Does autism spectrum disorder (ASD) run in families? Understanding ASD, genetic risk factors, and testing options by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Apr 18, 2023 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics, Research According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s estimated that approximately 1 in 36 children will be born with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is one of the more common neurodevelopmental disorders—and you might be wondering, especially if you or another family member has ASD, if autism…
Is OCD genetic? Causes and treatments for OCD by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Apr 12, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Everyone can have intrusive thoughts from time to time, but when you have obsessive-compulsive disorder, intrusive thoughts can go from being a nuisance to something anxiety-ridden, single-minded, and uncontrollable. OCD can be extremely difficult to control, affecting how one lives and has to move throughout the world. However, with proper…
What causes anxiety? We examine childhood experiences, brain chemistry, and more by Jason Crosby | Sep 2, 2022 | Anxiety, Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Topics Anxiety is a common mental health condition, with up to 19% of Americans suffering from a type of anxiety disorder. Even for those who aren’t diagnosed with a form of anxiety, it’s a common emotional state that indicates something is bothering us. So for the curious and the concerned alike,…
Are anger issues genetic? Can anger run in families? by Taylor Bennett | Jul 22, 2022 | Anger Management, Mental Health Topics Do you struggle with expressing your feelings? Instead of calmly communicating how you feel, do you resort to lashing out in anger instead? Finally, is there no real rhyme or reason for why you react with anger? Anger is a natural reaction in many situations. It’s healthy to recognize the…
What family constellation therapy can reveal about intergenerational trauma (and Abuela in “Encanto”) by Wistar Murray | Jan 28, 2022 | Beginning Therapy, Family, Mental Health Topics, Trauma Family constellation therapy (FCT) is a way of helping individuals heal from family trauma and suffering that’s been passed down unconsciously through generations of their bloodline. Constellation work explores these intergenerational dynamics through body, mind, and spirit. The therapeutic approach is rooted in psychoanalytic thought as well as family systems…
Predicting human behavior and mental health conditions with genomics by Jason Crosby | Sep 3, 2021 | Mental Health Topics, Psychology You may not remember when The Human Genome Project completed its 13-year massive undertaking in 2003. The researchers involved with the project finished mapping the entire human genome sequence, which represents the full 20,000-25,000 genes that we carry in our DNA. Every trait that can be physically expressed is contained…
Why do people have so much aggression? What causes aggressive behavior? by Taylor Bennett | Mar 18, 2019 | Anger Management, Behavioral Issues, Mental Health Topics Aggression is hostile or violent behavior. It’s a woman yelling at her son for accidentally spilling his milk on the carpet. It’s a child pushing his friend down on the playground because she was playing with his favorite toy. It’s a girl snapping at her boyfriend because he didn’t invite…