Drug addiction is a complex brain disease. It is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences.Drug seeking becomes compulsive, in large part as a resu... moreDrug addiction is a complex brain disease. It is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences.Drug seeking becomes compulsive, in large part as a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning and, thus, on behavior. For many people, drug addiction becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence. less
This particular branch focuses on the mind and behavior of children from prenatal development through adolescence. Child psychology deals not only with how children grow physically, but with their mental, emotional and social development as well.
This group is for anyone who enjoys or would like to reconnect with nature and is interested in learning more about how nurturing our relationship with Mother Nature promotes emotional wellness. 'When we connect with nature, our brains release dopamine, ... moreThis group is for anyone who enjoys or would like to reconnect with nature and is interested in learning more about how nurturing our relationship with Mother Nature promotes emotional wellness. 'When we connect with nature, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that produces the good feelings that we seek. The lack of awareness of and connection to nature causes many of the problems we experience. Current psychological therapies are inadequate to curing these disorders because they are rooted in theories disconnected from nature. By integrating Organic Psychology processes into our lives, we begin healing because we now are addressing the cause of much of the suffering in our lives' (Cohen, 2003).'You cannot solve a problem from the same consciousness that created it. You must learn to see the world anew.' ~ EinsteinGaia Psychology is a global benefit organization dedicated to creating an organic emotional healthcare system that mirrors a respect for humanity and guardianship of planet E less
Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry, by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the associated anxiety, or by a combination of such obsessions ... moreObsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear, or worry, by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the associated anxiety, or by a combination of such obsessions and compulsions. Symptoms of the disorder include excessive washing or cleaning; repeated checking; extreme hoarding; preoccupation with sexual, violent or religious thoughts; aversion to particular numbers; and nervous rituals, such as opening and closing a door a certain number of times before entering or leaving a room. These symptoms can be alienating and time-consuming, and often cause severe emotional and financial distress. The acts of those who have OCD may appear paranoid and potentially psychotic. less
Alcoholism is the addiction to or dependency upon drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages. Since the late twentieth century it has been considered a disabling addictive disorder. It is characterized by compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of ... moreAlcoholism is the addiction to or dependency upon drinking excessive amounts of alcoholic beverages. Since the late twentieth century it has been considered a disabling addictive disorder. It is characterized by compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcohol, usually to the detriment of the drinker's health, relationships, and social standing. Like other drug addictions, alcoholism is medically defined as a treatable disease less
Delusional disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis denoting a psychotic mental disorder that is characterized by holding one or more non-bizarre delusions in the absence of any other significant psychopathology. Non-bizarre delusions are fixed beliefs that ar... moreDelusional disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis denoting a psychotic mental disorder that is characterized by holding one or more non-bizarre delusions in the absence of any other significant psychopathology. Non-bizarre delusions are fixed beliefs that are certainly and definitely false, but that could possibly be plausible, for example, someone who thinks he or she is under police surveillance. For the diagnosis to be made, auditory and visual hallucinations cannot be prominent, though olfactory or tactile hallucinations related to the content of the delusion may be present. less
The term anxiety covers four aspects of experiences an individual may have: mental apprehension, physical tension, physical symptoms and dissociative anxiety (symptoms associated with hyperventillation). Anxiety disorder is divided into generalized anxiet... moreThe term anxiety covers four aspects of experiences an individual may have: mental apprehension, physical tension, physical symptoms and dissociative anxiety (symptoms associated with hyperventillation). Anxiety disorder is divided into generalized anxiety, phobic, and panic disorders; each has its own characteristics and symptoms and they require different treatment. The emotions present in anxiety disorders range from simple nervousness to bouts of terror. less
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and physical well-being.It may include feelings of sadness, anxiety, emptiness, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, irritability, or restles... moreDepression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings and physical well-being.It may include feelings of sadness, anxiety, emptiness, hopelessness, worthlessness, guilt, irritability, or restlessness.Depressed people may lose interest in activities that once were pleasurable, or suffer cognitive impairments less
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is... moreSchizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by a disintegration of thought processes and of emotional responsiveness. It most commonly manifests as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking, and it is accompanied by significant social or occupational dysfunction. The onset of symptoms typically occurs in young adulthood, with a global lifetime prevalence of about 0.3–0.7%.Diagnosis is based on observed behavior and the patient's reported experiences. less
Problem gambling (ludomania) is an urge to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. Problem gambling often is defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others, rather than by the gambler's behavior. Severe problem g... moreProblem gambling (ludomania) is an urge to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. Problem gambling often is defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others, rather than by the gambler's behavior. Severe problem gambling may be diagnosed as clinical pathological gambling if the gambler meets certain criteria. Although the term gambling addiction is common in the recovery movement pathological gambling is considered to be an impulse control disorder and is therefore not considered by the American Psychological Association to be an addiction less
