Treatment Bergen County NJ

OCD & Obsessions

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OCD & Obsessions by Nicole Sanchez

Obsessive compulsive disorder is comprised of a pattern of unwanted thoughts and or fears known as obsessions. These obsessions lead one to do repetitive behaviors, also called obsessions. These obsessions and compulsions interfere with much of one’s daily activities and can cause a lot of distress. Ultimately, one feels driven to carry out compulsive acts to reduce their stress. Examples of common content of obsessional thoughts include the fear of contamination, disturbing sexual thoughts or images, religious and blasphemous thoughts, or ritualized hand washing. Ordering things in a particular way, repeated cleaning of objects or repeatedly checking locks, appliances etc. Compulsions can even include the need to constantly seek approval or reassurance. Often there are peole with OCD that recognize or suspect their obsessional thoughts are not realistic though some may think they could be true.  Even if they are aware of their intrusive thoughts are not realistic, people struggling with OCS have difficulty disengaging from the obsessive thoughts or stopping the compulsive behaviors.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that is effective for many of those that struggle with OCD. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is a part of CBT therapy which involves exposing a person over time to the feared object or obsession, such as dirt. Then one learns ways not to do their compulsive rituals. ERP takes time and practice, but it has been proven to help those struggling with OCD improve their life quality once they learn to manage their symptoms. Patients with mild to moderate OCD symptoms are usually treated with either CBT or medication depending on their preference. It also depends on their cognitive abilities, level of insight and the presence or absence of associated psychiatric conditions, as well as treatment availability. Hypnosis has often also been used to successfully eliminate OCD symptoms. Hypnosis is a relatively short treatment of several sessions which helps the person rid themselves of harmful, repetitive behaviors.

If you or someone you know is having mental health difficulties and/ or experiencing symptoms of OCD, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/what-is-obsessive-compulsive-disorder

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder

Depression vs. Grief: Are you depressed or are you just grieving?

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Depression vs. Grief: Are you depressed or are you just grieving?

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Did you experience a loss of some kind, whether it was a loved one, a job, a pet, or even a relationship? Often times, individuals will think that they are experiencing depression when that may not be the case at all. In fact, depression does not solely occur when a traumatic event has occurred but may occur due to genetics or even your environment. However, it may be hard for individuals to distinguish grieving from depression due to the similarities. This is why psychologists or psychiatrists will often ask for your history to determine treatment. Grieving and depression are both characterized by intense feelings of sadness and may have the same cause of trauma and loss. Some individuals may experience both depression and bereavement, commonly known as a process of grief, which causes significant symptoms and functional impairment and is worse than either depression or bereavement alone.

The Differences between Depression and Grief

Depression is characterized by a variety of depressive disorders, such as disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, major depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, substance-induced depressive disorder, medication-induced depressive disorder, and other unspecified and specified depressive disorders. Major depressive disorder is the most common and known type of depressive disorder, as it is the classic condition amongst all the other depressive disorders. It is characterized by depressive episodes that have been occurring for at least 2 weeks and/or longer, which is longer than the grieving process. Major depressive disorder is also more persistent and has more obvious characteristics because individuals will be feeling depressive symptoms everywhere, as opposed to bereavement, which is more of a fluctuating state and varies from person to person. Bereavement entails this grieving process where these negative feelings are accompanied by positive feelings, and as time passes, the wave of negative emotions will spread further and further apart. The grieving process and the associated feelings will also come to an end as the individual fully visualizes their loss through a good recollection rather than a more devastating one.

Treatment options

Despite the differences between the two, major depressive disorder and bereavement are both treatable. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can definitely treat both major depressive disorder and bereavement. Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics can also target the symptoms of major depressive disorder, and people find them useful in conjunction with psychotherapy.

All in all, it’s important to be mindful of all the similarities and differences and to take action when needed. Your mental health is just as important as your health; you should not let it derail your life, as there is a way out. Remember that you are not alone, as individuals all over the world are experiencing what you may be experiencing right now.

