APA Blogs
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Irritability in Children Can be More than Just a Bad Mood
Irritability, defined as a low threshold to experience anger in response to frustration, is one of the main reasons children are referred to a mental health evaluation. Irritability can appear as age-inappropriate temper outbursts and a sullen, grouchy mood and is associated with several child and adolescent mental health conditions.
Is Internet Use Changing Our Brains?
It’s easy to see how much the internet has changed our lives. Most adults go online daily and more than one in four are online “almost constantly,” according to a recent Pew Research Center report. But is our extensive online activity affecting our brains? That is the question looked at in a recent study published in World Psychiatry.
Kleptomania
Most people are familiar with the term kleptomania, a real, but rare, mental health condition. The key feature of kleptomania is the repeatedly acting on impulses to steal items even though the items are not needed. A person with kleptomania does not usually preplan the theft and does not work with others. The stolen objects typically have little value and the person often gives or throws them away. Kleptomania is different from ordinary theft or shoplifting.
Researchers Explore New Technologies to Help People with Autism
Researchers are exploring new ways to use technology to help children and adults with autism. For example, the University of California’s MIND Institute has a targeted program, Autism, Community and Technology, that is working to help make autism services and treatments more accessible and affordable for families in need through technology.
Sports Organizations Take on Mental Health
Several professional and elite sports organizations have recently taken action to support their athletes’ mental health and well-being. In May, the NFL and the NFLPA announced a new initiative that will require teams to have a mental health professional on staff. The NBA announced the launch of a new Mental Health and Wellness Program in 2018, beginning with the hiring of a director of mental health and wellness.