DESCRIPTION Dr. Scott Mendelson, MD, examines the ever increasing numbers of individuals diagnosed with Multiple Personality Disorder. He points out that since the diagnosis became its own diagnostic category in the DSM-III, the sheer numbers have been increasing more in a decade than in a century. He points out that “…the numbers of cases of… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Psychology Update
THE MODERN ASYLUM
THE MODERN ASYLUM DESCRIPTION Dr. Christine Montross summarizes: “…three ethicists from the University of Pennsylvania argued in the Journal of the American Medical Association that the movement to deinstitutionalize the mentally ill has been a failure.” In her article she points out the deinstitutionalization has proved to be a failure and that the movement has… Read more »
LOVE ONLINE IS ABOUT BEING REAL, NOT PERFECT
Love online is about being real, not perfect DESCRIPTION “University of Iowa researchers find people prefer online profiles that present potential love interests who are successful, humble, and real” … We wondered, ‘What do people like in a dating profile?’” Wotipka (author of the study) says. ’Whom are they most likely to contact? Whom are… Read more »
APP OF THE WEEK — EXPLAIN EVERYTHING
APP OF THE WEEK EXPLAIN EVERYTHING iOS & Android ($2.99) (click on the platform of your device) DESCRIPTION From Google Play Store and iTunes Store “Explain Everything is an easy-to-use design, screencasting, and interactive whiteboard tool that lets you annotate, animate, narrate, import, and export almost anything to and from almost anywhere. Explain Everything has… Read more »
GENES TELL ONLY PART OF THE STORY
Genes Tell Only Part of the Story DESCRIPTION Dr. Zuger presents the case of Barbara who is addicted to alcohol, various drugs, has a plethora of physical/medical problems and who is generally non compliant with treatment (both medical and psychological). The author begins by stating President Obama’s goal of researching the genome to learn the… Read more »
EXTREMELY PREMATURE BABIES FACE DEVELOPMENTAL ISSUES
Extremely Premature Babies Face Developmental Issues DESCRIPTION In this study Johanna Månsson assessed 400 premature infants and compared them to a control of 400 infants born full term. Premature birth is a causal factor in both physical and psychological (cognitive) problems. Månsson found that by 2-1/2 years old that the premature children had lower scores… Read more »
PTSD & The INSANITY PLEA
There are two important articles in this week’s Psychology Update. #1 After PTSD, More Trauma DESCRIPTION: “David J. Morris, a former Marine infantry officer, is the author of the forthcoming book “The Evil Hours: A Biography of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.” Mr. Morris describes his life after serving in the military and suffering intense PTSD (Post… Read more »
Food Is a Death Sentence to These Kids
Description: This NY Times Magazine article discusses the chromosomal abnormality called Prader-Willi syndrome which eventually causes a continual food craving and the problem of never feeling full or satisfied. The article begins with a case discussion of a young woman and her development from birth through adolescence and difficulties the parents have experienced coping with… Read more »
Goodnight. Sleep Clean
Description: While there are many known functions of sleep, scientists now believe that another function that occurs during the sleep cycles is the cleaning out and clearing the brain of toxins that have built up throughout the waking day. The scientists call this the “glymphatic system” in that it involves the glial cells of the… Read more »
Scientific/Critical Thinking: 4 Articles DEALING WITH SCIENCE IN THE NEWS
Four articles are presented this week. Each deals with the common theme of scientific and critical thinking about events in the news. These can be used for a discussion (see at the end) of viewing events through a “social science lens.” You may decide to pick and choose which article is of most usefulness for… Read more »