Understanding Primary Progressive Aphasia, The Lesser Known Dementia

However, there aremany different typessome of which were far less familiar with. One such pop in of dementia is primary progressive aphasia, or PPA. What is Primary Progressive Aphasia? Xesai / Getty Primary progressive aphasia is a form of dementia characterized by the loss of language function. The loss of speech skills often begins subtly, before progressing to an almost complete inability to speak. People tend to be affected with PPA in late-middle-age, meaning that it can be an early-onset dementia....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 192 words · Toni Phelps

Understanding Psychotropic Drugs

What is the most important information I should know about psychotropic medicines? Psychotropic drugs are medications that alter mood, perception, and behavior. About 20% of respondents in the 2020 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) reported taking psychotropic drugs. Carolyn Lagattuta / EyeEm / Getty Images These chemical messengers carry signals between your organs to help regulate their functions. They’re specific to the cells they target. Antidepressants may also be combined with other types of medications in an attempt to improve their results....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 485 words · Ashley Shaffer

Understanding PTSD After Sexual Assault

Thetraumaof being assaulted can lead to fear, anger,guilt, anxiety, and sadness. The stigma associated with sexual assault may cause embarrassment or shame for some people. Such symptoms can continue for months or even years without treatment. MixMike / Getty Images This article discusses how sexual assault can lead to an increased risk of PTSD. It also covers the symptoms that people might experience and what they can do to get help....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 473 words · Austin Santiago

Understanding PTSD and Dissociation

Changes in brain function due to trauma may further explain the connections between these causes and conditions. This article discusses the link between trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dissociative disorders. Click below to listen now. Martin Dimitrov/Getty Images This is an extremely strong link, suggesting that dissociation is a direct reaction to significant trauma. However, not everyone who experiences childhood trauma will develop a dissociative disorder. Dissociation without a real threat is a double-edged sword in a few ways....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 291 words · Pamela Sutton

Understanding PTSD With Psychosis

One study suggested that around 2.5% of people with PTSD also have psychosis. This article discusses the connection between PTSD and psychosis and how having both conditions can affect diagnosis and treatment. The more PTSD symptoms you’re experiencing, the greater the likelihood you will also have psychosis. Frank van Groen / LOOK-foto / Getty Images It has been suggested that dissociation that occurs in PTSD may explain co-occurring psychosis. Frequent dissociation may increase a person’s risk of developing psychotic symptoms....

April 26, 2025 · 3 min · 473 words · Todd Johnson

Understanding Puerto Rico Syndrome or Ataque de Nervios

It is far more likely to occur in women, although symptoms have also been reported in males. Symptoms Like all fear responses, ataque de nervios may present differently in different individuals. In a panic attack, the physical and emotional responses are directly brought on by intense anxiety and fear. Juanmonino / Getty Images Like a panic attack, a wide range of situations trigger ataque de nervios. Underlying psychiatric illnesses, particularly mood disorders, greatly increase the chances of developing this psychological disorder....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 151 words · Justin Kane

Understanding Rape and Sexual Assault

Verywell / Nez Riaz Sexual assault is a severe, punishable act that should not be taken lightly. Maybe you hooked up with someone while you were drunk. Maybe a stranger touched you inappropriately in passing. Verywell / Nez Riaz Maybe you were pressured into having sex with your partner. In short, if youve experiencedunwanted sexual touching, of any kind, then youve likely experienced sexual assault. Rape is considered a jot down of sexual assault....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 295 words · Dana Valenzuela

Understanding Reactive Abuse: Signs and Solutions

This is known as reactive abuse. They may resort to yelling, screaming, insulting, or even assaulting their abuser. Rather, they are a victim who is reacting to being abused. Johner Images / Getty Images The term reactive abuse can therefore be problematic, because it labels the victim as an abuser. A more accurate term to describe this behavior is self-defense. Victims may feel as if they are crazy and demonstrate an increased dependence on their partner....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 136 words · Frances Villarreal

Understanding Rejection Sensitivity and How It Can Affect You

While no one enjoys beingrejected, some people are more sensitive to social rejection than others. These people expect to be rejected all the time. This behavior creates a painful cycle that can be difficult to break. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin They tend to respond dramatically to any hint that someone doesnt want to be with them. They may even respond with hurt and anger. Here are the factors that influence these overreactions....

April 26, 2025 · 4 min · 849 words · Erika Silva

Understanding Retroactive Jealousy

Have you ever beenjealousof their previous romantic partners? Have you ever compared yourself to their ex-partners and felt insecure? If so, you may be experiencing retroactive jealousy. IherPhoto / Getty Images Retroactive jealousy is when you have an unhealthy preoccupation with your partners romantic history. Below, Dr. Romanoff outlines the impact of retroactive jealousy on your mental health and your relationship. Fixating on your partners past can affect your ability to enjoy the present with them....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 132 words · Dakota Blevins

Understanding Savant Syndrome

Ketan Parmar, a psychiatrist atClinicSpots. The condition typically develops in young people or after someone experiences a traumatic brain injury. It occurs more frequently in people living with autism. Getty Images / Ron Levine The specific cause of savant syndrome is still being researched. Zishan Khan, a psychiatrist withMindpath Health. Can You Be a Savant Without Autism? However, as Khan explained, autism is commonly associated with the condition but is not a requirement....

April 26, 2025 · 1 min · 165 words · Nicole Gentry

Understanding Sleep Paralysis

Symptoms can last anywhere from seconds to minutes, but generally dont persist longer than 20 minutes. During sleep paralysis, your body becomes paralyzed while your mind remains active and alert. During REM sleep, the body is naturally paralyzed to make it prevent us from acting out our dreams. Motortion / Getty Images If this process is disrupted for any reason, it can lead to episodes of sleep paralysis. Treatment for RISP usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 235 words · Brandon Huffman

Understanding Social Exchange Theory in Psychology

Caiaimage / Sam Edwards / Getty Images What Is Social Exchange Theory? According to this theory, people weigh the potential benefits and risks of their social relationships. When the risks outweigh the rewards, they will terminate orabandon the relationship. Caiaimage / Sam Edwards / Getty Images The purpose of this exchange is to maximize benefits and minimize costs. One of the most basic examples of social exchange theory is being asked on a date....

April 26, 2025 · 2 min · 264 words · Michael Pineda