Posts in category: Dating Tips, Guide and Advice

Clinical psychology specialty integrates the science of psychology with treating complex human problems. In addition to directing treating people for mental health concerns, the field of clinical psychology also supports communities, conducts research, and offers training to promote mental health for people of all ages and backgrounds.

This article discusses what clinical psychologists do, the history of the discipline, and the different approaches used today in treating mental health conditions.

What Is Clinical Psychology?

Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with assessing and treating mental illness, abnormal behavior, and psychiatric problems. This psychology specialty area provides comprehensive care and treatment for complex mental health problems. In addition to treating individuals, clinical psychology also focuses on couples, families, and groups.

History of Clinical Psychology

Early influences on the field of clinical psychology include the work of the Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. He was one of the first to focus on the idea that mental illness was something that could be treated by talking with the patient, and it was the development of his talk therapy approach that is often cited as the earliest scientific use of clinical psychology.

American psychologist Lightner Witmer opened the first psychological clinic in 1896 with a specific focus on helping children who had learning disabilities. It was also Witmer who first introduced the term “clinical psychology” in a 1907 paper.

Witmer, a former student of Wilhelm Wundt, defined clinical psychology as “the study of individuals, by observation or experimentation, with the intention of promoting change.”

By 1914, 26 other clinics devoted to clinical psychology had been established in the United States. Today, clinical psychology is one of the most popular subfields and the single largest employment area within psychology.

Evolution During the World Wars

Clinical psychology became more established during the period of World War I as practitioners demonstrated the usefulness of psychological assessments. In 1917, the American Association of Clinical Psychology was established, although it was replaced just two years later with the establishment of the American Psychological Association (APA).

During World War II, clinical psychologists were called upon to help treat what was then known as shell shock, now referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

During the 1940s, the United States had no programs offering a formal clinical psychology degree. The U.S. Veterans Administration set up several doctoral-level training programs and by 1950 more than half of all the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)-level degrees in psychology were awarded in the area of clinical psychology.

Changes in Focus

While the early focus in clinical psychology had mainly been on science and research, graduate programs began adding additional emphasis on psychotherapy. In clinical psychology PhD programs, this approach is today referred to as the scientist-practitioner or Boulder Model.

Later, the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree option emerged, which emphasized professional practice more than research. This practice-oriented doctorate degree in clinical psychology is known as the practitioner-scholar or Vail model.

Treatment Approaches in Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists who work as psychotherapists often utilize different treatment approaches when working with clients. While some clinicians focus on a very specific treatment outlook, many use what is referred to as an eclectic approach. This involves drawing on different theoretical methods to develop the best treatment plan for each individual client.

Some of the major theoretical perspectives within clinical psychology include:

Psychodynamic Approach

This perspective grew from Sigmund Freud’s work; he believed that the unconscious mind plays a vital role in our behavior. Psychologists who utilize psychoanalytic therapy may use techniques such as free association to investigate a client’s underlying unconscious motivations.

Modern psychodynamic therapy utilizes talk therapy to help people gain insight, solve problems, and improve relationships. Research has found that this approach to treatment can be as effective as other therapy approaches.

Cognitive Behavioral Approaches

This approach to clinical psychology developed from the behavioral and cognitive schools of thought. Clinical psychologists using this perspective will look at how a client’s feelings, behaviors, and thoughts interact. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) often focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors contributing to psychological distress. Specific types of therapy that are rooted in CBT include:

Humanistic Approaches

This approach to clinical psychology grew from the work of humanist thinkers such as Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. This perspective looks at the client more holistically and is focused on such things as self-actualization.

Some types of humanistic therapy that a clinical psychologist might practice include client-centered therapy, existential therapy, Gestalt therapy, narrative therapy, or logotherapy.

How to Become a Clinical Psychologist

In the United States, clinical psychologists usually have a doctorate in psychology and receive training in clinical settings. The educational requirements to work in clinical psychology are quite rigorous, and most clinical psychologists spend between four to six years in graduate school after earning a bachelor’s degree.

Before choosing a clinical psychology program, you should always check to be sure that the program is accredited by the APA. After completing an accredited graduate training program, prospective clinical psychologists must also complete a period of supervised training and an examination.

Students in the United Kingdom can pursue a doctorate-level degree in clinical psychology (DClinPsychol or ClinPsyD) through programs sponsored by the National Health Service.

