Author name: Angel Rivera

I am a Bilingual (Spanish) Psychiatrist with a mixture of strong clinical skills including Emergency Psychiatry, Consultation Liaison, Forensic Psychiatry, Telepsychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry training in treatment of the elderly. I have training in EMR records thus very comfortable in working with computers. I served the difficult to treat patients in challenging environments in outpatient and inpatient settings

Am I a Hypochondriac? Living with Illness Anxiety Disorder

If you have ever openly questioned your health status or worried aloud about a medical condition, it is possible that a family member or friend will have asked whether you have hypochondriasis. If you have recurring concerns about your health, you may also start to question whether you are a hypochondriac.   While hypochondria is …

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Misophonia

It is natural for people to sometimes be annoyed with sounds throughout their day. Nails on a chalkboard, loud chewing, incessant pen clicking, etc. However, those with misophonia suffer extreme physical and emotional reactions to sounds. Feelings of anger and anxiety can arise from hearing innocent, everyday sounds others might not even notice.  Misophonia is …

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Acute Stress Disorder: Is This a Nervous Breakdown?

Acute stress disorder is relatively uncommon disorder afflicting people who have been exposed to a traumatic event, such as being a combat zone or surviving a serious car wreck. Read more to find out about its causes, symptoms, and treatment.   Acute Stress Disorder: What Does it Mean? Acute stress disorder is the diagnosis of …

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Intermittent Explosive Disorder: Clinical Anger Issues

Intermittent explosive disorder is a psychological disorder which is characterized by repeated and sudden episodes of aggressive and violent behavior or verbal outbursts which are grossly disproportionate to the inciting situation.   Intermittent Explosive Disorder: What Does It Mean? A key component of intermittent explosive disorder is that the explosive behavior and outbursts are associated …

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a disruptive behavior disorder that is primarily diagnosed in childhood. Youths with ODD have a frequent and persistent pattern of defiance, hostility, vindictiveness, or obstinacy toward parents, teachers, peers, and other authority figures.   Oppositional Defiant Disorder: What Does It Mean? Oppositional defiant disorder is classified as a disruptive behavior …

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Always Aroused: Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD)

Imagine constantly feeling as if your body is on the brink of orgasm, despite an absence of any sexual desire. This is the struggle faced by those who have PGAD: a debilitating and distressing disorder that predominantly affects women. Read on for an overview of what you need to know about PGAD, from its symptoms …

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Expressive Language Disorder

Expressive language disorder is a childhood onset disorder, marked by a difficulty in expressing and communicating ideas clearly. Children with expressive language disorder might have a limited vocabulary, express themselves simplistically, and have difficulty making conversation. Expressive Language Disorder From the moment of birth, we’re all sponges for language, soaking up every word we hear …

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Intellectual Disability

Intellectual disability can manifest itself in distinct ways and at different levels. Most people who receive this diagnosis can live full and rewarding lives when they have the support of family, friends, and professionals. Intellectual Disability (Mental Retardation): What Does It Mean? Intellectual disability is a permanent neurological condition which develops before the age of …

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Disorganized Schizophrenia: A Must Read, Comprehensive Guide

It’s never easy dealing with mental health problems. The symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia can be particularly challenging, having extreme impacts on social and mental health and taking a big emotional toll on people in a sufferer’s support network. Disorganized schizophrenia is a lifelong disorder. Recovery is possible, but treatment is lifelong too. Understanding what this …

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INFJ Careers: What This Personality Type Will Excel In

Every person is unique in how they handle certain situations that arise in their lives. However, after years of studying the human mind, it can be seen that there are certain types of personalities that are better suited for certain situations. This does mean that the personality of a person will greatly contribute to what …

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Schizoid Personality Disorder: Everything You Want To Know

Schizoid personality disorder is a mental health disorder effecting someone’s experience of emotions and connection to others. While this person usually functions in everyday life, they don’t tend to participate in society, which impacts their experience of life. Treatment is possible, but someone with the disorder usually doesn’t realize there’s something wrong with them. This …

