Patients and parents have asked me about the difference between HOCD and denial, in terms of sexuality. These terms are both used frequently in social media and online circles but are not necessarily terms used clinically when it comes to sexual orientation, psychiatry, or developmental pediatrics. What is HOCD? HOCD, or Homosexual Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is considered by some to be a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). HOCD is characterized by intrusive and/or distressing thoughts about one’s sexual orientation (thoughts about being LGBTQ). People with HOCD might experience ..read more

Importance of Setting Boundaries for Adult Step Children Learning how to set boundaries with adult step-children is important for several reasons. Firstly, it establishes mutual respect and clarity within the family dynamic and what the expectations are on both sides. By defining boundaries, everyone understands their roles and responsibilities, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings, arguments, or conflicts. Additionally, these boundaries help maintain individual freedom and personal space, which can lead to healthier relationships built on respect and understanding. Furthermore, s ..read more

Brief overview of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that causes significant instability in emotions, behavior, relationships, and self-image. People with BPD often experience intense mood swings, difficulty regulating emotions, and make impulsive choices, which can lead to difficulties in relationships and self-destructive behaviors. BPD typically is more common in women than men, shows up in the teen years or early adulthood and can make daily functioning and quality of life very challenging if left untreated. Though there ..read more

Understanding Climate Anxiety: The Psychological Toll of Environmental Concerns Excessive Worry About Climate Change? You Might Have Climate Anxiety Climate anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety, refers to the psychological distress, fear, or worry individuals experience due to the current and potential future impacts of climate change on the environment, society, and personal well-being. It’s a specific form of anxiety that arises from concerns about the environment, biodiversity loss, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other consequences of climate change. People experiencing climat ..read more

Navigating the World with Sensory Processing Disorder: Understanding, Coping, and Thriving Brief Overview of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), previously called sensory integration dysfunction, is a neurological condition that affects approximately 5-16.5% of people. SPD affects how a person perceives and responds to sensory input from their environment, such as touch, sound, smell, light, and taste.  In a neurotypical person (someone without SPD), the brain can process and integrate sensory information from all of the senses without any major glitches ..read more

When it comes to sensory sensitivities or sensory processing issues, clothing is one of the irritants I am asked most about as a child and adult psychiatrist. Children with sensory issues may face challenges in processing and responding to sensory stimuli in their environment. For individuals with sensory issues, clothing choices play a vital role as they navigate sensitivities to textures, seams, tags, and tightness, influencing their overall comfort and well-being. Here are some ideas for sensory friendly clothing (contains affiliate links): Seamless Socks Socks are one of the most common i ..read more

“Fine motor skills” is a term often thrown around by doctors and parents alike. What it refers to is the coordination and control of the many small muscles in the hands and fingers, enabling activities that require precision and dexterity like drawing, writing, and manipulating small things like tools.  For toddlers, developing fine motor skills is a vital aspect of their overall physical and cognitive growth. There are several effective ways to help toddlers strengthen their fine motor skills. One way is to provide them opportunities to engage in activities that involve hand-eye coordina ..read more

Books provide comprehensive information about autism spectrum disorders, including their characteristics, challenges, and strengths. Understanding the nature of autism helps parents make sense of their child’s behaviors and experiences. Many books written by individuals with autism offer firsthand accounts of their experiences. This can provide valuable insights into the unique perspective of someone with autism, helping parents understand how their child may perceive and interact with the world. Books often offer practical advice and strategies for managing various aspects of life with a chil ..read more

If you have seen the series then you know that exploring literature on psychedelic medicine such as psilocybin, ketamine, MDMA and LSD can be highly informative as it offers a multifaceted understanding of these substances, encompassing historical, scientific, and therapeutic dimensions. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelic research, shedding light on the potential benefits of substances like psilocybin, LSD, and DMT in the treatment of mental health conditions. Reading about psychedelic medicine provides insights into the historical context of these substanc ..read more

In recent years, the landscape of depression treatment has expanded beyond conventional methods, with emerging research shedding light on the potential of Ketamine as a groundbreaking therapeutic option. Traditionally known as an anesthetic and party drug, Ketamine’s unique properties have garnered attention in psychiatric circles for its rapid and robust antidepressant effects. Unlike traditional antidepressants that may take weeks to show efficacy, Ketamine often produces noticeable improvements within hours, offering a glimmer of hope for individuals grappling with the debilitating grip of ..read more