Somatic Interventions in Trauma Treatment

Trauma, anxiety, and depression can manifest as physical symptoms such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, sensitivity to light, or any number of inflammatory conditions. Within an integrated health and wellness program, somatic (from the Greek sōmatikos, meaning “of the body”) interventions may help people gain insights about the relationship between physical ailments and emotional help. Equipped with this information, they can often find relief and improve their quality of life.

Unlike talk therapy, which engages the mind to heal trauma, somatic interventions encourage individuals to pay attention to the inner signals of the body. This might include tracking muscular tension, paying attention to the breath, or noticing physical postures during moments of emotional distress.

Learning the language of the body helps cultivate a mind-body connection that can generate a deep sense of well-being, as well as a greater capacity to endure discomfort. Somatic interventions can also contribute to an actual rewiring of the brain by interrupting thought patterns and narratives.

The term “somatic” encompasses a range of therapeutic techniques that treat the mind and body together. The practice relies on the belief that a traumatic event can “lock” negative emotions in the body. During a car accident or abusive relationship, the nervous system must operate in survival mode, releasing catecholamines such as epinephrine and norepinephrine to confront the threat.

The nervous system can become stuck in this survival state, even after the actual threat has passed. In this state of arousal, the body has higher levels of stress hormones, which can increase blood sugar and blood pressure, as well as weaken the immune system.

In addition to manifesting as physical symptoms, an aroused nervous system can contribute to negative thought patterns. An individual may develop persistent beliefs such as “I will never succeed” or “I am a bad parent.” Stored in the body, these thoughts can emerge during new stressful experiences.

Chronic pain is a common complaint among individuals who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even though the original physical threat is no longer present, people continue to experience strong physical and emotional reactions to stimuli.

Utilizing mind-body techniques such as breathing, body movement, dance, or meditation, a somatic therapist may help a person release built-up tension to experience relief. In one study, patients with a diagnosis of PTSD participated in “somatic experiencing,” which involves thinking about traumatic events under the guidance of a therapist.

As they experienced high levels of stress and arousal, they learned body awareness techniques to help identify and diminish these feelings in the body. Participants in the study experienced significant reduction in depression and PTSD symptoms.

A 2014 review of 24 studies evaluated the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a type of somatic intervention that utilizes bilateral stimulation to reduce negative emotions associated with trauma.

An EMDR therapy session involves a therapist moving their fingers back and forth in front of a patient’s face, asking the patient to follow the movements while recalling a disturbing event. The biological mechanisms associated with rapid eye movement (REM) allow access to deeply stored memories and associations. The therapist then guides the patient toward more positive thoughts. In the review, 70 percent of studies showed that EMDR worked better than cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of talk therapy) to produce positive effects on trauma.

Additional somatic interventions include body awareness (which encourages patients to locate tension within the body) and grounding (which invites the person to feel the support of their feet on the ground to soothe the nervous system). Therapists may also teach sequencing techniques, allowing the individual to pay attention to the feeling of tension leaving the body, one location at a time.

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A Brief Overview of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Developed by University of Nevada psychology professor Steven C. Hayes in 1986, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to learn to accept and endure painful experiences, rather than escape or avoid them. Rooted in Hayes’ early work, which focused on the influence of language and thought on internal experience, ACT acknowledges that pain and suffering are not only inevitable, but essential. Instead of trying to avoid what causes fear, he encourages individuals to practice self-compassion.

When confronted with compassion, suffering can become a source of meaning and fulfillment. ACT is essentially a form of behavioral therapy that encourages psychological flexibility, allowing individuals to experience challenges without fear or resistance.

By confronting difficult experiences head-on, practitioners can increase their sense of self-acceptance. Combined with mindfulness-based therapeutic interventions, ACT has proven clinically effective in the treatment of conditions such as depression, anxiety, substance use disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

ACT aims to empower people to accept events and circumstances that are outside their control while committing to life-enriching actions. The intervention combines acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior change strategies to cultivate psychological flexibility. This strategy runs counter to popular ideas that hard work and right action can help people control their experiences.

The therapeutic framework for ACT involves six core processes. First, individuals must practice acceptance. Instead of denying or avoiding painful emotions, they must choose to allow unpleasant experiences to exist. Acceptance is not a goal, but rather an active choice.