These programs are generally very competitive and are focused on both research and practice. Students interested in enrolling in one of these programs must have an undergraduate degree in a psychology program approved by the British Psychological Society in addition to experience requirements.

Careers In Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings (hospitals, clinics, private practice, universities, schools, etc.) and in many capacities. All of them require these professionals to draw on their expertise in special ways and for different purposes.

Some of the job roles performed by those working in clinical psychology can include:

• Assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders, such as in a medical setting
• Treatment of psychological disorders, including drug and alcohol addiction
• Offering testimony in legal settings
• Teaching, often at the university level
• Conducting research
• Creating and administering programs to treat and prevent social problems

Some clinical psychologists may focus on one of these or provide several of these services. For example, someone may work directly with clients who are admitted to a hospital for psychological disorders, while also running a private therapeutic office that offers short-term and long-term outpatient services to those who need help coping with psychological distress.

The Conners 4 is a reporting measure used for evaluating children and adolescents for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The Conners 4 has forms for parents and teachers that show how a child presents in the home and the classroom.

Children ages eight and up can also complete a self-report form that provides information about their experience of their symptoms.

What Is the Conners 4 Used For?

The Conners rating scales for ADHD were introduced by Multi-Health Systems, Inc (MHS) in 1970. It undergoes regular updates to ensure accuracy and validity. The Conners 4 is the most recent update and was released in 2022 and replaced the Conners 3.

The Conners 4 Test Measures

• When scored, the Conners 4 will measure:
• Attention issues
• Impulsivity
• Executive dysfunction
• Hyperactivity
• Anxiety
• Depression

Since it is not unusual for children and teens to have some difficulty with things like focusing throughout the school day, arguing with authority figures, or occasionally forgetting assignments, these scales help providers determine when a child’s difficulties go beyond what is developmentally appropriate.

Determining If an ADHD Diagnosis May Be Appropriate

In addition to these scales, the Conners 4 measures how closely the client’s presentation matches the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder. The Conners 4–ADHD Index then indicates how likely a client has ADHD based on these scores. This helps the evaluator determine whether a diagnosis of ADHD can explain symptoms the client is experiencing or if another diagnosis is a better fit.

Validity Scales

Finally, the Conners 4 has validity scales that screen for consistency (making sure that the person completing the form did not answer randomly) as well as for possible over or under-reporting of symptoms.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, states that:

• A child or adolescent must have six symptoms of either inattentive or hyperactive-type ADHD in order to meet criteria and be diagnosed
• Older adolescents must have five or more symptoms.
• If a client meets criteria based on both the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, they can be diagnosed with ADHD Combined Type.

How Is the Conners 4 Different From Other Conners Tests?

According to MHS, the Conners 4 provides several useful updates from the previous edition:

• Improved Cultural Competency: First, developers incorporated new research about ADHD presentation across cultures and ethnicities to improve cultural competency and diagnostic accuracy for BIPOC children who, historically, have been misdiagnosed.
• Allowed for greater gender expression: Clients have the option to choose “other” as a gender instead of just “male” and “female” as well.
• Better rating scales: Instead of just screening for possible anxiety and depression, the Conners 4 has norm-referenced rating scales for these symptoms to provide more information about a child’s symptoms. Similarly, instead of simply asking if a child has difficulty in different areas, it calculates how severely a child is impaired at home, school, and in social settings. It provides additional questions about safety concerns and sleep issues as well.
• Updated Language: The Conners 4 uses updated language to be more inclusive and easier for respondents to understand.

Potential Limitations of the Conners 4

The Conners 4 does not independently determine whether or not someone has ADHD. An evaluator may administer a cognitive assessment to get more information about learning, functioning, and abilities.

They may use a test of sustained attention to observe a child or teen’s ability to focus in real-time. Depending on the child’s age, the evaluator may use a personality test to see if they meet criteria for another diagnosis in addition to or instead of ADHD.

As with previous versions of this measure, the Conners 4 measures observable behaviors. Since ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference, it can impact behavior. However, some people with ADHD may mask or hide their symptoms and may get a false negative (test results might not be consistent with ADHD). In other words, someone who has ADHD might not be diagnosed with ADHD, and test results might not accurately reflect their diagnosis.

For those whose symptoms do not present in a way that is easily measured by the Conners 4, they may still identify with symptoms of ADHD. This is valid, and if they find that resources by and for the ADHD community benefit them, they can still use these resources.

