Farshid Rashidifar

09/02/2024

مهاجرت و فرهنگ‌پذیری از موضوعاتی هستند که بر همهٔ مهاجران، چه کسانی که به‌تازگی مهاجرت کرده‌اند و چه آن‌هایی که سال‌ها در خارج از کشور زندگی کرده‌اند، تأثیر می‌گذارند. اینکه چگونه می‌توانیم با گذر زمان خود را با فرهنگ جدید سازگار کنیم و در عین حال سلامت روان خود را حفظ و تقویت کنیم، به چهار پیامد انطباق‌پذیری فرهنگی بستگی دارد که در این ویدئو به آن‌ها پرداخته‌ام و راهکارهایی برای انتخاب بهترین نوع انطباق فرهنگی در ارتباط با سلامت روان ارائه داده‌ام.

#مهاجرت #ایران #کانادا

مهاجرت و فرهنگ‌پذیری از موضوعاتی هستند که بر همهٔ مهاجران، چه کسانی که به‌تازگی مهاجرت کرده‌اند و چه آن‌هایی که سال‌ها در خارج از کشور زندگی کرده‌اند، تأثیر ...

07/29/2024

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), while a critical tool for diagnosing mental disorders, often falls short when applied to immigrant populations due to significant cultural gaps and differences in understanding. Its frameworks and criteria, largely rooted in Western norms and values, may not fully capture or accurately interpret the cultural expressions of distress and mental health experiences unique to immigrants. This limitation can lead to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment, highlighting the need for more culturally sensitive approaches that consider diverse backgrounds and perspectives in mental health assessments.


#روانشناسی

07/12/2024

This video is part of my educational series focusing on mental disorders. In today's episode, I'll discuss Major depressive disorder (MDD). While presented in Farsi, I also provide information in plain English to offer a basic understanding of this condition for interested viewers. Through these programs, my goal is to raise awareness about mental health issues.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, and a range of accompanying symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning. There must be a depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, or a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed, persisting for at least two weeks. Additionally, individuals must experience at least five of the following symptoms during the same period: changes in appetite or weight, sleep disturbances, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, and recurrent thoughts of death or su***de.

The presentation of MDD can vary widely, from somatic complaints such as fatigue or insomnia to pronounced psychomotor disturbances and suicidal thoughts. Addressing MDD comprehensively not only aims to alleviate symptoms but also seeks to improve overall quality of life and reduce the risk of severe outcomes like su***de, which can be a concern, especially in more severe cases. Early intervention and ongoing management are essential in managing the chronic nature of the disorder and enhancing long-term well-being.



#روانشناسی‌

07/04/2024

This video is part of my educational series focusing on mental disorders. In today's episode, I'll discuss Bipolar Disorder. While presented in Farsi, I also provide information in plain English to offer a basic understanding of this condition for interested viewers. Through these programs, my goal is to raise awareness about mental health issues.

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs known as mania or hypomania, and lows manifested as depression. A manic episode involves a distinct period marked by abnormally elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, along with increased activity or energy nearly every day for at least one week (or any duration requiring hospitalization).

During a manic episode, mood is often euphoric or excessively cheerful, sometimes leading to unrestrained enthusiasm in interpersonal, sexual, or occupational contexts. Individuals may exhibit inflated self-esteem, ranging from heightened self-confidence to grandiosity, possibly reaching delusional levels. Other features include decreased need for sleep, rapid and pressured speech, racing thoughts, distractibility, and increased goal-directed activity across various domains. Impairment in social or occupational functioning is common, occasionally necessitating hospitalization, especially if psychotic features are present.

Bipolar disorder encompasses several types, each characterized by distinct patterns of mood episodes. Bipolar I disorder involves at least one manic episode, which may be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. Bipolar II disorder is marked by at least one hypomanic episode and one major depressive episode, without full manic episodes.



# روان_درمانی #ونکوور #ایران #کانادا

06/29/2024

Individuals with Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD) typically experience multiple current somatic symptoms that are distressing or significantly disrupt daily life, though sometimes only one severe symptom, such as pain, is present. These symptoms can be specific, like localized pain, or nonspecific, like fatigue, and often represent normal bodily sensations that do not indicate serious disease. The individual's suffering is real, whether or not it has a medical explanation. People with this disorder usually have high levels of worry about illness, perceiving their symptoms as highly threatening, harmful, or troublesome, and often fearing the worst about their health despite evidence to the contrary. In severe cases, health concerns can dominate the individual's life and relationships.
There is often extensive use of medical care, which rarely eases the individual's worries. As a result, they may seek care from multiple doctors for the same symptoms, often without relief from medical interventions, which can sometimes worsen their symptoms.

