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Repressed Memories: Causes, Mechanisms, & Coping Strategies

In some cases, individuals may experience a traumatic event that triggers such a potent stress response via the sympathetic nervous system, that memory of the event becomes repressed.  The potency of the stress-response exceeds their innate ability to cope and other coping resources.  Emotions associated with the traumatic event are often overpowering, leading to intense …

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Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Individuals that have used any potent drug, particularly for a long-term and/or at high doses are known to experience significant short-term withdrawal symptoms.  These symptoms may include things like dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.  Over time, they usually lessen in severity as the nervous system and physiology adjusts to function without the presence of the …

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Causes Of Insomnia (List)

Insomnia is considered a sleep disorder characterized by an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.  There are many different types of insomnia, some of which are short-term days or weeks), and others which are long-term (e.g. months or years).  If you suffer from insomnia, it is important to realize that it …

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What are Hypnagogic Jerks? Twitches Before Sleep.

Hypnagogic jerks refer to involuntary bodily twitches, movements, or muscular jolts that occur during the transition from wakefulness to a sleeping state.  Most people are thought to experience them just moments before entering the first stage of sleep.  In some cases, hypnagogic jerks are also referred to as “sleep twitches” or “sleep starts,” but are …

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Hypnopompic Hallucinations: Causes, Types, & Treatment

Hypnopompic hallucinations refer to bizarre sensory experiences that occur during the transitory period between a sleeping state and wakefulness.  Imagine sensing that you are slowly transitioning from a sleeping state to being fully awake, when at some point during that transition, you begin seeing vivid geometric shapes, hearing sounds, or even sensing touch. These sensations …

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Hypnagogic Hallucinations: Causes, Types, & Treatment

Hypnagogic hallucinations refer to bizarre sensory perceptions (usually visual) that are perceived during a presomnal state, or upon the transition from pre-sleep wakefulness to sleep.  These bizarre perceptions may be psychologically disturbing and extremely vivid.  Perhaps you’ve seen odd shapes with vivid colors, or especially odd imagery prior to falling asleep. In this case, your …

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Delusions Of Persecution: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Delusions of persecution refer to false beliefs or perceptions in which a person believes that they are being treated with malicious intent, hostility, or harassment – despite significant evidence to suggest otherwise.  Imagine waking up and thinking that your next-door neighbor was plotting to kill you, or that your spouse had sprinkled some poison in …

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