He that is over-cautious will accomplish little. Friedrich Von Schiller German poet, philosopher, historian, and playwright Individuals who psychologists describe as “risk takers” are generally identified as being at-risk for a number of dangerous or maladaptive behaviors, including high risk sex, gambling, substance use disorders. However, frequent or high risk takers may be a heterogeneous …
Category Archive: Clinical Psychology
Recent Film Provides Insight into the Terror and Complexity of Prodromal Schizophrenia
[Warning: The following post discusses key plot elements of the 2011 film Take Shelter. Although the post purposefully does not give away the ending, be advised that potential spoilers abound.] Portrayals of schizophrenia in film go back to the earliest days of the medium. Throughout the past century, countless films have shown us individuals who …
Changing How We Look at Mental Illness and Changing Lives
One in five children in the US suffers from mental illness, but less than 25% of those children actually receive mental health services. That’s absolutely terrifying, especially if you consider all the kids who have other psychological struggles but don’t meet diagnostic criteria for a psychological disorder. How many children then aren’t getting the help …
Pharmacogenetics in Psychiatry: Towards Genetically Informed Personalized Medicine
Twin and adoption studies have consistently demonstrated significant genetic contribution to psychiatric disorders ranging from roughly 30% for major depression to approximately 80% in bipolar disorder. While modern research is far from explaining the precise mechanisms through which genetic variations account for psychiatric disorders, it is clear that biological factors are critical in the development …
Stress Affects Risk Taking Differently for Men and Women
by Andrew Sanders and Kate Humphreys Making decisions can be a difficult task. How do we choose to get from point A to point B? Does our decision change whether we are running late for an important engagement? Does stress facilitate our decision making, and if so, does it matter whether we are trying to …
Want to Get Involved in Research? Try these Tips!
Interested in getting involved in research? Here are some tips for getting started in research, which is a great way to learn more about psychology, develop your interests, and gain valuable experience!
I just submitted my clinical psych apps…now what? Tips for Interviews
Now all your applications are in and right about now, you’re starting to worry about the next step…INTERVIEWS. No need to panic. The first step is just to take a deep breath. Applying to graduate school in clinical psychology is a long and stressful process. Once you’ve gotten your applications in, take a break. Enjoy …
Do Animals Suffer Like People?
Imagine walking into a room filled with people crying. They are all wearing black; makeup running; tissues clutched hard in their hands. Instinctively, you too are overcome by the grief that is flowing through the room, knowing the cause of their misery and empathizing with their suffering.
Hauntingly Accurate Portrayals of Severe Mental Illness at a Theater Near You
[Warning: The following post discusses key plot elements of two films currently in theaters - Melancholia and Martha Marcy May Marlene. Although the post purposefully does not give away the ending of the films, be advised that potential spoilers abound.] In October, I wrote a well-received post about the inaccurate and downright offensive portrayal of clinical psychology …
How do ethnic and family identities affect adolescents in immigrant families?
In recent decades, the United States has seen a dramatic rise in immigration from Latin American and Asian countries, which has raised questions (and staunch political opinions) about how immigration policies affect everyday life for U.S. citizens. However, equally important questions concern how living in America affects the immigrant families themselves. What exactly is life like for …
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