Habit Reversal Therapy For Tourette’s Syndrome

Habit Reversal Therapy For Tourette’s Syndrome Habit reversal therapy is an effective treatment for body-focused repetitive behaviors like excoriation disorder (skin picking) and trichotillomania (hair pulling). It also helps individuals manage their tics, which are sudden, involuntary movements or sounds. During sessions, clients build awareness of the unconscious behaviors and learn to recognize physical cues that precede their unwanted behavior. They then practice competing responses to the behavior. It is a form of behavioral therapy Habit reversal training, also known as HRT, is an effective treatment for Tourette’s and other…

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How to Recognize Attention Deficit Disorder

attention deficit disorder

How to Recognize Attention Deficit Disorder Having trouble sitting still, paying attention or controlling impulsive behavior can cause major problems at home, in school and at work. Symptoms continue into adulthood in more than three-quarters of cases. A person shows this presentation when he or she displays six or more inattention symptoms and also six or more hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms. For example, they often lose things needed for tasks and activities or forget about appointments or errands. 1. Difficulty Paying Attention Everyone has trouble paying attention sometimes, but when it’s…

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Trichotillomania Treatment

hair pulling disorder

Trichotillomania Treatment People with trichotillomania pull their hair out compulsively, often one strand at a time. They can also bite or chew their own hair and pick at their skin. They may also use camouflage techniques to hide their hair loss. Treatment options include medications and behavior therapy. Medications such as olanzapine and N-acetylcysteine have been shown to be effective. Behavioral therapies include habit reversal training and comprehensive behavior model (ComB) intervention. Medications There are some medications used to treat trichotillomania, although research on this is limited. These drugs may…

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What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy

What Is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy? Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing negative thoughts and behaviors. It involves identifying and challenging distortions like overgeneralization, catastrophizing and rumination. It also involves practicing behavioral strategies that promote healthy responses. Developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960s, CBT posits that emotional conditions are caused by how people interpret situations rather than the events themselves. The treatment requires both the therapist and patient to be collaborative, committed and communicative. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing the way people think. It…

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What Are the Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder?

autism spectrum disorder

There is no cure for autism, but treatment programs can improve the outlook for children. These programs focus on teaching basic skills in a highly structured schedule of constructive activities. People with ASD often have trouble with social communication and interaction, or have restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. Behavioral therapy can help control challenging behavior, such as tantrums or aggression. Causes The cause of autism is not known, but it has been linked to changes in certain genes. These genes affect how brain nerve cells, or neurons, communicate with…

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Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have social communication problems and repetitive behaviors. They also may have anxiety or depression. Many children with autism show signs in early childhood. They might seem normal for a while, then lose language and social skills they had at a younger age. Health care providers use screening tools to check for autism. They also can diagnose it based on guidelines in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Symptoms Children with autism experience social, communication and behavioral challenges. They…

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Warning Signs of Teen Suicide

Warning Signs of Teen Suicide Whether your teen is having trouble in school, dealing with a breakup or struggling with peer pressure, it’s important to recognize the warning signs of suicide. Teens who are thinking about suicide often give their loved ones and trusted friends signs they are struggling. As a parent, teacher or friend, it’s your job to pick up on these warning signs and get help. 1. Changes in personality or behavior If your teen or young adult suddenly shows impulsive, unusual behavior, this may be indicative of…

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Trichotillomania Treatment

Trichotillomania Treatment Trichotillomania is a behavioral disorder in which someone compulsively pulls their hair out. It affects people of all ages and genders. Treatment for trichotillomania is similar to other mental health disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Habit Reversal Training, and Medication are common treatment options. Other types of psychotherapy, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), may also be used in conjunction with these behavioral interventions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most effective treatment methods for…

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How to Deal With Depression in Teens

If you’ve noticed that your teen seems depressed more often than usual, you may be wondering how you can help them deal with the condition. While you can’t fix everything for your child, you can help them understand that there is a better way. To start, reach out for support. Talk to a trusted family physician or consider consulting a pediatric therapist. You can also reach out to other parents, join a support group, or find a therapist for additional help. Make sure you spend time with your teen. Teens…

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Teen Suicide Rates Are Rising

Sadly, the teen suicide rate is higher than ever, and it is getting worse for girls, too. According to the CDC, the number of suicides among teenagers rose by 75% from 1993 to 2007. Boys commit more suicides than girls, but the number of female suicides is on the rise. According to Scharf, the rise in female suicide attempts is due to the dramatic increase in the use of screens. However, the cause of the higher teen suicide rate is not clear. While male suicide rates among non-Hispanic non-Hispanics were…

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