Additionally, many do not have access to formal assessment for ADHD, particularly those with low income. If you notice symptoms but cannot get evaluated, the ADHD community and resources can still help you manage your or your child’s symptoms.

How to Complete the Conners 4

The Conners 4 can be completed on paper or online. Evaluators may send an encrypted link via email, allow you to complete the Conners 4 on a computer in their office, or provide a printed form.

Like the Conners 3, the Conners 4 utilizes a series of Likert scale questions with the options:

• Not true at all/Never
• Just a little true/Occasionally
• Pretty much true/Often
• Very much true/Very often

The Conners 4 Parent Form

If you complete the Conners 4 parent form (answering questions about your child), answer the questions honestly regarding your child’s behavior and what they shared with you.

The Conners 4 Self-Report Form

If you are completing the self-report form (if you are the child or teen being evaluated), answer honestly and know that there are no right or wrong responses about your own experience.

How Is the Conners 4 Scored?

The Conners 4 uses online scoring and yields T-scores, a type of norm-referenced rating. If you complete the Conners 4 online, the software scores your completed test and sends scores to the evaluator automatically. If you complete a paper form, the evaluator will input your responses into the scoring program.

“Over-reporting” means that an individual reported more symptoms than are actually present, and “under-reporting” means that they held back and did not disclose symptoms that might be present. The intent of validity scales is to determine when someone’s answers might not be honest, though sometimes validity scales might elevate even if the individual is trying to be honest in their report.

For instance, a child with low self-esteem might elevate for over-reporting, or a child who is worried about pleasing adults may elevate for under-reporting. A parent or teacher who is overwhelmed by a child’s behaviors might unintentionally over-report symptoms as well.

An evaluator must consider validity scales in interpreting the test data. If validity scales indicate that the scores cannot accurately determine whether or not an individual meets criteria for ADHD, the evaluator might use other self-report measures, tests of sustained attention, and information from the intake interview to determine whether or not criteria are present.

Understanding Your Child’s Conners 4 Scores

After completing an evaluation, a provider should meet with the parent and child to go over the scores and answer any questions you have about the results. 

Remember that inattention, restlessness, executive dysfunction, and other symptoms that occur with ADHD are not unique to one diagnosis. Even if a client does not meet the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, this does not mean they do not have these symptoms.

For more information on how to support your ADHD child, Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is an organization run by and for the ADHD community. Additionally, Neurodivergent Practitioners and ND Therapists are both online directories that can connect you with mental health providers who offer neurodiversity-affirming care and support.

Klonopin (clonazepam) is a benzodiazepine drug commonly prescribed for treating anxiety and insomnia. Withdrawal from this drug typically includes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, such as anxiety and irritability. In some cases, life-threatening seizures can occur, which is why it’s important to work with your care provider.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to predict exactly how Klonopin withdrawal will affect you, but many people have symptoms for several weeks. Read on to learn about Klonopin withdrawal symptoms, why they occur, and treatment options.

Klonopin Withdrawal Timeline

Klonopin is a long-acting benzodiazepine with a half-life of 30 to 50 hours. So, you can expect Klonopin withdrawal symptoms to start anywhere from two to seven days after your last dose. According to experts at the World Health Organization (WHO), acute symptoms typically continue on and off for two to eight weeks.

Signs & Symptoms of Klonopin Withdrawal

Abrupt discontinuation of Klonopin can cause symptoms such as:

• Blood pressure changes
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Rapid heart rate
• Seizures
• Tremors

Among people using benzodiazepines for more than six months, about 40% experience moderate-to-severe withdrawal symptoms. The other 60% still have benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, but they are milder.

Your healthcare provider may taper you off this drug over the course of weeks or months. However, bothersome withdrawal symptoms can still occur when dosages are reduced slowly.

Why Does Klonopin Withdrawal Occur?

Klonopin is intended for short-term use. When taken long-term, there is a risk of developing a physical dependence. So, when someone is dependent on a drug like Klonopin, they are likely to experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking it or reduce their dose.

Some people take their medication as directed by their physician; others acquire this drug illegally or intentionally take it more often or in larger doses than they should. Klonopin misuse can affect withdrawal duration and symptom severity. It can also increase the risk of overdose symptoms or even death.