Next, participants engage in cognitive defusion, which aims to decrease fixation on negative thoughts and experiences. By surrendering to what is, they can take away a negative event’s power to dominate their thoughts. The third core process of being present ties into this step, encouraging the person to maintain awareness of the present moment, without judging or trying to change it.

Self as context teaches that an individual’s identity comprises more than what happens to them, and that each person has a “self” outside their current experience. The fifth process (values) invites the person to consider their deepest principles. ACT then provides tools to help them bring their lives into alignment with these values. Finally, the committed action process guides practitioners in taking action. Once they are aware how their behavior choices affect their emotions, they can implement positive changes.

Like other behavior-based therapies, ACT focuses on acceptance instead of avoidance. During an ACT session, a therapist will help a person apply these six core processes to everyday life. For example, the therapist may implement mindfulness exercises that identify unpleasant sensations in the body. Instead of learning to “fix” these problems, the practitioner can spend time observing without judging.

A therapist may also guide a person in noticing where their actions did not align with their values, or may help them separate their sense of self from negative thoughts and feelings. Between sessions, the therapist may assign homework exercises to help individuals develop a healthy, non-judgmental awareness of memories or thoughts.

Because it aims to reduce the struggle to control anxious thoughts and encourages involvement in meaningful activities that align with chosen values, ACT has shown promise in improving the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). ACT has proven particularly beneficial for older adults with GAD.

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The Importance of Self-Regulation for Adolescents and Young Adults

Self-regulation refers to the ability to understand and manage behaviors and responses to stimuli. While self-regulation develops quickly in toddler and preschool ages due to rapid brain growth, it continues to develop into adolescence and adulthood.

To learn self-regulation, children must have predictable, responsive caregivers who model the skill. Over time, they gain proficiency in responding to stressful situations calmly, expressing themselves with words, and navigating conflict without losing control. Some children are naturally easygoing and develop this skill more easily, while others who experience strong emotions may find self-regulation difficult.

Sometimes, children lack appropriate role models or a supportive environment and enter adolescence with little practice in self-regulation. The teenage years bring more complex emotional challenges, which makes the skill an important part in maintaining relationships and developing independence.

Adolescence and young adulthood are developmental stages that involve both risk and opportunity in terms of self-regulation. Interventions that teach specific cognitive, emotional, and behavioral skills can provide a foundation that will help individuals transition into adulthood with healthy behaviors and coping mechanisms.

Just as with a child lagging behind in literacy skills, self-regulation can improve with targeted practice. Teenagers need caregivers and mentors who can provide a positive example of self-regulation. Adults who can manage and modulate their own emotions facilitate the process of co-regulation, which assists and supports young people in developing the skill.

Adults should be warm and responsive to teenagers’ needs, coaching them as they try to understand and express their own feelings. Adult caregivers can offer opportunities for teenagers to practice self-regulation and reinforce progress through repetition.

As teenagers improve at self-regulation, their caregivers can offer increasingly complex opportunities to practice the skill. With a parent, for example, the teenager might role play a conflict with a colleague at work. A parent might also guide a high school student through a stressful homework assignment, teaching them how to break the task down into manageable chunks.

To set adolescents up for success, adult caregivers should structure an environment that protects against potential external stressors. For example, a parent might implement a curfew to help limit opportunities for risk-taking behavior or allow a teenager to retreat to their bedroom for a “timeout” during an emotionally tense exchange. Similarly, parents and caregivers should clearly outline boundaries and expectations and enact natural consequences when teens make bad decisions.

Particularly for teenagers who have had adverse childhood experiences, lagging self-regulation skills may translate to academic challenges, problematic relationships, and risky behavior. Without intervention, this lack of self-regulation may contribute to chronic stress that can physically change the brain’s wiring, relying more on emotional response than rational thought.

The Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) published a report titled “A Comprehensive Review of Self-Regulation Interventions from Birth through Young Adulthood,” which reviewed 299 interventions across age groups. The report looked at 60 studies on a variety of intervention approaches, including mindfulness, resiliency training, stress management, and conflict resolution.

When researchers implemented these interventions with young adults and high school students, they noticed significant improvements in mental and physical health, delinquency, and cognitive regulation.

