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5 Signs of Drug Addiction in Adults

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
woman being comforted after displaying Signs of Drug Addiction in Adults

Addiction is a brain disorder in which a person continues misusing drugs despite encountering harmful consequences. There are at least five signs of drug addiction in adults that make it clear someone has a problem with prescription or illicit drugs. The most common signs include mood or personality, behavior, appearance, relationship, and physical health changes.  If you or someone you know is displaying signs of drug addiction, it may be time to reach out for help and explore the benefits of addiction treatment. Drug addiction is a nationwide problem, with 48.7 Americans over twelve having a substance use disorder (SAMSHA). Some adults have an addiction to prescription or illicit opioids, and others are addicted to alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines, and numerous other products. Addiction negatively impacts someone’s personal, professional, academic, and social life. In this article, we explore five common signs of drug addiction in adults so you can know …

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6 Ways to Help a Loved One with Hoarding Disorder

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hoarding disorder

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. What is hoarding disorder? Hoarding disorder (HD) is a mental health disorder where an individual collects a large amount of possessions and experiences difficulty parting with possessions to the point where parting with possessions prompts profound emotional distress. Approximately 2% to 6% of people in the United States have hoarding disorder (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) previously classified hoarding disorder as a subtype of OCD, “however, healthcare providers were encountering people with hoarding behaviors who didn’t have any other mental health conditions. After more research, hoarding disorder was included as an isolated condition, in the OCD spectrum, in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), which is the most recent edition” (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).  Similar to many of us, people with hoarding disorder keep objects due to their sentimentality, aesthetics, and usefulness. These …

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Clinician Spotlight 3: Nathaniel Flatt, LMFT

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hoarding disorder

Clinician Spotlight In today’s clinician spotlight we highlight Nathaniel Flatt, LMFT. Nathaniel Flatt is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). We are honored to be working with such an experienced and compassionate therapist. About Nathaniel Flatt, LMFT Nathaniel strives to braid the evidenced-based practices of Western psychotherapy with the wisdom and compassion of Eastern psychology. With an open-hearted, client-centered, and collaborative approach, he meets the client where they are in the treatment process.  Nathaniel supports clients in developing their own inner healing capacity, providing them with resources that they can utilize and integrate into the therapeutic process. This leads clients down the road of psychological and spiritual wellness. Nathaniel Flatt, LMFT, earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. He is also certified by The California Institute of Integral Studies in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS). He is an integrative …

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Clinician Spotlight 2: Michael Peterson, LCSW

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hoarding disorder

Clinician Spotlight In today’s clinician spotlight we highlight Michael Peterson, LCSW. Michael Peterson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). We are honored to be working with such a competent, compassionate therapist. About Michael Peterson, LCSW Michael Peterson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years of experience working within world-renowned health care organizations. He was a clinical supervisor in the Department of Psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for almost 20 years. Michael specializes in providing group and individual psychotherapies which teach individuals new skills to more effectively manage their emotions and cope with stressors. Michael completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He was the recipient of a National Institute of Mental Health traineeship awarded to prepare clinicians for leadership in the field of mental health. In addition to his clinical work, Michael is active in the mental health community.  …

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7 Common Mental Disorders in Children

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Mark Hrymoc, M.D.
mental disorders in children

Common mental disorders in children include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders (such as separation anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder), behavioral disorders (like oppositional defiant disorder), autism spectrum disorder, and mood disorders (including depression). These disorders can significantly impact a child’s daily functioning and development, necessitating early identification and appropriate intervention. Diagnosing mental illness in children is much different than in adults. Children are constantly growing and changing, and as a result, they encounter physical and psychological changes.  It is critical to seek treatment from a mental health professional to determine if a child has a mental disorder or if it is just part of growing up. In this article, we explore seven common mental disorders in children. Common Mental Disorders in Children Currently, 5 million children in America have a mental disorder. Below are seven of the most common mental health disorders among children between three and seventeen.  Some disorders …

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