If you or someone you know is experiencing grief or depression, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2691160/#:~:text=Most%20bereaved%20individuals%20experience%20intense,both%20bereavement%20and%20major%20depression.

https://www.verywellmind.com/grief-and-depression-1067237

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV)

Suicide: Passive Versus Active Suicidal Ideation

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Passive Versus Active Suicidal Ideation

By: Dyami Efroimson

Experiencing suicidal thoughts is an exhausting experience that many experience on a day to day basis. The consistent pondering of, preoccupation with, and desire to commit suicide is describe using the term suicidal ideation. This concept can be divided into categories; passive suicidal ideation and active suicidal ideation.

Active suicidal ideation involves not only contemplating suicide but devising a plan to do that one intends to follow through on. One who is experiencing this may discuss in detail how they would commit suicide if they were to do so. It is not simple a fleeting thought about ending your life, it is the deep desire and intent to kill yourself. Treatment for active suicidal ideation typically includes hospitalization in an attempt to prevent the individual from inflicting harm on themselves. During this time they will meet with psychiatrists and therapist that will evaluate the severity of their suicidal ideation and how to move forward with treatment. It is important for them to have a support system that can be by their side as they learn to love life again.

Passive suicidal ideation includes having no motivation to continue living and often experience intrusive thoughts about ending their life, but do not actually have a plan to do so. However, if gone untreated, these thoughts can progress into active suicidal ideation. The main difference between passive and active suicidal ideation is the intent; with passive there is not intent to commit suicide, with active there is. If one is experiencing these thoughts, the best way to move forward is to be evaluated by a mental health professional and take each day that you stay alive as a tiny victory.

Suicidal ideation is a spectrum. It can range from simply questioning what it would be like to die, to devising a step by step plan as to how you are going to end your life. Regardless of where on the spectrum one’s ideation falls, it is important to seek help to find the source of why these suicidal thoughts are occurring, whether it be a mental illness or a particular event in your life that triggered it.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

What’s the Difference Between Passive and Active Suicidal Thoughts?
What Is Passive Suicidal Ideation?

https://www.theswaddle.com/suicidal-ideation-exists-on-a-spectrum-and-might-involve-no-plans-to-die

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33351435

Bipolar Disorder: The Impact on Family Dynamics

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Bipolar Disorder: The Impact on Family Dynamics

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Living with a family member who has a mental illness is never fun. Especially when it comes to bipolar disorder, which is a disorder where the individual will have frequent highs and lows. This can sometimes be hard on the family members as they witness their loved one struggle and take it out on the family. Individuals with bipolar disorder often go through many hardships and, unfortunately, may not always want to seek help. This can lead to broken families and trauma for other family members. Some individuals may even go undiagnosed, which leads to more devastating consequences that will derail their lives in significant ways.

Types of Bipolar Disorder:

There are two types of Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar Disorder I and Bipolar Disorder II. Bipolar Disorder I is more severe than Bipolar Disorder II and usually is characterized by several days of insomnia because of mania. Mania is characterized by increased energy, excessively high moods, extreme irritability, racing thoughts, distractibility, spending sprees, and denial that anything is wrong.  As for Bipolar Disorder II, the disorder is characterized as experiencing hypomanic episodes, but it is also accompanied by severe depression-like symptoms just as severe as Bipolar Disorder I. These disorders are treatable with medications and psychotherapy. Medications may include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics to manage elevated mood and depressed episodes.

What can I do to help a loved one with bipolar disorder?

Although it can be tough to be around someone with bipolar disorder, it is also important to understand the illness and seek out a professional that can help. A person with bipolar disorder usually feels isolated because of the condition and faces obstacles on a daily basis. Supporting a family member who may be suffering from this condition is essential for their recovery. Keep in mind that people with bipolar disorder can still lead fulfilling lives, but strongly depends on their support system and their willingness to get help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder or has a family member with the disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, or Manhattan, NY, offices, respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-1-vs-bipolar-2#treatment

https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/bipolar-disorder-effects-on-the-family

Addiction: Alcoholism

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Addiction: Alcoholism

By Isabella Favuzza

American society deems alcoholic beverages such as cocktails a social normality, but many walk the fine line between social drinking and alcoholism. Whether you are drinking to socialize, conform, enhance, or cope you may find yourself unable to control the alcohol cravings. Loved ones may describe you as bad tempered or irritable and you may find yourself yearning for that next sip, regardless of the occasion. Many alcoholics are unaware when they cross that fine line; most don’t remember/feel the change.