Cognitive features of the disorder include intense focus on somatic symptoms, attributing normal bodily sensations to illness (sometimes catastrophically), constant worry about illness, and fear that any physical activity may cause harm. Associated behavioral features include frequent checking for bodily abnormalities, repeatedly seeking medical help and reassurance, and avoiding physical activity. These behaviors are most evident in severe, persistent cases of the disorder.



# روان_درمانی #ونکوور #ایران #کانادا

06/27/2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by challenges in social communication and interaction across various contexts. Individuals with ASD may struggle with understanding social cues, initiating or reciprocating social interactions, and sharing emotions or interests. These difficulties vary in severity and are classified into Levels 1, 2, and 3, indicating the support needed for daily functioning.

Communication challenges in autism involve both verbal and nonverbal aspects. Some individuals may have delayed or limited speech development, while others use language in unusual ways. Nonverbal communication, such as gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact, can also be affected, making social navigation difficult.

ASD also features restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs), ranging from stereotyped movements to rigid routines and intense fixations on interests or objects. Changes in routine can be particularly distressing, highlighting the need for structure and predictability.

Autism often coexists with comorbidities like intellectual disabilities, ADHD, anxiety disorders, epilepsy, and sensory sensitivities. While the exact causes are unclear, research suggests a strong genetic component and possible environmental influences. Early intervention is crucial, improving outcomes by addressing communication skills, social interactions, and behavioral challenges during a critical developmental period.

Treatment approaches for autism include behavioral therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), which reinforce desired behaviors and teach new skills. Speech therapy and occupational therapy address communication deficits and sensory sensitivities, enhancing functional abilities and independence.



# روان_درمانی #ونکوور #ایران #کانادا

06/25/2024

Adjustment disorder is diagnosed when emotional or behavioral symptoms occur in response to a specific stressor. These symptoms must develop within three months of the stressor and must be out of proportion to the severity of the stressor or cause significant impairment in functioning. The essential feature of adjustment disorder is the presence of emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to a stressor, which can be a single event, multiple events, recurrent stressors, or continuous stressors. These stressors can affect individuals, families, or larger communities and may accompany specific developmental events such as going to school, getting married, or retiring.

Adjustment disorders can manifest with various predominant symptoms, including depressed mood, anxiety, mixed anxiety and depressed mood, disturbance of conduct, mixed disturbance of emotions and conduct, or unspecified symptoms. Common examples of stressors include the death of a loved one, divorce or relationship issues, job loss, financial problems, or major life transitions.

The development of adjustment disorder begins within three months of the onset of a stressor and typically does not last longer than six months after the stressor or its consequences have ceased. If the stressor is an acute event, the onset of symptoms is usually immediate and brief. However, if the stressor or its consequences persist, the adjustment disorder may also continue and become persistent.

Adjustment disorders are also associated with an increased risk of su***de attempts and completed su***de. Therefore, early intervention and treatment are crucial. Treatment options often include psychotherapy, such as CBT, which helps individuals develop coping skills and address negative thought patterns. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety or depression.



# روان_درمانی #ونکوور #ایران #کانادا

06/19/2024

Specific learning disorder (SLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition rooted in biological factors that underlie cognitive anomalies manifested as behavioral symptoms. Its etiology involves a complex interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences that impair the brain’s ability to efficiently and accurately process verbal or nonverbal information.

A hallmark of SLD is the persistent difficulty in acquiring foundational academic skills, which typically begins during formal schooling years. These core skills include accurate and fluent single-word reading, reading comprehension, written expression, spelling, arithmetic calculation, and mathematical reasoning.

Another critical feature of SLD is performance in affected academic skills that is significantly below age expectations. This can be identified through low academic achievement for age or average achievement maintained only with exceptional effort or support. In children, this low achievement impacts school performance, while in adults, it interferes with occupational performance and daily activities.

Learning difficulties in SLD typically appear in early school years but may manifest later as academic demands increase. SLD is "specific" because it is not due to intellectual disabilities, sensory or neurological disorders, or socioeconomic factors. Individuals with SLD generally have normal intellectual functioning and use compensatory strategies until higher demands reveal their challenges.

SLD manifestations evolve with age: preschoolers may struggle with language games, rhyming, or recognizing letters and numbers; elementary children may face difficulties with phoneme recognition, word decoding, and arithmetic; adolescents and adults may have persistent issues with reading fluency, comprehension, and written expression, often avoiding activities requiring these skills.



