How the Media Impacts the Stigma of Mental Illness

Posted on by Dr. Mark Parisi

Frequently we hear stories of tragic situations around the nation, such as the recent one about a woman in Florida who drove her van full of children in to the ocean (http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/05/us/florida-mother-minivan-ocean/).  A big story such as this usually end with uncertainty of the individual’s mental stability or the individual was being sent for full evaluation, and that is the last the public hears about it. This leaves many people with a misconception about those dealing with a mental illness. Media followers are left with a brutal image and no education. The news is not the only media outlet that is guilty of building this type of stigma. Many movies and TV shows also provide wrong, incomplete, or misinformation about mental illnesses.

Media coverage of psychiatric issues will reflect or influence public perceptions of the mentally ill whether it is intentional or not, and these typically inaccurate depictions fuel the negative stigma. Because of the stigma related to these often violent and tragic stories, people who need help are often afraid to seek it due to the thought that they will be categorized with some of these tragic events.

There are many elements about mental illness that are inaccurately portrayed in the entertainment industry. One of the most common misconceptions is that the mentally ill are violent. The truth is mental illness is a poor predicator of violence or even a situation that would be news worthy (http://depts.washington.edu/mhreport/facts_violence.php). Unfortunately, because of the way that media has portrayed people who are impacted by a mental illness, this is a not commonly known among viewers.

Some of the other misconceptions about mental illness due to media influence include people with a mental illness are bad or evil in some way, that depression is easily treated with a magic pill, that they are unstable or unpredictable, or that mental illness is not something that can be cured. (http://psychcentral.com/lib/medias-damaging-depictions-of-mental-illness/0002220)

People can and will get better all the time, and most people who are dealing with a mental illness are typical people who get up and go to work every day like the rest of us. To get better, individuals need to not be afraid to seek out the supports and services that are necessary to provide hope and a belief that tomorrow can be a better day.

The media’s job is to entertain, not educate. My wish, is to put a more positive emphasis and greater accuracy of media coverage of mental health issues, but it is our job to be more conscious about what information we are taking in and seek further information.

For mental health services in Chicago, Dr. Parisi and staff are available to help those in the Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas of Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, and Wilmette. Don’t fall victim to the negative stigma. Believe that tomorrow can be better and we can provide the support you need.

What is Psychological Testing and how do I know If I Need it?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

Psychological tests are standardized tests used to measure characteristics, feelings, beliefs and skills. These tests are also used to measure the presence of certain mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, substance use, or other personality characteristics. A standard psychological assessment includes an interview with a mental health practitioner and a psychological test. Testing can be completed independently or can be administered by a psychologist. Generally tests are given to help gather thorough and complete information in order to understand a problem more in depth and are used as a guide for treatment. These tests measure an individual’s performance at a specific point in time. Psychological tests help understand general behaviors or trends, but its important to note that these tests do to predict future actions, thoughts, feelings or behaviors.

A thorough assessment of an individual will first include a medical examination to rule out possibilities of medical illnesses. After ruling out medical illnesses or diseases, your medical provider may refer you to a psychologist for further assessment and testing. Typically a medical health care provider will make a referral for psychological testing if they believe it is beneficial. It is also common for doctors, teachers, and social workers to make referrals for further psychological testing.

Psychologists administer psychological testing for a wide variety of reasons. There are many psychological tests available and each measures different attributes. There are aptitude tests that help to identify learning disabilities and there are tests that evaluate if a client is experiencing an emotional disorder. Other tests measure personality traits. For example, if an individual is having problems with personal relationships or interpersonal skills there are tests available that help to identify personality traits that might contribute to the problem. Testing helps to provide valuable information and insight in understanding issues while also identifying individuals strengthens.

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, and Wilmette.

What is ADHD?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD as it is commonly called, is a disruptive behavior disorder that is characterized by a chronic pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and poor impulse control or a combination of the three that affects how children, adolescents, or adults function in their day-to-day life.  ADHD is, technically, a childhood disorder and, if diagnosed in an adult, must have been evident during childhood.  Recent, emerging research from the National Institute of Mental Health suggests that ADHD has a strong genetic link – that is, often runs in families – and is about three times more prevalent among boys verus girls.

Once referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD, the disorder was renamed in 1994 to ADHD where it was broken down into three subtypes. The three types of ADHD are predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, and the combined type.

The predominantly inattentive type is when an individual finds it difficult pay attention to details and difficulty with following instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted, makes careless errors, has problems with organization, forgets details of daily routines, and has a tendency to lose things.  The hyperactive-impulsive type is characterized by fidgety behavior, difficulty sitting still, excessive energy levels, poor decision-making, and a tendency to act before thinking.  An individual with the combined type of ADHD may display elements of multiple elements described above.

Treatment for ADHD depends on the unique constellation of symptoms displayed by the individual.  Treatment options are also guided by the severity of the ADHD symptoms.  Often times, prescription stimulant medication can prove invaluable in controlling the symptoms of moderate to severe ADHD.  However, in more mild forms of ADHD, changes to daily routine, the classroom environment, and behavior modification training can produce lasting results.  Cognitive Training involving computer-assisted training of attentional skills, sequencing ability, and short-term auditory and visual memory can also prove helpful in improving the symptoms of mild to moderate ADHD.  Often times, a combination approach which involves a combination of medication management, behavior modification, school-based accommodation, and Cognitive Training is the most helpful way to manage ADHD.

What is Expressive Play Therapy?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

The use of expressive play therapy as a tool in helping children work through emotional issues dates all the way back to the time of Sigmund Freud in 1909 when he introduced this modality of treatment into his work with children.  Freud’s theories were later expanded upon by his students, most notably his daughter, Anna, who systematized and expanded upon the use of play therapy as a legitimate treatment modality when working with children.

The practice of expressive play therapy is focused on helping children work through emotional upset by allowing them to express themselves through play. 

There are a variety of types of expressive play therapy including dramatic and fantasy play, sandbox play, and art-focused play.  All types of expressive play therapy are premised on the idea that play is essential to the normal development of children.  Because children are often unable to communicate and talk about their feelings the same way adults do, expressive play therapy allows a natural vehicle for children to recreate, and with assistance from the child therapist, discuss feelings such as sadness, anger, and worry that might be influencing their daily lives.

As with any method of treatment focused on children, considerable effort must be devoted in the beginning stages of therapy in building rapport and trust that will enable children to express themselves through play.  Initially, the child therapist  attempts to foster rapport and trust – often referred to as a “therapeutic alliance” – by allowing the child to explore the office and select play activities that are developmentally appropriate and personally appealing.  The child therapist may choose to target certain types of play activities in order to elicit certain types of emotions or reactions.  For example, the child therapist might introduce doll house figurines and furniture in order to elicit emotions or reactions pertaining to his or her family life.

Through expressive play therapy, children gradually learn how to deal with difficulties they may be experiencing in daily life.  In so doing, they begin to develop a sense of efficacy and improved self-esteem that, ultimately, leads to improved adjustment and resolution of any problems they may have been experiencing.