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Catatonic Schizophrenia: A Brief Guide

Catatonic schizophrenia is a mental illness that falls within the scope of the mental disorder known as schizophrenia (schizophreniform disorder). There are several different types of schizophrenia. Catatonic schizophrenia is a type of schizophrenia with overlapping symptoms of other types of schizophrenia. Catatonic schizophrenia at times can resemble bipolar disorder; however, there are critical differences …

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Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: A Guide To Helping Your Child

What is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder or DMDD Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder is a relatively new childhood disorder in the mental health field. The condition is characterized by persistent, severe irritability, anger, and frequent, extreme temper outbursts that are greatly disproportional to the situation at hand. DMDD appeared for the first time in the Diagnostic …

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Is Santa Real? How to Tell Your Children the Truth Without Breaking Their Trust!

Do you have an answer ready for when your kids ask you: “Is Santa real?”? How do you give your children years of magical Christmas Seasons without feeling like you are lying to them? Turns out that there are many ways of keeping the magic of Santa alive even after when you need to have …

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Kindred Spirits: How to Know If You’ve Found One

You don’t have to be a spiritual person to believe in kindred spirits. Being spiritual means that you are much quicker to recognize and acknowledge a kindred spirit when you meet them. But that doesn’t mean that kindred spirits are exclusive to those who know about them.  People don’t go around meeting kindred spirits every day. …

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Vulnerable Narcissism: Understanding its Role in Today’s Society

Not only has social media become the primary way to keep in touch with family and friends, it has also become a window into others’ lives. Social media allows us to see inside the minds of friends, family, and celebrities. However, part of this stripping of barriers is the rise of vulnerable narcissism. Vulnerable narcissism …

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Avoidant Attachment: A Guide to Attachment Theory

What is Attachment Theory In our close relationships, we all have different ways of relating to other people. Attachment theory is a way of categorizing the way we form close bonds with each other. Avoidant attachment is just one style, and it’s not an easy one. For romantic relationships, attachment theory also provides a framework …

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Aspergers in Adults: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

What is Aspergers Syndrome Asperger’s syndrome is a neurobiological, developmental disorder related to autism. People with Asperger’s syndrome tend to be higher functioning than other individuals on the autism spectrum. Aspergers in adults is typically seen as an individual with an above average intellectual ability paired with severely inadequate social skills and often an all-absorbing, …

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Movies About Depression: Depression Alliance’s Top 13 Picks

Over 300 million people suffer from the mental health condition, depression. It’s a staggering number and one which should not be overlooked. It is encouraging to see just how many movies about depression and mental health exist, not only recently but over the last 70+ years. Instead of subjectively discussing which films are “best,” in …

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INTP Relationships: The Secret to Understanding This Personality Type

Each person can be classified with a specific personality type. According to Myers-Briggs, there are 16 different MBTI types that makeup who we are, who and how we love, and how we function in relationships. Do you struggle with relationships? Are you often seen as an introvert? Are you known for introverted thinking? If you …

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Disorganized Schizophrenia: A Must Read, Comprehensive Guide

It’s never easy dealing with mental health problems. The symptoms of disorganized schizophrenia can be particularly challenging, having extreme impacts on social and mental health and taking a big emotional toll on people in a sufferer’s support network. Disorganized schizophrenia is a lifelong disorder. Recovery is possible, but treatment is lifelong too. Understanding what this …

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DSM 5 Schizophrenia: What You Need To Know

What is Schizophrenia Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that alters the way an individual feels, thinks, and perceives. The immense detachment between fact and fiction causes the individual with the disorder to endure a massive withdrawal from reality and personal relationships. Additionally, the constant disconnection leads the individual to act out inappropriately and experience …

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INFJ Careers: What This Personality Type Will Excel In