Stopping Klonopin With Tapering

The best way to successfully quit Klonopin is to follow a slow tapering schedule. Tapering, which means gradually reducing your dose over time, is also the best way of preventing severe withdrawal symptoms.

Tapering your Klonopin dose is a way of tricking your body into thinking it’s not in withdrawal. It is not an exact science, which means your tapering schedule should be updated as you go along. You will need to work closely with a physician who can adjust your dose every few days or weeks, as necessary.

Tapering Schedule

The ideal duration of your taper will depend on several factors, including your starting dose and primary goals. Studies in primary care settings have found that a gradual taper over at least 10 weeks is most successful. Some people continue their taper for a year or more. 

There is no universal tapering rate. The research suggests that generally speaking, slower tapers are more successful. If you are doing a slow taper, your physician will only reduce your dose every two or three weeks, and the reductions will be small. People taking high doses of benzodiazepines may start with a quicker taper and slow down once a lower dose has been achieved. 

If your withdrawal symptoms become too much to handle, your healthcare provider can slow down the taper and even increase your dose. The dose reductions are so small that you may not even notice them after the first couple of weeks.

Klonopin Withdrawal Treatment

Treatment for Klonopin withdrawal may include the following.

Psychotherapy

The long-term success of Klonopin withdrawal depends on a successful taper. Some studies suggest that withdrawal is more successful when done with psychotherapy (talk therapy). Other studies show that the results are about the same.

Treatment Resources

If you are interested in stopping or reducing your Klonopin intake, the best place to start is with your primary care physician. If you don’t have a primary care provider but have health insurance, check your insurance company’s website for a list of providers.

If you do not have health insurance, you can go to a community clinic in your area. Community clinics will treat you, regardless of your ability to pay. To find a community health center near you, the U.S. Health Resource and Services Administration provides an online directory that is searchable by area.

Coping With Klonopin Withdrawal

If you are experiencing Klonopin withdrawal, you can do a few things to find relief. First and foremost is to find the help of a professional. Other ways to reduce your discomfort and make withdrawal easier include the following:

• Ask someone for assistance: If you are tapering on your own, give your bottle of pills to someone you trust. Have them dispense them to you according to the tapering schedule you have established with your healthcare provider.
• Try over-the-medications: If it’s okay with your physician, you can treat headaches and muscle aches with over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.
• Let your loved ones know what’s going on. Ask that they cut you some slack if you become easily agitated or annoyed.
• Focus on getting quality sleep. Try a natural sleep aid like melatonin or a soothing sound machine.
• Exercise. This can help you burn off your restlessness and calm your mind.
• Try relaxation techniques. Consider meditation, yoga, or a warm bath. Other strategies such as deep breathing and mindfulness meditation can also be helpful for easing stress.

Some people are fortunate to have loving, supportive relationships with their siblings that can sometimes be far deeper than friendships. However, others may not be on the best terms with their siblings.

If you’ve ever thought, “I hate my sister,” you’re not alone. Occasional feelings of anger and hate can be present even in the closest of sibling relationships. It is also common for siblings to fight, which can lead to rivalry and hatred over time.

Learn some reasons why you might hate your sister as well as some coping strategies that may be helpful.

Reasons Why You Might Think “I Hate My Sister” 

These are some reasons why you might hate your sister:

• Differing amounts of parental attention: Either you or your sister may feel that your parents favored one of you over the other, which can lead to rivalry and hatred between the two of you.
• Jealousy: It is not unusual for siblings to be compared to each other, either by others or by themselves. Aimee Daramus, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist notes that this can foster jealousy or a feeling of coming up short, which can lead to conflict.
• Evolving personalities: As you and your sister grow, your personalities, tastes, habits, and needs may evolve and it may be difficult to see eye to eye, causing you to drift apart. Disapproval of each other’s choices can lead to arguments.
• Stressors: External stressors can take a toll on your relationship with your sister and may lead to hatred, depending on your reactions to it.
• Abuse: If your sister has abused you or deeply hurt you in some way, it may cause you to feel hatred toward her. “Real hate usually means there’s been some experience of serious abuse from that person or the feeling they’ve taken advantage of you in a life-changing way,” says Daramus. “People also feel hate sometimes if they’ve been the abuser and they don’t like being confronted with that part of themselves.”
• Family values: Your parents’ values and the dynamics of your family can also play a role in your relationship with your sister. For instance, siblings with parents who think aggression is normal may be more prone to fighting than those with parents who express themselves respectfully.
• Lack of family time: Spending time over meals, trips, and weekends can help build strong family bonds. Not spending enough time together as a family can make you more likely to fight with your sibling.
• Projecting feelings: It’s also entirely possible for you to project feelings onto your sister. For instance, Daramus says you might be raging about something else that you can’t control and take it out on them.

