Posts tagged "psychology"

Why Do We Worry?

Worrying is thinking about something that may happen in the future that we have no control over, or the outcome will have a negative impact on our lives. It is attempting to solve problems that present itself. Thoughts of worry are triggered by feeling helpless and out of control. We should often ask ourselves “Do I have control over this?” when we are worrying about something.

Constant worrying can lead to anxiety. Anxiety is the feeling you have when you are apprehensive and stressing out about something. Anxiety is triggered by worry.

Having concern and anxiousness about certain situations is a part of human nature. We all have feelings of anguish and thoughts of misgivings about something. Those thoughts do not have to be significant or traumatic. We often express concern about very minute things which cause us to feel anxious.

Worrying is tied to control. When we are presented with a problem, we mentally try to solve it. Worrying occurs when the problem has no solution or a negative outcome. There are things in life we have no control over, such as the weather and the passage of time. Frequently we experience anguish over these things when, in reality, we can do nothing to control them.

Worrying is also tied to feelings of helplessness. When things happen, that makes us feel that we are unable to affect the outcome; these feelings can cause a great amount of worrying.

How can I stop worrying? 

There are some things you can do to reduce the amount of worrying. Whenever thoughts of concern enter your head, ask yourself, “Do I have control over this?” Contemplate that answer. Once you have determined the answer to that question, the key to reducing the amount of worrying that occurs is to accept the answer no matter what it is. This, of course, is easier said than done. Acceptance of things takes an incredible amount of willpower and control.

Worrying is a part of life. There is no way to eliminate worrying altogether, but you can reduce the amount of worrying you do by controlling your thoughts and reactions.

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Should I have my child tested for ADHD?

While a professional must diagnose Attention Hyperactivity Disorder in children, many parents notice signs and symptoms of the condition at home that often leads them to this doctor’s appointment and diagnosis. Parents often wonder if their child is simply growing up or if ADHD is the culprit of their behavior. Schedule an appointment if there is concern that your child may suffer from ADHD. Proper, timely treatment improves behavior, grades in school, relationships with other people, and offers many other benefits for children and parents and family members who are suffering from ADHD. if you notice any of the signs of ADHD in children below, schedule an appointment with the pediatrician for psychological evaluations and other tests.

– Constantly in motion, won’t sit down

– Disruptive in school, always talking

– Squirms and fidgets in their seats

– Easily distracted

– Interrupts other people

– Does Not finish tasks

Most children exhibit one or more behaviors above now and again. It is a normal part of being a kid and growing up. Most kids ‘grow out of it’ over time. But, some children and their behaviors cannot be overlooked and won’t simply go away over time. When the behaviors interfere with school, relationships, or cause parents to feel frustrated and overwhelmed due to its frequency, its cause for concern. Schedule an appointment with a pediatrician if there are any concerns. It is better to get a diagnosis and begin treatment than to allow the behaviors to continue negatively impacting life.

ADHD in Children: Psychological Evaluations

Doctors use a variety of information and tests to diagnose ADHD since there is not one specific test that can do the job. Most pediatricians work with a broad range of people who are regularly involved in the child’s life, including psychologists, parents, and teachers from school. A child must have six characteristics of ADHD to receive a diagnosis. Psychological evaluations are an important part of the ADHD diagnosis process. It provides doctors with a myriad of information that can help them better treat the child’s condition. The characteristics must have impacted the child/family for a period of six months or longer.

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A Snapshot Of Forensic Psychology’s History

Over the last decade, forensic psychology has become more popular in crime cases and life in general. By merging psychology with the legal system, we get a scope inside the minds of others and what causes them to act in certain ways. For centuries, this has been one of the broadest fields of study. Psychologists can be found in environments such as prisons, juvenile detention facilities, elementary schools. There are also licensed professionals who also have practices for general psych needs and services. A brief history on forensic psychology will highlight some of the field’s turning points and influences.

The Early Studies Of Psychology

In the late 1800s, Wilhelm Wundt established his first laboratory in Germany. His early work created a foundation for future psychologists to carry the studies forward. James Cattell was one of the successors to Wundt. While a professor at the University of Columbia, he challenged his classes mentally through lectures and psychological evaluations; determining that psychological evaluations could be complex in the courtroom. This theory would be taken a step further by Alfred Binet. By replicating previous studies on the subject, Binet used intelligence testing to find correlations between psychology and criminal law. This included testing the witness’s recollection of events and information. The psychologist determined that emotions can influence the accuracy of a witness’s testimony. These results motivated the psychologist to create the first applied psychology journal.

Psychology In Criminal Trials

During 1896, Albert Notzing gave a court testimony during a murder trial discussed suggestibility. The psychologist states that psychological evaluation can create bridges to a witness’s testimony. Less than 20 years later, a German psychologist named Hugo Munsterberg wrote a book advocating the use of forensic psychology throughout all legal systems. He believed that common applications warranted by psychology in everyday life is the basis on which forensic psychology is built.

Increase Of Psychology’s Popularity

After World War II, the field of psychology saw a significant increase in popularity. Inside courtrooms, psychological evaluations became common and psychologists were frequent expert witnesses. The turning point for the field came during 1954. Brown v. the Board of Education saw numerous psychologists testifying; proving to be credible witnesses based on their expertise about the subject. A brief history of forensic psychology illustrates growth in psychology over the past few decades.

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