Every person is unique in how they handle certain situations that arise in their lives. However, after years of studying the human mind, it can be seen that there are certain types of personalities that are better suited for certain situations. This does mean that the personality of a person will greatly contribute to what …

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ENFP Careers: A Brief Guide to the Best Ones

Every personality type has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some people are extroverted feelers and thinkers whereas others are more introverted. Some people are analytical and have exceptional critical-thinking skills whereas others are more open-minded and creative. Our personality types make up who we are as well as the career paths we choose. In this article, …

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Schizoid Personality Disorder: Everything You Want To Know

Schizoid personality disorder is a mental health disorder effecting someone’s experience of emotions and connection to others. While this person usually functions in everyday life, they don’t tend to participate in society, which impacts their experience of life. Treatment is possible, but someone with the disorder usually doesn’t realize there’s something wrong with them. This …

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Famous Narcissists: Depression Alliance’s Top 8

You often hear people who have high levels of fame, success, or notoriety being talked about as famous narcissists. What is narcissism, and narcissistic personality disorder, and why do some famous people get the label of being narcissists? What is Narcissism? Narcissism, as a positive personality trait, is something many people may have. We all …

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Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: What Is It & How to Deal With It

Do you often feel like you are constantly under pressure? Do you avoid trying new things due to fear of failure? Are you in a constant state of panic in your relationships? Is your anxiety unbearable? Do you often feel depressed and alone, and like you are constantly rejected by friends, family, or your spouse …

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Ketamine Therapy: A New Tool In The Fight Against Depression

The Differences Between ‘Special K’ and Ketamine Therapy Some know it as a veterinary tranquilizer, others know it as a party drug. For others still, it might be a life-line, the only hope to get their life back from the throes of crippling depression. We are talking about a drug called ketamine or ‘Special K’. …

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How To Stop Being Passive Aggressive: The Complete Guide

Anyone that has ever been in a relationship has probably experienced some version of passive-aggressive behavior. You notice that your partner is upset and seems angry, but when you ask them what’s wrong, their repeated and empathic response is “Nothing, I’m fine.”  While you are doubting this answer and thinking of something to say, they …

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Struggling With an Inferiority Complex? Here’s What To Do

When you compare yourself to others, it’s completely normal to feel inadequate or insufficient. Growing up, there was always another kid that would perform better in class, played sports better, or was generally loved by everyone. Feelings of jealousy and inferiority would naturally be experienced in these cases. Even as an adult, these feelings can …

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The Complete Guide To Platonic Relationships and Their Risks

The first idea that comes to mind when you think about having a meaningful relationship is probably something romantic. The idea of a significant other that you share your life with and grow old together while remaining head over heels in love. However, there are actually several types of relationships that are just as important …

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The Complete Guide To Quiet Borderline Personality Disorder

One of the hardest aspects of psychology is trying to accurately diagnose someone with a mental disorder. This is one of the main reasons why it takes years of education and clinical practice and experience to become licensed.  Medical doctors have the benefits of being able to see the symptoms of their patients. Broken bones, …

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The Cycle of Abuse: What Is It and How Can You Escape It?

Anyone can be a victim or perpetrator of abuse.  Unlike certain issues that may only impact certain individuals, there is no prerequisite necessary in the form of age, sexual orientation, gender, race, or religion. There is no discrimination for who can be affected by abuse. The various forms of domestic violence and relationship abuse can …

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Types of Therapists: Psychologist vs Psychiatrist

When it comes to the world of psychology and mental health treatment, two words are very often interchanged for one another despite being very different: psychologist and psychiatrist. While these professions may sound similar and share a few common grounds, they are not synonymous with each other and take very different approaches to treat mental …

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What Are Daddy Issues and Are They Real?