Research supports the inclusion of self-regulation training in high school curricula, particularly for at-risk groups. Co-regulation support from a trained “coach” can help young people set clear goals and provide skill support, while targeted courses can teach teens how to accept and manage negative emotions. By learning to modulate their emotions, adolescents can develop competency in solving problems, achieving goals, and making sound decisions.

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An Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Mental Health

Scientists have recently paid increasing attention to the role of diet and nutrition in mental health. While observational data indicates a correlation between an unhealthy diet and depression, there are also a few randomized trials that provide high-quality scientific evidence of the relationship.

One such trial was the SMILES Trial (Supporting the Modification of Lifestyle in Lowered Emotional States), conducted from 2012 to 2015 and published in 2017. The first of its kind to explore the relationship between nutrition and mental health, the study involved 67 participants with a diagnosis of clinical depression.

At the beginning of the study, researchers met with each participant to collect information about physical health, lifestyle, diet, and mental health. They also noted details such as occupation, income, and education level. Participants gave a blood sample to provide baseline information about physical health.

Then, for 12 weeks, one group of 33 participants ate a Mediterranean-style diet formulated by a dietician for their specific needs. The so-called ModMedDiet included whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, as well as healthy fats in the form of olive oil and fish. Members of this group met regularly with the dietician to receive support, education, and nutritional counseling.

The second group of 34 individuals received only social support, without dietary modifications. This “befriending” protocol involved meeting regularly with a trained personnel member to play games or engage in friendly conversation about sports, music, or other topics of interest.

After 12 weeks, participants completed a follow-up assessment that collected the same information as their initial assessment, including a blood sample, to allow researchers to compare physical and mental health. Additionally, they participated in a follow-up by telephone 6 months after the first appointment to again evaluate diet and mental health.

At the end of the 12-week study, the participants who had adopted the ModMedDiet showed significantly greater improvements in mental health outcomes than the participants who had received only social support. In the ModMedDiet group, 32 percent of the individuals no longer displayed symptoms consistent with a depression diagnosis. Additionally, the individuals with the most dietary improvements achieved the greatest improvement in depression symptoms compared to the social support group.

The SMILES study indicates the power of an anti-inflammatory diet for the treatment of depression and other health conditions. Most doctors and scientist believe that chronic inflammation plays an important role in depression, and diet directly impacts chronic inflammation.

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish such as salmon, mackerel, or tuna, improve blood flow and decrease inflammatory proteins. Similarly, a diet that includes olive oil provides omega-9 fatty acids, also known as “good fats,” along with monounsaturated fat, antioxidants, and oleocanthal, all of which can inhibit inflammation and pain.

Leafy green vegetable such as kale and spinach provide antioxidants to repair the body at a cellular level and include powerful anti-inflammatory flavonoids. The B vitamin folate supports the production of serotonin, a feel-good chemical in the brain. Furthermore, probiotics help the gut microbiome (the trillions of bacteria in the human body) reduce inflammation and allow the gut to synthesize serotonin more effectively.

To best support mental health and reduce inflammation, people should refrain from eating refined sugar and processed foods.

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Nonverbal Learning Disorders – Causes, Signs, and Accommodations

In the United States, 3 to 4 percent of children live with some type of nonverbal learning disorder (NVLD), which refers to a cluster of symptoms that impact social interactions, physical abilities, and learning. Like autism, NVLD is a spectrum disorder, and symptoms can range from mild to profound.

Children with NVLD may have difficulty reading non-verbal cues or relaying information in a relatable way. They may perseverate on a specific subject or topic. Children with NVLD also display poor coordination and can have underdeveloped fine and gross motor skills.

Children with NVLD also have notable strengths. For example, many such children are adept at learning new vocabulary and mimicking the language of older people. They also excel in rote memorization and display strong attention to detail. While NVLD is a lifelong condition, learned coping strategies help people with this disorder live productive, fulfilling lives.

As many of the challenges of NVLD are not noticeable until a child is required to complete more complex academic tasks, many children are not diagnosed until around fifth grade. However, some children with NVLD do exhibit difficulties with writing letters and sounding out words.

While researchers continue to investigate the causes of NVLD, some evidence has suggested that the disorder may be related to neurological abnormalities. Children with NVLD have difficulty processing visual and sensorial information, which is managed by the right side of the brain. These abnormalities may occur due to complications during pregnancy or an illness in early infancy. Children with NVLD often have another diagnosis, such as autism or ADHD. They also have a higher risk of developing anxiety. The disorder affects both genders equally.

