The history of psychiatry is a fascinating story of progress, setbacks and changes in the way we understand and treat mental health. From the earliest ideas about mental illness to modern treatments, psychiatry has come a long way. In this timeline, we discover the key moments that have shaped the development of the field. Early … Read more
What is autistic burnout? Autistic burnout is a state of extreme exhaustion common among people with autism. It is not an official medical term, but is increasingly recognized by researchers, caregivers and people with autism themselves. Such burnout results from prolonged stress and the pressure to adapt to an environment that does not suit them … Read more
The term “daddy issues” is widely used. It has become a catch-all term to describe almost everything a woman does when it comes to sex and relationships: if she ejaculates “too fast,” if she can’t have an orgasm, if she seeks reassurance or wants to be protected, if she prefers older men, likes to be … Read more
Splitting is a defense mechanism in which you view something, someone, or yourself as “all good” or “all bad.” A person who splits sees the world in terms of black or white, all or nothing. It is an inability to integrate positives and negatives into one whole; often you alternately idealize and devalue something or … Read more
What is emotional incest? In emotional incest, a child is used by an adult for emotional gratification. When a parent goes to his or her child for emotional support or treats him or her more like a spouse than a child, psychologists call it emotional incest. The child is forced to support the adult by … Read more
Dissociative amnesia is a condition where someone can’t recall important personal information, typically after experiencing extreme stress or trauma. Unlike memory loss caused by injury or illness, dissociative amnesia is triggered by psychological factors. The brain blocks memories that are too painful to process, often as a way of protecting the person. This memory loss … Read more
Autism and giftedness are sometimes confused because certain behaviors and traits overlap. For example, gifted children and adults might develop intense interests, struggle in social situations, or be sensitive to stimuli; traits also common in autism. However, key differences exist in how people with autism and those who are gifted think, communicate, and experience emotions. … Read more
