Welcome back to In Case You Missed It (our weekly roundup of articles touching on psychology, health, mental health and social justice issues from multiple news and commentary websites). This week, we look at early behavior therapy aiding children with A.D.H.D., free play vs. competition, 8 habits that make millennials stressed, anxious and unproductive, and more.
Early Behavior Therapy Found to Aid Children With A.D.H.D. – The New York Times
Experts believe that the efficacy of early behavioral therapy, if replicated in larger studies, could change standard medical practice for children and adolescents in the United States with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or A.D.H.D. New research, published in the Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, found that children who started with behavioral modification did significantly better than those who began with medication by the end, no matter what treatment combination they ended up with. Beginning treatment for children with A.D.H.D with behavioral treatment and following with medication, if needed, was found to cost an average of $700 less annually per child.
Free Play vs. Competition – The Huffington Post
The current American work culture is riddled with people who use the competitive mindset and immediately thrust themselves into working hard. But this causes burnout and some psychological trauma. The American Psychological Association found the current millennial generation to be the most stressed in record. However, free play may be the new way of doing business, by using our imagination, having no objective, and pursuing whatever comes to mind. Both competitive spirit and innovation are important, but we have become very regimented and competition oriented. When we are in a state of free play, we are able to be more innovative, anyone can put their nose to the grindstone and do arithmetic, but it takes real innovation to take a world-changing concept and turn it into reality.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has found that millennials experience more stress and are less able to manage it than any other generation. The APA reports that 12% of millennials have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, 30% of working millennials have general anxiety, and anxiety regularly afflicts 61% of college students. Sources of millennial anxiety include a tough job market, student debt, ambition addiction, career crises and choice-overload. Chronic anxiety is not sustainable, however by swapping out some daily practices, millennials can improve their moods and their lives one habit at a time.
Let’s Change the Conversation Around Mental Health – The Huffington Post
The stigma around mental health often prevents people who need help from seeking it. First Lady Michelle Obama believes we shouldn’t treat mental health conditions any differently. “Instead, we should make it clear that getting help isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a sign of strength – and we should ensure that people can get the treatment they need”. The Affordable Care Act expanded mental health and substance use disorder benefits and required new plans to cover depression screenings for adults and behavioral assessments for kids. FLOTUS wants us find the courage to reach out and have tough conversations with our friends and family members — and get help. She notes that we need to recognize that mental health is important.
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