Since NVLD overlaps with other learning disorders, assessing NVLD requires a professional evaluation. However, there are several signs that can indicate that a child may have NVLD. For example, a child with NVLD can read a paragraph fluidly but will have difficulty identifying the main idea or central theme. These children may also have issues solving math problems that involve several steps or formulas.

Socially, children with NVLD often have strained relationships with their peers. They may misread facial expressions or interpret figurative language literally. Over time, children with NVLD may avoid in-person socializing and prefer interacting through video games, chat, and other types of virtual platforms.

Children with NVLD can thrive with therapeutic and academic support. Physical therapy can improve coordination and balance. Other forms of occupational therapy, such as sensory integration, can help the brain process visual and tactile information.

Play and group therapy give children with NVLD the opportunity to practice socializing with their peers. As these children have strong memories, they can apply the skills they learn from these scaffolded interactions to bond with their classmates.

In classroom settings, students with NVLD can benefit from accommodations such as clear, written directions, adapted assignments, and additional time. Since these students often have difficulty with organization and planning, teachers should provide tools like rubrics and schedules that clearly outline timelines and expectations. Schools should also create a quiet break room or space that is accessible to students at all times.

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Benefits of Wilderness Therapy Programs

An experiential form of therapy, wilderness therapy programs combine outdoor experiences and therapy sessions to provide an encouraging and understanding environment for self-discovery. Wilderness therapy aims to help clients learn how to live within a group, develop relationships, and recognize their capacity for strength.

An effective wilderness therapy program should have trained staff members who are passionate about the welfare of their participants and keeping them safe. Staff members should be experienced in handling unique conflicts and problems that may arise. This enables teens to make mistakes in a controlled setting and gain valuable feedback to move forward. Staff members should also design activities that teach transferrable skills. Even though the program takes place in a natural setting, young adults should learn lessons that can be applied throughout the rest of their lives.

In addition to engaging in outdoor activities, wilderness therapy includes sessions with mental health professionals. The sessions can be conducted in an individual or group setting. Depending on the program, participants can be grouped according to age, different stages of treatment, or similarities of situations. Those who have been in the program longer can provide guidance, mentorship, peer support, and inspiration.

Wilderness therapy uses various techniques to provide content, such as survival skills training and group bonding activities. Wilderness therapy programs can reduce depression, stress, and anxiety among adolescents. A wilderness setting even improves engagement with resistant clients. For example, hiking in nature decreases the occurrence of negative patterns of thinking and brain activities associated with depression, helping adolescents become more open to the therapeutic process. This type of outdoor activity also provides an opportunity to naturally form a therapeutic alliance between the participants and staff members.

In addition to resolving specific issues, wilderness therapy programs strives to replace negative coping behaviors with healthy ones through the development of social and emotional skills. Social interactions play a major role in healthy psychosocial development. When teenagers and young adults master personal growth, they become more prepared to manage and thrive in intense social, academic, and professional environments.

Wilderness therapy programs also improve intrapersonal skills such as self-awareness and self-management. Young adults in wilderness programs learn about their strengths and limitations, gratitude, and optimism. Through challenging adventures, such as boating, rock climbing, and ziplining, wilderness therapy teaches participants to regulate their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.

Wilderness therapy programs should also be made available to couples and families, as they can serve as a bonding experience. Participating in a wilderness program together can help families with troubled adolescents address their issues, improve their relationships, and heal as a family. Studies show that parent-adolescent conflict is correlated with some at-risk behaviors. Therefore, maintaining a healthy relationship between parents and their teens is important.

Instead of treating young adults and returning them home without adequate preparation, where they can regress into old behaviors, some wilderness therapy programs incorporate families into the treatment process. Educating all of the family members about their impact on family dynamics can set the youth up for success once they return home from treatment.

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What Is Integrative Therapy?

Integrative therapy is a treatment approach that selects techniques from various therapeutic orientations to suit the client’s particular needs. Therapists that use this approach believe that there is no single approach to treat each client in all situations. Instead, each client needs to be considered independently, and therapy techniques must be tailored to their specific challenges and personal circumstances. By customizing the therapy to the individual, integrative therapists work to improve the efficiency and efficacy of the treatments to produce the most significant effects.