Coping Strategies If You Hate Your Sister

Hate is an intense feeling that can be emotionally draining. In addition, you may also experience other emotions such as guilt and shame, for hating your sister instead of loving her or forgiving her.

These are some strategies that can help you cope with the emotions you’re experiencing, enabling you to better deal with a sister that you don’t like.

Prioritize Safety

“If you can identify a specific way in which your sister has harmed you, it’s best to get as much distance from her as your circumstances allow, at least temporarily, so you can think your situation through. If there’s still a safety risk, put your safety above everything else,” says Daramus.

Understand Parental Behavior

If you think your parents prefer your sister, you may feel slighted by them often and hate your sister as a result. However, it can help to examine their behavior and understand its causes. Your parents may not be favoring your sister intentionally and they may not realize that their actions are hurting your feelings.

For instance, your parents may be closer to your sister because they live close by and therefore see each other more often. Or, they may share common interests with your sister that they have bonded over together. 

Seek Therapy

“You might have some irrational anger to work through, or you might be projecting something onto them,” says Daramus. “Either way, hate is often irrational and leads to decisions that make things worse.”

Therapy can be a helpful way to understand why you hate your sister and how you can deal with your feelings.

Avoid Competing

You may have a tendency to compete with your sister. This tendency may be ingrained from a very young age and may be fanned by other members of your family—for instance, they may say things like, “Your sister has such a well-paying job!”

Avoid competing with your sister and try to accept yourself the way you are. Start seeing yourself as an individual entity who is working hard, not someone who doesn’t earn as much as their sister.

Set Boundaries

It can be helpful to set boundaries with your sister, to protect yourself—especially if your relationship tends to be toxic.

These boundaries can take different shapes and forms, depending on what you’re comfortable with. For instance, you may feel that discussing certain topics are off-limits, or you may not want to spend time with your sister outside of family gatherings. 

Find the Support and Acceptance You Need

Even if you’re not close to your sister, you can find support in other areas. Daramus recommends surrounding yourself with people who care about you and support you. This could include your parents, partner, children, friends, other family members, colleagues, support groups, or other people in your life.

Apart from people, you may even find acceptance and a sense of belonging in spirituality, art, music, books, and movies. 

Sibling relationships are often turbulent, and in some cases they can lead to rivalry and hatred. While it’s okay to not like your sister, Daramus notes that hating someone is a painful way to live and recommends seeking therapy, spiritual guidance, and the company of those who care about you and support you. 

Diarrhea isn’t something many people feel comfortable talking about. Unfortunately, diarrhea and associated stomach pain can be symptoms of drug withdrawal, particularly opiates. It can also occur after a period of intense substance use.

Symptoms may range from mild to severe. This can often lead to distress and can even be a major factor impacting the decision to quit drugs for many people.

This article explores strategies that can help minimize diarrhea and stomach pain caused by drug withdrawal. It also covers what causes these unpleasant symptoms and when you should see a doctor.

How to Cope With Withdrawal Diarrhea

While it may not be possible to avoid this symptom altogether, you can take steps to minimize the problem and cope with it when it happens. The following strategies can help control diarrhea, gastrointestinal spasms, stomach pain, and vomiting caused by detox and withdrawal:

• Eat bland foods: White toast, white rice, and bananas may help. If you also suffer from withdrawal nausea and vomiting, you may prefer to avoid food intake until the initial acute withdrawal phase has passed.
• Get plenty of electrolytes: You may have lost vital electrolytes, especially if you’ve been vomiting. Drinking rehydration fluid, available from drug stores, can help avoid this.
• Stay hydrated: Although it may seem counterintuitive, one of the main risks of diarrhea is dehydration, so sip plenty of water.
• Try over-the-counter medications: Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol (bismuth), or Imodium (loperamide) may help control diarrhea and slow the bowel process.
• Eat probiotics: Yogurt with live/active cultures contains bacteria that, in some cases, can help reduce the severity and length of time that diarrhea lasts.
• Avoid stomach irritants: Avoid hot drinks, acidic fruits, and spicy foods, which can induce spasms leading to diarrhea and related stomach pain.