Alcoholism is a burdensome journey that should never be traveled alone. Asking for help is the first and most challenging step for alcoholics due to guilt, shame, etc. Therapy provides the appropriate and essential tools to aid struggling alcoholics to cope with these anguishing feelings of resentment, anger, and sorrow. Throughout the course of therapy, a psychologist will help alcoholics identify drinking behavior/patterns, identify risk factors, set goals, think positively, provide intensive intervention/care, and routinely monitor the progress. Therapy is designed to construct a recovery plan that enables alcoholics to recover from drinking, regain control of their livelihood, thrive at work, and connect with loved ones. Ultimately, the alcoholic benefits from therapy by regaining control and reestablishing a healthy relationship with friends and family.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Insomnia: What can cause Insomnia?

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Insomnia: What can cause Insomnia?

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Insomnia is a sleep disorder that is characterized by trouble falling or staying asleep. According to the Cleveland Clinic, around one in three adults worldwide suffer from insomnia symptoms. Sleeplessness can be classified into two categories: acute and chronic. Additionally, insomnia may be a sign of a number of mental health issues or even medical conditions. There are several factors that might cause insomnia, including genetic makeup, stress, anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, and more.

Stress, whether it is from your job or school, may keep you from falling asleep. Given that anxiety causes a lot of worry, it can also interfere with your ability to sleep. Caffeine can cause insomnia because it blocks the adenosine receptor, preventing sleepiness and disrupting your sleep pattern. Additionally, studies have shown that alcohol consumption can adversely affect REM sleep, which is necessary for consistently getting high-quality sleep. Lastly, maintaining good sleep hygiene is essential since poor sleeping patterns can eventually lead to insomnia.

If you or someone you know is struggling with insomnia or mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12119-insomnia

https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/how-does-alcohol-affect-your-sleep#:~:text=The%20biggest%20problem%20that%20alcohol,vivid%20dreams%2C%E2%80%9D%20says%20Dr.

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/insomnia%20-%20causes

Anxiety : The Physical Symptoms

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Anxiety: The Physical Symptoms

By: Dyami Efroimson

Living with an anxiety disorder is often accompanied by experiencing persistent feelings of worry and panic over miniscule events in one’s life that are difficult to control. Alongside these feelings of worry, a variety of physical symptoms can also be experienced. Although the direct causes of anxiety are unknown, it is explained by the interaction of several factors such as genetics, the chemical makeup of the brain, and the environment.

                Some of the physical symptoms that one may experience during anxiety attacks are heart palpitations, muscle aches and pains throughout the body that have no apparent cause,  dizzy spells, and shortness of breath. These symptoms come in varying degrees of severity and can interfere with everyday life. But why do these physical symptoms occur?

                As stated before, the direct causes of anxiety have yet to be discovered; however, some symptoms can be explained. Muscle aches, for example, are a result tensing the muscles during times of heightened panic. This tensing can lead to a buildup of lactic acid that results in muscle pains almost anywhere in the body. Another result of this state of tension is ‘tension headaches’, which are pains in one’s head that are caused by heightened tension in the body.

                Commonly, those with anxiety experience pains in their chest, heart palpitations and painful tingling in their extremities. Heart palpitations occur when one becomes hyperaware of the quickness or aggression of their own heartbeat. These symptoms are most likely the result of the hyperventilation that occurs during severe anxiety attacks. Rapid breathing results in decreased blood flow, and can lead to a tingling sensation in one’s hand and feet as well as pains in the chest and change in the rate of one’s heartbeat.

                Another physical symptom experienced by those with anxiety is hypersensitivity. This is the tendency to be hyperaware of how different parts of the body feel, so the pains and discomforts that those without anxiety may be able to deal with, are exasperated. The anxious individual pays more attention to these little aches and pains, causing them to become increasingly severe and difficult to ignore.  Muscles may be tender to the touch and individuals can experience chronic pain that doctors may fail to link to a psychiatric disorder

                Living with anxiety does not simply mean feeling nervous, as some may believe. It is a disorder that affects one’s entire body, and interferes with the ability to perform day to day tasks that come easily to others. However, these symptoms can be treated with psychotherapy, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), and medication.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or their mental health please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961

https://www.calmclinic.com/anxiety/signs/aches-and-pains#:~:text=Furthermore%2C%20muscle%20tension%20can%20also,The%20back

https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperventilation#:~:text=Low%20carbon%20dioxide%20levels%20lead,and%20tingling%20in%20the%20fingers.