Arguably the most popular amateur psychological diagnosis is that of “daddy issues.” So many unhealthy and toxic behaviors involving relationships get blamed on a woman’s connection, or lack thereof, with her father.  Perhaps unsurprising, but this condition is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders and is not considered a medical …

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What Does Asexual Mean? The Guide to Sexuality

As our society becomes more progressive in terms of sexuality and various orientations, highly trained medical professionals are learning much more about the preferences of people. There are often a lot of misconceptions about these new theories and categories, and one of the more confusing concepts is that of asexuality. Some people tend to confuse …

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What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

When most people hear the term post-traumatic stress disorder, they most likely think about veterans returning from the horrors of war and having difficulty adjusting to life after their intense experiences. This is not an inaccurate picture of what post-traumatic stress disorder is, but someone can suffer from it without having to experience combat and …

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Ketamine for Depression: Does it work?

What is Ketamine? Ketamine, also known as Ketalar, Ketaset, and Ketanest, is a medication that’s currently FDA approved only as an anesthetic but it’s showing great potential as a treatment for severe depression. In fact, numerous Ketamine Clinics have begun to appear throughout the United States to solve this problem. Depressed patients with stubborn symptoms …

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Famous Narcissists: Depression Alliance’s Top 8

You often hear people who have high levels of fame, success, or notoriety being talked about as famous narcissists. What is narcissism, and narcissistic personality disorder, and why do some famous people get the label of being narcissists? What is Narcissism? Narcissism, as a positive personality trait, is something many people may have. We all …

Famous Narcissists: Depression Alliance’s Top 8 Read More »

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: What Is It & How to Deal With It

Do you often feel like you are constantly under pressure? Do you avoid trying new things due to fear of failure? Are you in a constant state of panic in your relationships? Is your anxiety unbearable? Do you often feel depressed and alone, and like you are constantly rejected by friends, family, or your spouse …

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: What Is It & How to Deal With It Read More »

Ketamine Therapy: A New Tool In The Fight Against Depression

The Differences Between ‘Special K’ and Ketamine Therapy Some know it as a veterinary tranquilizer, others know it as a party drug. For others still, it might be a life-line, the only hope to get their life back from the throes of crippling depression. We are talking about a drug called ketamine or ‘Special K’. …

Ketamine Therapy: A New Tool In The Fight Against Depression Read More »

Age Gap Relationships: How Do They Work And What To Avoid

Romantic relationships can be found in all kinds of various shapes and sizes. People from entirely different backgrounds with wildly different upbringings and beliefs can meet and fall in love. This is also true for people of different ages.  Most couples in the United States will be born within three years of each other. This …

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How Much Does Therapy Cost? Why Is It So Expensive?

One of the most common issues that prevent a person from undergoing therapy is the cost. Despite programs such as the Affordable Care Act that have sought to improve access to mental health services, therapy just remains too expensive for many people. However, this reasoning could be the result of a failed understanding of what …

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How To Be Less Clingy In Your Personal or Romantic Relationships

When it comes to the pursuit of romantic relationships there are some people that love the thrill of the chase while others find it exhausting and stressful. Once the relationship begins to solidify there will be people that want to spend as much time as possible with their partner, while others may need to keep …

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What is a Sex Therapist and How Can They Help You?

Sex therapy is a kind of psychotherapy, imparted by a specially trained sex therapist, which helps individuals or couples who are experiencing dissatisfaction in their sexual lives. It is based on the premise that sexual activity is a natural and important part of the human relationship and that it should be enjoyed by both parties. …

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Avoidant Attachment: A Guide to Attachment Theory

What is Attachment Theory In our close relationships, we all have different ways of relating to other people. Attachment theory is a way of categorizing the way we form close bonds with each other. Avoidant attachment is just one style, and it’s not an easy one. For romantic relationships, attachment theory also provides a framework …

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Dating Someone With Anxiety: What You Need To Know

Entering into a romantic relationship with someone can be a challenging and stressful endeavor at times. That’s because when two separate and distinct individuals decide to share their lives as one, there will always be growing pains — even with the most compatible personality types.  However, if one of the individuals has an anxiety disorder, …

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