How Long Do Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms depend on several factors. Physical withdrawal symptoms often last three to five days; however, the type of substance a person has been using can play a role. For some substances, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and long-acting opiates, withdrawal symptoms may last one to two weeks. 

Along with diarrhea and stomach pain, you might also experience other physical symptoms such as chills, fatigue, muscle pain, nausea, shakiness, sweating, and vomiting. While these symptoms often last only a few days or a week, the psychological symptoms of withdrawal can last much longer. 

Causes of Withdrawal Symptoms

Substance use leads to changes in how neurotransmitters function in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit signals and help regulate various bodily functions. When alcohol or substance use is halted, the brain is forced to readjust to its sudden absence. This leads to unpleasant physical and mental withdrawal symptoms.

Although this can be a normal reaction by the body, the severity and discomfort you experience can be reduced by correct treatment. Therefore, it is a good idea to talk to your pharmacist or doctor for advice on over-the-counter medications.

However, it is important to be aware of other potential causes of diarrhea. It is essential to get the correct diagnosis and treatment. For example, diarrhea can also be caused by:

• Viral and bacterial infections stemming from ingesting contaminated food or water
• Drugs or medications
• Some sexual activities

Safely Treating Dehydration

Dehydration happens when your body loses too much fluid and electrolytes through urination, sweating, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. However, drinking only water, particularly in large quantities, can be harmful and lead to water intoxication. Water intoxication can be life-threatening, so it is important to take steps to avoid it.

If you have been experiencing severe diarrhea, drink rehydration fluid (available from drug stores) rather than plain water to replace lost fluids.

Fruit juice can also help replace lost electrolytes but can exacerbate diarrhea. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for advice on the right way to replace lost fluids.

When to See the Doctor

If your diarrhea, stomach pain, or vomiting are severe or last for longer than a few days, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. While this withdrawal symptom is sometimes considered no more than a nuisance, for some people, it can be troubling enough that it derails their attempts at quitting. If a person quits a substance and then relapses, it can increase the risk of overdose.

Stomach symptoms can be an indication of an underlying, treatable infection, and they can lead to life-threatening dehydration. You can go to an emergency room where an IV drip can quickly replace fluids and electrolytes.

Medical Treatments for Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal from substances can be done at home or in a healthcare setting. Quitting substance use is often easier under medical supervision because medications can be used to make the transition easier and less uncomfortable. Different treatments are available for different substances.

Alcohol

If alcohol withdrawal symptoms are moderate to severe, you may need to be in a supervised clinical setting. Whether you seek treatment as an inpatient or outpatient, you may be given sedatives to help make the transition to complete withdrawal in a medically safe way. 

Treatment with B vitamins is also critical for someone withdrawing from alcohol. It can prevent Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (or alcohol dementia), a set of neurological conditions resulting from a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency.

Barbiturates

Because of the potential complications of stopping barbiturate use, withdrawal should always take place under medical supervision. You may be given phenobarbital to help make the transition.

Stimulants

Treatment for stimulant withdrawal will likely involve psychotherapy but may also include antidepressants or other mood-affecting medications.

Opiates

Treatment may include clonidine, which helps with anxiety, sweating, irritability, muscle cramping and aching, and runny nose, and/or buprenorphine or methadone, both of which can decrease the amount of time it takes to detoxify and also help withdrawal symptoms.

Gabapentin can help with several symptoms, including diarrhea. Antispasmodics like Bentyl may also help ease gastrointestinal symptoms.

If you are experiencing severe diarrhea that isn’t getting better or is causing symptoms of dehydration, contact your doctor. They can determine if something else might be contributing to your symptoms and decide if you need prescription medications or IV fluids to avoid serious complications.

ESFP (extraverted, sensing, feeling, perceiving) is one of the 16 personality types identified by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator. People with ESFP personality types are often described as spontaneous, resourceful, and outgoing. The ESFP personality type is often referred to as “the performer” or “the entertainer.”

They love being the center of attention and are often described as “class clowns.” ESFP is the opposite of the INTJ personality type.

According to psychologist David Keirsey, the developer of the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, approximately 4% to 10% of all people have an ESFP personality type.

