Excessive and compulsive video gaming is a current psychological problem that has become increasingly popular over the last several years. Unlike, other addictions such as drugs, alcohol, and sex gaming addicts aren’t hooked on prescription medication, illicit substances, or sex, rather they are addicted to and dependent on video games and alternate universes. In an effort to understand gaming addiction you must understand the nature of addiction. Addiction is defined as a co

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized as a psychiatric disorder in which a person experiences obsessions or recurrent, persistent thoughts or images that are intrusive, inappropriate, and cause distress. OCD is a mental health disorder that affects people of all ages, gender, racial/ethnic backgrounds, religions, and walks of life. OCD typically occurs when a person gets caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive though

The effects of physical abuse are fairly obvious – a bruising, cuts, burns, scrapes, etc., however, the effects of emotional abuse may be more difficult to identify. Emotional abuse can affect self-esteem, emotional dysregulation, decreased self-worth, anxiety, depression, cognition and processing challenges, and trust issues. Emotional neglect and abuse can be just as damaging as physical and sexual abuse. Unfortunately, some people that are emotionally neglected begin to th

Childhood can be a very exciting and confusing time for most children as they learn, grow, develop relationships, and begin to mature. Parents and adult care givers play a significant role in the identity formation of a child. Most children learn how to behave, speak, and interact with others through a process called modeling behaviors, i.e., children learn by watching and mimicking the behaviors of parents and caregivers. However, children that are raised in single parent ho

Although, many adults dismiss bullying in school as a childhood rite of passage, this form of aggression may have long-term psychological consequences for the victims of bullying and the bullies themselves. Unfortunately, Bullying can happen at any age and in varying situations, i.e., elders, young children, teenagers, coworkers, etc. However, for the sake of this article we will focusing on young children and teenagers. Victims of chronic ongoing bullying often develop low s

Most parents love their children unconditionally for the moment they find out about the pregnancy or the child is born. Parents often love their children with the expectation they will be loved with the same ferocity and intensity as they love their children. A lot of parents dote on their children, making sure both their needs and demands are met. Parents often cater to their children’s needs, fulfill their demands, help them when required, stand by their side, support them

Children like adult’s experience emotions related to anxiety, sadness, fear, anger, etc. As children grown and develop it is not uncommon for them to experience more intense emotions related to growing and maturing. It is common for children to experience occasional problems as they grow and mature. Children often begin to experience problems “fitting in” and making friends, developing identities separate from their parents, sibling conflicts, homework, teachers, school, and

Pica is the characterized as a persistent eating of substances such as dirt, paint, or other non-edible objects or substances that have no nutritional value. It is estimated that between 4%-26% of individuals institutionalized suffer from Pica. Symptoms related to Pica usually begin in childhood and typically lasts for just a few months. However, it is likely to be more difficult to manage in children who are developmentally disabled or abled-differently. Often it can be a li

Unfortunately, some marriages do not grow, flourish or succeed leading to divorce. The end of a marriage can be an extremely difficult process for a lot of former couples. However, it is not uncommon for some soon to be ex partners to experience a sense of relief once they have decided to divorce. Surprisingly, even partners who chooses to leave the marriage may experience a wide range of emotions and intense feelings that can be extremely painful or difficult to deal with. T

This does not come as no big surprise to most of us that happen to be conscious; there is a big difference between the children growing up in the 80’s and 90’s and those growing up in this generation, in today’s society. In many ways, today’s children and youth are the product of the times in which they live. Children of the past performed more outdoor activities and had better communication skills than the children of today. Communication skills were better because of the de

Most of us are familiar with the joys and pains of dating and relationships. However, when dating and relationships involve individuals with children from past relationships the process of dating and building a relationship can become further complicated. Those interested in dating and relationship no longer have the luxury of dating solely for themselves, but are encouraged to consider how their relationships can impact their children. Introducing children to someone that co

The question of whether or not we should talk to our children about race has been an ongoing issue and concern. The issue of race is one of those things we have to agree to disagree, as no one is entirely right or wrong. In today’s society it is not only irresponsible but dangerous to avoid discussions related to race, inequalities, and other differences. One of the many erroneous assumptions made about our world include the theory we live in world of colorblindness. Being co

The process of adoption is one that has been around for many years. For years, most people viewed adoptive parents as those unable to conceive, had previous unsuccessful deliveries, or were faced with the possibility of severe birth defects. However, like most things in life the perception of adoption has gradually changed with time. Today, some adoptive families are formed in this way and for this reason, but there are many new ways in which adoption brings families together

Divorce is seldom an easy process as it is often lengthy and traumatic. Many couples in the process of a marital break-up experience significant life changes involving a change in routine, finances, parenting, home environment, schools, and social changes. The breakup of a marriage can create intense feelings of stress, frustration, aggravation, depression, anxiety, relief, and even guilt. Most couples in the process of a divorce engage in the process aimlessly without a sens

Losing a child is one of the most devastating experiences a parent can endure as there is often the belief that a child’s life should not end before his or her parents. Typically, parents see themselves as the protector of his or her children, having to ward off all bad things. However, when death occurs, parents can be plagued with feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and failure. The perception of failure typically arises when there is a belief by the parent they could h

Parenting in and of itself can be very challenging, especially for new parents, parents with limited financial means, single parents, etc. However, when you add the stressors of caring for a child with special needs, normal everyday problems and issues can become exacerbating and seemingly debilitating. Parents of special needs children often feel alone in their struggle in dealing with and managing their child’s unique needs. Often upon learning their child is abled differen

Sibling relationships can be both loving and nurturing as well as conflicting and complex when children are young. Typically, most sibling relationships contain positive attributes such as companionship, love, and understanding as well as negative attributes such as conflict, competition, and fighting (verbal & physical). On average most sibling relationships are characterized by these two co-existing extremes: warmth and conflict. Unfortunately, some sibling relationships ca

Initiating, engaging, and sustaining a relationship in and of itself can be very difficult to manage for many couples. However, when you add children and families to the mix of dating and relationship, things can become even more complicated. When couples come together with children from previous relationships, there is a sort of blending of the families that needs to occur. This meshing and or "blending" of the families creates another layer to the existing families, another

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication & behavioral challenges for adults and children that carry the disorder. ASD can go undetected for an extended period of time as there are no visible signs that sets those with ASD apart from other people. Differences among those with ASD and those without become noticeable when observing interaction. People with ASD may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in way

Being a parent in and of itself can bring many rewards and many challenges. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a medical disorder that impairs the brain's ability to sustain a calm, steady mood. Adults & children with bipolar disorder experience a variety of intense emotional states, including but not limited to elation, narcissism, grandiosity, explosiveness, irritability, periods of extreme sadness and low energy that they cannot easily control. Those suff