ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is prevalent in about 4-5% of adults in the U.S.  Symptoms include trouble concentrating, finishing tasks, staying organized, and remembering information. Adults with ADHD are also more likely to have other psychological disorders, such as depression and anxiety. ADHD can significantly impair functioning, especially when its coexists with other psychological problems. Since most sufferers are diagnosed as children, ADHD can be especially hard to identify in adults. A clinical evaluation is required to determine whether a patient is experiencing symptoms of ADHD or some other disorder. Treatment usually consists of a combination of therapy and…

Individuals who have been convicted of a sexual offense often times are court ordered to participate in a treatment program to address the issues that contributed to the sexual offense.  Treatment programs for individuals who may be suffering from a sexual behavior concern is a specialized area of Psychology that requires a practitioner versed in specific treatment approaches and principles that would make the treatment process more effective.  At Harper Psychological, PLC, located in East Lansing, MI, this is our specialty.  Sara Czubak, M.A., L.L.P. has a masters degree in Forensic Psychology and completed her masters thesis on risk assessments of…

Substance abuse is a very serious mental disorder. It begins with the chronic abuse of drugs or alcohol and turns into an uncontrollable addiction that causes the person to behave in ways they wouldn't otherwise behave without the use of drugs. The signs and symptoms of drug abuse depend on the drug but many times it can be detected by noticing someone acting out of character for a prolonged amount of time. The best treatment involves a combination of behavioral therapy and some medication. Recognizing the problem is always the first step to recovery. If you or someone you know…

Bipolar disorder is a serious disorder that is usually characterized by extreme mood swings including manic, hypomanic and depressive episodes. This disorder is somewhat common as about 3 million americans are diagnosed every year. Symptoms of a manic episode include high energy, restlessness and irritability. These symptoms are very similar compared to a hypomanic episode, except hypomania is more mild than mania. Signs of a depressive episode are sadness, lethargy and loss of interest in normal activities. Luckily, this disorder has proven to be manageable with some combination of medication and therapy. If you or a loved one are experiencing…

Pure Obsessional OCD, or Pure O is a disorder that is very different from a regular OCD diagnosis. It is characterized by persistent obsessive thoughts that are unwanted but without any subsequent compulsions involved. The thoughts that occur with Pure Obsessional OCD are usually about one specific thing or action such as images of hurting someone or one’s self, thinking that one has acted inappropriately in some way toward someone else, thinking about breathing, heart rate, walking rhythm, etc. These thoughts can bring anxiety and great distress in many individuals and is best treated through cognitive-behavioral therapy provided by a…

Addressing and dealing with grief can be one of the most difficult and emotionally trying processes one can go through. Losing a loved one or even someone you did not know very personally, can be extremely challenging and confusing. This process is very individualized as people experience it and deal with it in many different ways for many different time spans. Symptoms of grief appear to be very similar to those of depression, however, they are not the same. Greif is characterized by loss of sleep, crying often, headaches, loss of appetite and other aches and pains. Unlike depression, grief…