MASA Articles

Attention News Syndicators: Our RSS feed (an RDF file) is here

To view an article in your web browser, click the icon next to the article name. To download (or view in your browser if you have Internet Explorer 4.0 or later) a Microsoft Word version of this document, click the icon.

Articles

Adoption Today Forty years ago, most people thought of adoptive parents as couples who could not become pregnant, and who adopted an infant to raise as “their own.” Today, some adoptive families are formed in this way and for this reason, but there are many new ways in which adoption brings families together.   Suicidal Thoughts Nothing is as scary to parents, children, spouses, and loved ones as somebody they care about expressing suicidal thoughts, which is referred to as "suicidal ideation" by mental health professionals. We feel like we must jump into action and stop them from even thinking about such a terrible thing. We feel a gnawing in the pit of our stomach asking us the question, "Why?"   Borderline Personality Disorder Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious and complex mental illness that affects 2 – 3% of the population. Once thought to be on the “border” of schizophrenia, BPD is now believed to be more closely related to mood disorders such as depression, or possibly to impulse control disorders like Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.   Multiracial Families There are approximately 7 million people in the United States who identify as mixed-race, with half of these being under the age of 18, and it is estimated that the mixed-race population in the U.S. will reach 21% by 2050. Yet, multiracial individuals and families remain marginalized and overlooked by mainstream U.S. society.   Panic Disorder Case example: Michael was driving home from work one day and was caught in traffic. He suddenly noticed that his heart was beginning to race. He then felt short of breath, and tightness in his chest. When he began to sweat, he became concerned and drove to the nearest emergency room where they could find nothing physically wrong with him. Michael had just experienced his first panic attack. Over the next few weeks, the attacks became worse, and he started to avoid driving altogether   Substance Abuse and Intimate Relationships It has long been known that marriage (or other long-term, committed relationships) and substance abuse don’t mix. Having a partner who drinks too much or uses drugs is very much like throwing a stone into a still pond: the effects ripple out and influences all that is near. In the case of a partner who uses drugs or drinks too much, the effect is felt by his or her children, relatives, friends, and co-workers. However, many would argue that, aside from the abuser, the greatest price is often paid by the abuser’s partner.   Postpartum Depression Somehow women have learned to expect that the birth of a baby automatically produces exhilaration and joy. They are led to believe that the period following childbirth should be the happiest time in their lives. In truth, it is one of the most stressful and anxiety producing periods in the life cycle of a family. More than half of the women who give birth each year experience some negative change in their mental health. For 10 to 15% of those women, the period following childbirth becomes a nightmare as they experience sleeplessness, confusion, memory loss, and anxiety during the already stressful adjustment to motherhood.   Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety disorder that affects about 1 to 2% of the population. As its name implies, the symptoms of OCD involve obsessions that lead to compulsions. Obsessions are recurrent and persistent ideas, thoughts, images, or impulses that may cause a great deal of anxiety or distress.   Childhood Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse in the family is one of the most perplexing and confusing problems facing our families. While it is difficult to fully assess the extent of the problem, the number of families affected by this phenomenon are staggering. It is estimated that 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 5 boys are sexually abused by the time they reach the age of 18.   Body-focused Repetitive Disorders These behaviors may be performed when the individual is stressed or excited, or bored or inactive. Hours may be spent in these activities, taking individuals away from family or work activities. Depression, shame, and isolation can also result. BFRBs most often begin in late childhood or in the early teens, and may affect at least 1 out of 20 people. While once thought to be rare and impossible to treat, we now know that neither of these ideas is true. While it is not always easy to find practitioners who can treat these disorders, there are a growing number of resources, and the picture is gradually improving.     << BACK | NEXT >>