Autism: Benefits of Early Intervention

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Autism: Benefits of Early Intervention

By, Maro Mikhaeil

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults are found to have autism in the U.S.

What is autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized as a neurodevelopmental condition where challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech, and nonverbal communication may occur. The CDC says that autism can be detected as early as 18 months and may even go undiagnosed until years later. The earlier the diagnosis, the better, as early intervention is crucial for speech, communication, motor skills, and many more.

What is early intervention?

Early intervention is described as therapeutic services for young children and babies with developmental disabilities. There are many types of early intervention services used, such as speech therapy, applied behavioral analysis, occupational therapy, and more. Early intervention is found to be very beneficial as it addresses many life skills, which in turn makes so much progress for children with ASD in the long run.

It can be difficult to see a loved one struggle with autism spectrum disorder. If you or a family member is struggling with mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists,
psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling &
Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively,
at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more
information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Sources:

https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-statistics-asd#:~:text=1%20in%2036%20children%20in,diagnosed%20with%20autism%20than%20girls.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/safeguarding-child-protection/early-help-and-early-intervention#:~:text=Why%20are%20early%20help%20and,impacting%20a%20child’s%20life%20negatively.

https://behavioral-innovations.com/blog/critical-early-intervention-children-autism-spectrum-disorder/           

Social Anxiety: Social Anxiety vs. Introversion

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Social Anxiety: Social Anxiety vs. Introversion

By, Maro Mikhaeil

People often find themselves confusing social anxiety with just being shy. This leaves many individuals go undiagnosed and may even worsen overtime. But what’s the difference?

First and foremost, social anxiety disorder is characterized as feeling symptoms of anxiety when it comes to social situations. Social anxiety is the feeling of being judged by others causing one to feel suppressed and feel unable to express oneself. One who feels symptoms of anxiety when presenting in front of a class or even have trouble making friends may be experiencing social anxiety.

However, introversion can certainly look the same as well. Introversion is characterized as being quiet most of the time in social situations and feeling more energy when spending time alone. An introverted individual spends time alone as a way of recharging for a social event and is a choice as opposed to individuals who experience social anxiety.

Individuals who experience social anxiety want to connect with others but feel held back because of the anxiety that is attached to the idea. They will often use alone time not to recharge themselves but as a way of protecting themselves and ultimately avoiding a social situation altogether.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, and may be experiencing social anxiety please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/.

Sources:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness#:~:text=They%20feel%20symptoms%20of%20anxiety,of%20situations%20or%20social%20interactions.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/shyness#what-causes-shyness

https://mhanational.org/introversion-vs-social-anxiety#:~:text=With%20social%20anxiety%2C%20avoidance%20of,care%20rather%20than%20self%2Dprotection.

Hypnosis: What can you do to help with your anxiety?

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Hypnosis: What can you do to help with your anxiety?

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Anxiety has occurred amongst millions of individuals from all over the world. In fact, Anxiety is the most common mental illness for its effect on a wide range of individuals.

There are many treatments for individuals experiencing symptoms of anxiety. One of the most successful treatments is hypnosis, which entails hypnotic inductions. Hypnosis essentially teaches you how to be in a state of trance and deep relaxation. Hypnosis helps to decrease feelings of anxiety by keeping your emotions in check and actually helps you anchor these calm feelings. Anchoring is a technique being used here that teaches an individual undergoing hypnosis to associate to more positive triggers instead of negative ones (Leming, 2023).

Hypnosis may even allow individuals to recall memories and revisit them, in a way that decreases one’s anxiety. In other words, it may take you into a dream-like state where you will go back to the time that caused your anxiety and help you conquer it.

If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, severe anxiety please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/anxiety-statistics/#:~:text=Roughly%20301%20million%20people%2C%20an,are%20affected%20by%20anxiety%20disorders

https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/anxiety-statistics/#:~:text=Nationally%3A%20Over%2040%20million%20adults,mental%20illness%20in%20the%20world.

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/hypnosis-for-anxiety/#:~:text=A%20hypnotherapist%20guides%20a%20person,focused%20awareness%2C%20and%20soothing%20suggestions.