Key ESFP Characteristics

• They are practical and resourceful. ESFPs prefer to learn through hands-on experience and tend to dislike book learning and theoretical discussions. Because of this, students with ESFP personality types sometimes struggle in traditional classroom settings. However, they excel in situations where they are allowed to interact with others or learn through direct experience.
• They figure things out as they go along. ESFPs live very much in the here-and-now and sometimes fail to think about how current actions will lead to long-term consequences. They will often rush into a new situation and figure things out as they happen. They also tend to dislike routine, enjoy new experiences, and are always looking for a new adventure.
• They are very understanding. ESFPs are perceptive when it comes to other people. They are able to sense what others are feeling and know how to respond. People tend to find them warm, sympathetic, and easygoing.
• They are fun-loving. While ESFPs do not shun the spotlight, they are more interested in simply living in the present and doing what feels right at that moment.

Cognitive Functions

The MBTI suggests that individual personalities are marked by many different cognitive functions (sensing, thinking, feeling, and intuition). Some of these are more dominant than others and the hierarchical order of these functions influences how people perceive and relate to the world.

These functions are focused outwardly (extraverted) and in other cases, they are focused inwardly (introverted). Extraverted functions are focused on interacting and acting within the world around you, while introverted functions are centered on internal reflection and analysis.

Dominant: Extraverted Sensing

• ESFPs prefer to focus on the here-and-now rather than thinking about the distant future. They also prefer learning about concrete facts rather than theoretical ideas.
• ESFPs don’t spend a lot of time planning and organizing. Instead, they like to keep their options open.
• When solving problems, they trust their instincts and put trust in their own abilities to come up with a solution. While they are reasonable and pragmatic, they dislike structure, order, and planning. Instead, they act spontaneously and do not spend a great deal of time coming up with a plan or schedule.

Auxiliary: Introverted Feeling

• ESFPs place a greater emphasis on personal feelings rather than logic and facts when making decisions.
• People with this personality type have an internal system of values on which they base their decisions. They are very much aware of their own emotions and are empathetic towards others. They excel at putting themselves in another person’s shoes, so to speak.

Tertiary: Extraverted Thinking

• This function is focused on enforcing order on the outside world. It is centered on productivity, logic, and results.
• Because this tends to be a weaker aspect of personality, ESFPs may not always feel secure sharing their judgments, especially if they feel it will disrupt the harmony of the group.

Inferior: Introverted Intuition

• While this is the least prominent aspect of personality, this function can help the ESFP spot patterns and make connections in things they have observed.
• ESFPs are usually not particularly adept at using logic to sort through abstract concepts, but this sense can sometimes lead to flashes of insight and epiphanies about themselves or the world.

Personal Relationships

As extraverts, ESFPs enjoy spending time with other people and have excellent interpersonal skills.

ESFPs are often described as warm, kind, and thoughtful, making them popular and well-liked by others. ESFPs enjoy meeting new people, but they also have a thirst for new experiences.

They are generally focused on the present and will often be the first person to try the newest ride at an amusement park or try out a new adventure sport.

Career Paths

With their strong dislike for routine, ESFPs do best in careers that involve a lot of variety. Jobs that involve a great deal of socializing are also a great fit, allowing individuals with this personality type to put their considerable people skills to good use. Careers that involve a great deal of structure and solitary work can be difficult for ESFPs, and they often become bored in such situations.

Tips for Interacting With ESFPs

Friendships

ESFPs grow weary with the same old routines and are always ready for a new adventure. To keep up with this personality type, you need to always be ready for new experiences – from exploring new places to meeting new people. Keeping things interesting is important, but ESFPs love to have a reliable co-conspirator who is as ready for fun as they are.

Parenting

ESFP children are enthusiastic and energetic, which can be both fun and exhausting for parents. You can help by providing plenty of outlets for this boundless energy. Sports, hobbies, and outdoor adventures are all good sources of fun for ESFP kids. While these kids are people-loving extraverts, they may need time alone to process their feelings when they are upset. Be sure to give them some time before drawing them out to discuss their emotions.

Relationships

ESFPs tend to be honest and forthright in relationships. They don’t play games and are warm and enthusiastic in romantic relationships. One thing to remember is that ESFPs dislike conflict and tend to take any critical comments quite personally. While it is important to be straightforward in your relationship with an ESFP, try to avoid being overly harsh or confrontational.