Integrative therapy aims to promote healing, ensuring that a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health are maximized to their full potential. The success of the therapy depends on the therapist’s ability to be attentive, empathize, and inspire hope in their clients. Meanwhile, clients must be committed and open to self-exploration to identify the factors in their lives that are causing problems.

The therapist-client relationship is also critical to the success of integrative therapy. Therapists must approach the therapy sessions in an interpersonal, intentional, and nonjudgmental manner to establish a supportive and cooperative interaction with their clients. They must practice deep and attentive listening without distorting understanding.

Integrative therapy helps clients face certain situations authentically without forming an opinion, expectation, or attitude beforehand. This allows them to focus better on the fears that limit their psychological freedom. It also enables them to recognize triggers causing disruptive patterns of behaviors. With this awareness, therapists can empower their clients to set goals and practice new behaviors to act beyond their limitations and discover greater life satisfaction.

There are different types of therapy available. The most effective therapy will always depend on the person, their situation, and the problem being treated. One of the most common types of therapy used in integrative therapy is cognitive-behavioral. This approach focuses on changing how people think.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy suggests that the negative thoughts that people experience directly affect their psychological well-being. It is also based on a core principle demonstrating that people can learn better ways to cope with psychological problems to relieve their symptoms. To change behavioral patterns, cognitive-behavioral therapy uses strategies to help clients face their fears instead of avoiding them, use problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations, and develop a greater sense of confidence.

Meanwhile, psychodynamic therapy uses techniques to help people understand the motivations and forces affecting their behavior. These techniques include dream analysis, free association, and transference. Like psychodynamic therapy, psychoanalytical therapy looks at how unconscious thoughts and perceptions developed through childhood affect current behavior and thoughts.

Humanistic therapy is another form of therapy used by integrative therapists that focuses on helping people understand what will make them happy and what they must do to reach their full potential. Mindfulness is also becoming increasingly common in integrative therapy in recent years, helping people focus on the present moment instead of worrying about the past or panicking about the future.

One of the benefits of integrative therapy is its ability to help people overcome negative patterns of behavior caused by fears, phobias, and anxieties. Integrative therapy can be equally effective for treating mental health issues such as addiction, grief, depression, low self-esteem, and trauma. It is also useful in improving the daily functioning of children living with autism and other learning difficulties.

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Common Psychosocial Crises in Adolescence

Adolescence can be a tumultuous period of emotional and physical development. These changes can result in difficult but normal issues, including pressure to conform, emotional regression, and increased self-awareness. However, for some youths, transition issues can result in much more serious crises. For example, many adolescents experience an identity crisis. In psychology, a sense of identity is formed by integrating external experience and internal beliefs about one’s self. Many of these factors change during the teenage years, challenging a young person’s sense of identity.

Young people may want to rebel against the norms and expectations set by their families or community. While this process is significant for personal growth, it can cause alienation. Teens may also become more susceptible to negative peer pressure as they have not yet defined their values.

Peer pressure can cause teens to make poor decisions, especially sex and dating. Young people may feel obligated to have sex in their relationships, leading to unplanned pregnancies. Appropriate sex education is key to empowering young people to make healthy decisions.

Identity crises can also cause young people to become more materialistic and exclusive. Teens may derive their value and identity from their friend groups or the items they own. Parents should understand how important fitting in is to their teens and avoid belittling their feelings. However, they can use thoughtful praise to remind their child of their unique qualities. Therapy can help adolescents navigate through an identity crisis safely.

Many people start experiencing mental health issues during adolescence. Pressure and hormonal changes make teens more vulnerable to poor eating habits, unhealthy sleeping patterns, and poor stress management. These factors can trigger or exacerbate conditions like depression and anxiety. Although all teens exhibit moodiness, some young people experience extreme ups and downs that may indicate a more serious issue, such as bipolar disorder or a personality disorder. In these cases, youth psychology professionals advise seeking support from a therapist.

Teens also face social problems such as bullying. Youth who are the target of a bully may lose interest in school or avoid attending school altogether. Bullying can cause chronic stress. This can lead to other mental health issues, including depression.

