An eating disorder is serious and potentially life-threatening problem characterized by extreme attitudes, behaviors and emotions about eating, body image and weight. Behaviors can include extreme restriction in food intake, overeating, compulsive exercise, and various methods of purging. What are the symptoms of eating disorders? Anorexia Nervosa (AN): A condition characterized by self-starvation, excessive weight…

Nicotine is a substance that can be highly addictive. For a person to be considered to have nicotine dependence, the user must display at least three of the following criteria occurring at the same time during a 12-month period: Tolerance—Signs of tolerance are a need for more nicotine to get the same effect or diminished…

Based on the different theories surrounding the causes of addiction, the definition varies across schools. Addiction: A primary, chronic, and neurobiologic disease with genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors influencing its development and manifestations. It is characterized by behaviors that include one or more of the following: impaired control over medication use, compulsive use, continued use…

Everyone experiences emotions—whether enjoyable or painful, our emotions make us human. However, some individuals can experience emotions in an intense, labile (quickly changing) way. Depending on how one is taught to understand and cope with feelings, some emotionally sensitive individuals may have developed difficulties regulating their emotions. ‘Emotion regulation’ refers to the ability to observe,…

Anger is an emotion everyone has felt at times. There will always be moments (and people) in life that push our buttons and try our patience. There is nothing wrong with feeling anger. It is how we react to it and express it that gets us into trouble. We hurt the people we love most…

Ending relationships can be a major stressor in anyone’s life. Divorce or breakups can lead to increased depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and increased stress. Sleep problems are also common and can lead to problems with concentration, memory, irritability, and physical illness. Substance use behaviors, gambling, impulsive sexual activity can all increase and lead to further…

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