You notice a headache that feels slightly different than usual. You wonder whether it could mean something serious, so you search your symptoms online. At first, the information seems reassuring. Then you notice a rare condition listed among the possibilities. You open another page. Then another. Before long, you are comparing symptoms, checking your body,…
Experiencing violent or harm-related intrusive thoughts, including intrusive thoughts about hurting someone, can be deeply distressing, particularly when the thought feels completely inconsistent with who you are and how you behave day-to-day. After having such a thought, someone may suddenly think, “What if I actually hurt someone?” and immediately begin wondering why the thought occurred….
Hair pulling, also known as trichotillomania, is often misunderstood. Many people assume it is simply a bad habit, a sign of stress, or something that should be possible to stop with enough willpower. Individuals living with trichotillomania often believe the same thing. They may promise themselves that today will be different, only to find themselves…
Many people ask themselves, “Is this OCD or just anxiety?” It is one of the most common questions psychologists hear, and for good reason. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can look remarkably similar. Both can involve distressing thoughts, doubts, uncertainty, repetitive “what if” questions, reassurance seeking, and significant anxiety. Because both conditions…
In recent years, growing awareness of autism in adult women has led many adults to wonder whether their lifelong experiences might reflect Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For some, this realization comes after years of being treated for anxiety, perfectionism, depression, or burnout without ever fully understanding why social situations, relationships, or everyday life often felt…
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is one of the most extensively researched psychological treatments for OCD and is recommended within international clinical guidelines for individuals experiencing symptoms of OCD. More recently, Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (I-CBT) has emerged as another evidence-based treatment option and has attracted growing interest among clinicians and individuals living with OCD….
Many people are surprised to learn that it is possible to meet diagnostic criteria for both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In recent years, the informal term “AuDHD” has become increasingly common on social media and within neurodivergent communities to describe individuals who have both conditions. Although AuDHD is not an official…
When a child is struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), most parents want to do one thing above all else: help. They reassure, comfort, answer questions, adjust routines, and try to reduce their child’s distress whenever possible. This is completely understandable. Parents want to help when their child or teen is suffering. What many families discover,…
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT are becoming part of everyday life. People are increasingly using them to answer questions, solve problems, and learn about their physical and mental health. For individuals living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it is understandable that AI may also become a place to ask questions about their intrusive thoughts,…
If you and your partner seem to be having the same arguments over and over again, you may be wondering whether couples therapy could help. You may also be wondering how to find a couples therapist who feels like a good fit. Not all couples therapists work in the same way. Different therapists may have…
If you are considering an ADHD assessment in Canada, you may be wondering whether you should see a psychologist, psychiatrist, or family doctor. Many people are surprised to learn that there is not always a single right answer. Psychologists, psychiatrists, and family physicians may all play important roles in the assessment and treatment of ADHD….
Listen to this article. Created with Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff’s AI voice. ERP, CBT, ACT, and Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) are some of the most commonly discussed approaches for OCD treatment. Understanding how these approaches differ can help individuals make more informed decisions about their treatment. OCD is one of the most commonly misunderstood mental health conditions….