Parents can teach their children positive coping strategies for diffusing bullying. For example, reacting to verbal bullying with humor can deescalate the situation. Involving youth engaging in extracurricular activities can also boost their self-esteem and mitigate the negative impact of bullying.

Due to their lack of life experience, adolescents often do not have effective coping strategies for handling stressful or traumatic situations. Teenagers who experience an adverse event, such as divorce or the loss of a loved one, may use harmful ways to cope. Teenagers feeling intense negative emotions often act out through rebellious or risky behavior. They may experiment with drugs or alcohol. Others may become involved in criminal activity or drop out of school.

Parents should view these behaviors as a signal for help. In addition to providing a safe and judgment-free space for teens to express themselves, parents should encourage their children to see a therapist. In some cases, young people can benefit from a treatment program with a therapeutic approach.

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What Is Horticulture Therapy?

As more studies reveal the healing properties of the natural world, plant-based therapies have become more popular. Horticulture therapy has existed in some form for more than 4,000 years.
Many civilizations, including the Ancient Egyptians and Persians, cultivated gardens to induce a calm emotional state.

The therapeutic benefits of horticulture were first noted in the 18th century by Dr. Benjamin Rush. In his book, Medical Inquiries and Observations Upon Diseases of the Mind, he noted that patients who spent time in the garden exhibited fewer psychotic disturbances. Later research has found that soil contains bacteria that provide the same mood uplifting benefits as some antidepressants.

Horticulture therapy was eventually applied to individuals with physical ailments, including injured war veterans. Today, the approach treats behavioral, physical, and psychological conditions.

Learning to care for plants can increase an individual’s self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. Studies have shown that growing edible plants can reduce negative behaviors in children. Horticulture therapy provides similar outcomes for people with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Horticulture therapy can also encourage physical activities suitable for rehabilitation.

While gardening does have some stress-relieving properties, this is distinct from therapeutic horticulture. Gardens suitable for conducting horticulture therapy are purposefully designed to create a sense of peace and security. This is achieved with walkable paths, strong boundaries, and accessible raised plant beds. Plants are selected for their color and are arranged in a visually pleasing manner.

A trained horticulture therapist or botanical specialist will lead a session. During this time, participants learn how to interact and care for the plants and can experience the garden with all of their senses.

For this reason, many therapeutic gardens include fragrant and edible plants or water features that produce calming sounds. To eliminate negative triggers or associations, therapy gardens do not contain painful or poisonous plants. Likewise, gardens used for horticultural therapy do not contain harsh chemicals like pesticides or strong fertilizers.

Therapy gardens must also be accessible regardless of age or physical ability. For this reason, every path must be level, wide, and free from obstacles. These gardens usually have a predictable and easy-to-navigate layout. This is conducive to a sense of familiarity and safety. Gardens dedicated to supporting patients with dementia and other cognitive disorders are designed to prevent spatial disorientation.

Distinct sections of the garden are defined with fencing or colorful pathways. Memory gardens, a sub-type of horticulture therapy, contain plants and features that gently trigger memories. For example, the garden may contain a replica of a building or structure that was commonplace in the past. Other important features include ample shade and resting areas. The garden must also thrive in all four seasons. This can be achieved through a mix of evergreen and annual plant varieties.

Social interaction is also an essential aspect of a horticultural therapy program. Through a shared garden, community members or residential treatment participants have the chance to work together towards a common goal. This activity can promote a sense of belonging and unity while reducing isolation amongst individuals.

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Technology Addiction – A Growing Problem Amongst Teens

Unlike previous generations, youth today have access to smart devices and the internet. While these advances in technology have made it easier for individuals to communicate and learn about the world, psychologists are also concerned about the harmful effects of too much exposure on developing brains. In 2019, a survey found that seven out of 10 high school students met the criteria for technology addiction.

There is some evidence that the overuse of technology can weaken focus and concentration by reducing grey matter in the brain. The light emitted from smart devices can affect the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which regulates sleep patterns. This can cause disorders like insomnia. Other studies have linked technology overuse to a loss of impulse control and aggressive behaviors.

As with other addictions, technology addiction is defined by the degree that the compulsive behavior affects an individual’s ability to live a full, healthy life. Since many schools use technology in their curriculum, it is not uncommon for young people to spend upwards of 7 hours on their devices every day. For this reason, screen time hours are not the only indicator of technology addiction.

