from a mental disorder does not necessarily prove insanity. 

Insanity assessment helps to determine if a person should be granted an NGRI verdict. Contrary to what we see in TV crime shows, insanity pleas have a high failure rate. Only 1% of criminal pleas in the U.S. are NGRI. And within this diminutive percentage, only 25% successfully establish insanity. 

Certain criteria need to be met to validate insanity. And this is no easy feat. The courts rely on the judgement and expertise of a forensic psychologist or psychiatrist in establishing a defendant’s mental state at the time of the crime. These experts use certain guidelines when performing insanity assessment on an individual. They determine legal insanity by applying one or more of the following guidelines:

M’Naghten Rule

insanity assessmentEstablished by the English House of Lords in the 19th century, the M’Naghten Rule determines that a person cannot differentiate between right and wrong when committing the crime. Moreover, the person did not possess the mental capacity to understand the nature and quality of the crime. This rule is also known as the right-or-wrong test. 

The rule was established in 1843 in England following the trial of Daniel M’Naghten, who killed the prime minister’s secretary, thinking he was the prime minister Robert Peel himself. M’Naghten harbored a delusion that the government was conspiring against him. He was acquitted of murder and was institutionalized for the rest of his life.

Durham Rule

The Durham Rule is another insanity assessment tool used to evaluate the validity of an insanity claim. With this rule, a defendant cannot be held criminally responsible for a crime if the act was a result of a mental illness. This rule requires the jury to establish whether or not the defendant suffers from mental illness, and if there exists a causal relationship between the disease and the crime. 

This rule was adopted by the United States Court of Appeals in 1954. It was established following the case of Monte Durham, a 23 year old convicted of housebreaking in 1953. Durham had been in and out of mental institutions prior to his conviction. The Court of Appeals overturned his conviction, giving rise  to this new rule for insanity assessment. 

Irresistible Impulse Test

One problem that arose with the M’Naghten Rule was the establishment of insanity among individuals who understood right from wrong, and yet could not control impulses due to mental illness. The Irresistible Impulse Test addresses this problem. Under its parameters, a defendant may be found not guilty due to the inability to control impulses leading to the commission of a crime. This test is suitable for mental conditions like manias and paraphilias. 

The Model Penal Code

This rule states that an individual is not responsible for a crime where, due to mental disease, he or she did not have the “substantial capacity either to appreciate the criminality of his conduct or to conform his conduct to the requirements of the law.”

The courts adopted this rule in 1972 in an attempt to improve existing frameworks for insanity. It is broader, more comprehensive and encompassing of the complexities involved with insanity assessment. But like the previous rules, it is not without flaws. 

When dealing with an insanity assessment, a forensic psychologist must possess the necessary skills and training for such a critical task. If you want to gain more insight about forensic psychology, check out our post, “Differences Between Therapeutic Psychology and Forensic Psychology”. 

 

Sources:

Forensic Psychologists in Determining Insanity and Competency to Stand Trial

Logical Model of Guilt as a Part of a Structure of Crime

AAPL Practice Guideline for Forensic Psychiatric Evaluation of Defendants Raising the Insanity Defense

Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

Insanity defense

Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity

What are The Elements of a Crime?

Criminal Law

 

 

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impact of divorce on children

The Impact of Divorce on Children
  • September 6, 2021
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Parents splitting up is never easy for the whole family. It is a very emotional time not only for the parents, but also for the children.  No matter what age, it can be pretty traumatic and disheartening for kids to see the end of their parents’ marriage. The impact of divorce on children may vary. Some kids may feel upset, angry or depressed. While others may feel guilty and blame themselves for the situation.

Divorce is a transitional period for the whole family. That’s why it is important to recognize the different ways it can affect a child in order to make the transition a lot easier for them. This post explores and talks about the impact of divorce on children.

Mental Health Problems

impact of divorce on childrenA divorce is a huge adjustment for the family. The once secure and unbreakable unit has now collapsed, and kids are thrust into big changes that they may not be ready for. Changes such as losing a parent that they are close to, or losing friends by moving to a new location. This may result in feelings of insecurity, anxiety and depression. 

Research shows that divorce increases risk of psychological problems in children, regardless of sex and age. Kids with divorced parents have a higher risk of developing mood disorders. Toddlers and preschoolers may regress and exhibit infantile behavior like bedwetting, thumbsucking and separation anxiety. 

Poor Academic Performance

Kids in the middle of a divorce often do poorly in school. Their grades may start to slide, and their school performance may suffer overall. They also face a higher dropout rate compared to others. Possible reasons behind this may be due to feelings of depression, neglect, or inability to focus due to what’s going on at home.

Social Withdrawal

Studies have shown that divorce can also affect a child socially. Children may feel shy, distant, detached, or even fearful of social interaction. This stems from feelings of anxiety, insecurity and low self-esteem. Some examples of social withdrawal in kids are: avoiding friends, skipping school events, or isolating oneself at home. 

Externalizing Behavior

The impact of divorce on children is evident in behavioral changes that take place. Anger, irritability, temper tantrums, disobedience and rebelliousness can often be seen in kids that are in the middle of a divorce. Physical aggression and behavioral misconduct are all signs that they are externalizing / acting out their internal anger and frustration. To learn more about externalizing behavior in children, check out our post, How To Help Your Child with Difficult Behavior. 

Risky Behavior

impact of divorce on childrenAnother way of emotional externalization in kids is by engaging in risky behaviors. Classic examples are drug and alcohol abuse, as well as early initiation into sexual activity. In the U.S., kids with divorced parents are more likely to start drinking alcohol and use prohibited substances earlier than their peers. In addition, studies have also shown that adolescents whose parents divorced when they were 5 years old or younger, were more likely to engage in early sex before the age of 16.

Health Problems 

Research shows that there is a connection between parental divorce and eating disorders in adolescents. In addition, kids may experience lack of sleep, poor eating habits, as well as frequent physical ailments like headaches and indigestion. All of which are related to anxiety and stress.

Negative Outlook Towards Marriage

As the saying goes, history repeats itself. Research shows that children who have experienced parental divorce are likely to leave their spouse in their own relationships when they grow up. Studies suggest that the tendency to divorce is 2 to 3 times greater in children with divorced parents. This indicates a negative attitude and outlook towards relationships and marriages in general. 

Today, almost 50% of marriages in the U.S. will end in divorce. While this is a discouraging statistic, we can also look at it as a challenge to rise above it. Educating parents regarding divorce and its effects on children is crucial in preventing some of the negative impact of divorce on children.

 

Reference:

Divorce Statistics and Facts

The Influence of Divorce on Eating Disorder Development in the Adolescent

The Psychological Effects of Divorce on Children

Divorce and Its Effects On The Development of Children

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