Instead, psychologists look for changes in an individual’s mood, sleeping, or eating cycles to determine if their technology use is unhealthy. For example, youth preoccupied with a digital activity, like social media or gaming, may neglect their hygiene or refuse to interact with friends or family members. If technology overuse also coincides with dropped academic performance or the inability to maintain relationships, it can also indicate an addiction.

Researchers believe that some types of internet activities, especially social media, create a neural reward cycle similar to those found in substance use addictions. Young people feel a hit of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which results in a pleasurable sensation when a post is liked or shared.

While people do not develop a tolerance as with other drugs, the attraction to social media and the internet can grow. If the young person is also dealing with other problems, like mental illness or bullying, technology can become a convenient escape from the outside world. In this way, technology addiction can cause young people to become withdrawn. This is a risk factor for other mental health conditions like depression.

Caregivers and family members may be the first to notice that a young person has developed a technology addiction. Some common symptoms include strong emotional reactions when access to technology is cut off, loss of interest in non-technology-related activities, and shame over the amount of time spent online.

Technology addiction can be treated in several ways. For milder addictions, raising awareness of device use can cause young people to adapt their behavior. For example, some apps send notifications when users have spent a certain amount of time scrolling on their phones. This reminder is enough for many young people to put down their phones and move on to another activity.

For more serious cases, young people may benefit from a residential treatment program specializing in digital detoxes. Most programs will reduce or eliminate the youth’s access to technology and introduce nature-based or creative activities. Participants may also receive individual and group counseling to address underlying mental health issues.

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Technology Addiction – What It Is and How It Manifests

The world today is more reliant on technology than ever before. Smartphones, tablets, and personal computers are ubiquitous across the United States. While many people have a positive relationship with technology, using it to work, learn, or connect with their loved ones, others have an unhealthy relationship with it. These are the people who are almost always online, inhibiting their abilities to work, learn, or even form meaningful connections in the real world. These people may have a technology addiction.

Technology addiction is the obsessive use of technology and the Internet to the point of dependency. The people affected cannot limit their usage. While the American Psychiatric Association does not officially recognize the disorder (it is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM), countries such as China, Japan, Italy, and Australia do officially recognize it. Some such as China have even acknowledged the scale of the problem to the point of limiting the number of hours children can play video games, in this case to three hours a week.

Technology addiction manifests in various ways. For example, a person may be addicted to online gaming or gambling. They may also spend long hours surfing the Internet, interacting on social media, shopping online, or watching sexually explicit content.

A person addicted to technology will exhibit some of the following signs: difficulty sleeping, compulsively checking their phones, withdrawing from their friends and family, losing track of time, using technology when it is dangerous such as when driving, and neglecting academic, professional, or family responsibilities. The addiction may cause the affected person to have mood swings whenever they are away from technology. They feel strong urges to indulge so as to improve their mood or experience pleasure. This is because technology, while not like alcohol, has the same impact on the brain.

Many technology companies today deliberately design their products to trigger users’ brains to release dopamine, a feel-good chemical. For example, when a person gets a like on social media, wins a level in a video game, or places a winning wager while gambling online, their brain releases dopamine, making them feel good. With repetitive indulgence, users grow so reliant on technology that their brains cannot produce dopamine normally, causing them to feel down whenever they are not engaged with it. And when they again use technology, their brains release dopamine, lifting their moods. This unhealthy reliance is a defining characteristic of addiction.

If one of your loved ones has a technology addiction, talk to them about getting help. They may deny that they have a problem or get defensive. This is quite common with people who have addictions. They do not accept the gravity of the problem. However, if they do not get help, their quality of life can further deteriorate.

Encourage your loved one to speak to a clinical specialist who will evaluate them, give an accurate diagnosis, and prescribe treatment. Sometimes, the addiction may be a symptom of another problem such as depression, anxiety, or a psychiatric condition like bipolar disorder. If this is the case, the psychiatrist will provide adequate guidance. If it is just a technology addiction, the clinical professional may recommend a therapy program to overcome it.

For parents with children exposed to technology, it is critical that they take proactive steps to prevent their children from developing technology addictions. They can explain to them the harmful effects of using technology too much and set limits on screen time, even declaring certain places as technology free zones like the dinner table. To reinforce this message, though, the parents themselves must lead by example.

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