# روان_درمانی #ونکوور #ایران #کانادا

06/14/2024

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) involves a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that disrupts functioning. Inattention includes wandering off task, lacking persistence, and being disorganized. Hyperactivity involves excessive motor activity and talkativeness. Impulsivity refers to hasty actions with high potential for harm and a desire for immediate rewards, leading to social intrusiveness and rash decisions.

ADHD symptoms can vary depending on the context within different settings. Individuals with ADHD may have low frustration tolerance, irritability, or mood liability. Even without a specific learning disorder, academic or work performance is frequently impaired. Inattentive behavior is associated with various underlying cognitive processes, and individuals with ADHD often exhibit cognitive problems on tests of attention, executive function, or memory. By early adulthood, there is an increased risk of su***de attempts, especially when ADHD coexists with mood, conduct, or substance use disorders.

Several factors are associated with an increased risk of developing ADHD. Very low birth weight increases the risk two- to threefold, although most low birth weight children do not develop ADHD. Smoking during pregnancy is correlated with ADHD, but this association partly reflects common genetic risk. A minority of ADHD cases may be linked to dietary factors. Additionally, a history of child abuse, neglect, multiple foster placements, neurotoxin exposure (e.g., lead), infections (e.g., encephalitis), or alcohol exposure in utero may contribute to the development of ADHD.



# #ونکوور #ایران #کانادا

06/10/2024

Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is characterized by an overwhelming and persistent need to be cared for, leading to submissive and clingy behaviors, as well as a deep fear of separation. This pattern typically begins in early adulthood and is evident in various aspects of life. Individuals with DPD have a profound difficulty in making everyday decisions without excessive advice and reassurance from others. They tend to be passive, allowing others, often one specific person, to take the initiative and assume responsibility for major areas of their lives. This reliance on others extends beyond what is appropriate for their age and situation. They often refrain from expressing disagreement due to fear of losing support or approval, leading them to agree with things they may believe are wrong rather than risk the loss of essential relationships.

The disorder also makes it hard for individuals to start projects or do things independently, as they lack self-confidence and feel they need help to carry out tasks. They may avoid situations that require independent action, preferring others to take the lead, which perpetuates their dependency. In extreme cases, they might go to great lengths to obtain care and support, even if it means volunteering for unpleasant tasks or enduring abuse. Their exaggerated fears of being unable to care for themselves make them feel uncomfortable and helpless when alone, causing them to seek constant companionship.

When a significant relationship ends, individuals with DPD urgently seek another relationship to provide the needed care and support. They are often preoccupied with fears of being abandoned, even when there is no substantial reason for such concerns. This excessive and unrealistic fear highlights their deep-seated dependency. People with DPD frequently exhibit pessimism, self-doubt, and a tendency to belittle their abilities, often viewing themselves as inadequate or "stupid." They interpret criticism as proof of their worthlessness and seek overprotection and dominance from others.

Socially, their interactions are limited to a few people on whom they depend heavily. This disorder often coexists with other personality disorders, such as borderline, avoidant, and histrionic personality disorders, and there is an increased risk of depressive, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. Chronic physical illnesses or a history of separation anxiety during childhood or adolescence may predispose individuals to developing DPD. Their occupational functioning may suffer, particularly in roles requiring independent initiative, and they tend to avoid positions of responsibility due to their anxiety over making decisions. Overall, DPD significantly impacts various life domains, making self-sufficiency and independent functioning challenging for those affected.

06/06/2024

This video, part of my educational series on mental disorders, focuses on narcissistic personality disorder. While presented in Farsi, it includes basic information in English. My goal is to raise awareness about mental health, helping others recognize symptoms and take informed action.

Narcissistic personality disorder is characterized by grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy starting in early adulthood and present in various contexts. Individuals with this disorder have an exaggerated sense of self-importance, expecting others to share this view and becoming upset when they do not receive anticipated praise. They devalue others' contributions and are preoccupied with fantasies of success, power, and admiration, often comparing themselves to famous or privileged people.

They believe they are special and superior, expecting others to recognize this and treat them accordingly. They feel only high-status individuals can understand them and should only associate with such people. They require excessive admiration and are focused on how others perceive them, often using charm to gain compliments. They exhibit entitlement, expecting special treatment and becoming angry when it doesn't occur, exploiting others to meet their needs without considering the impact.

A lack of empathy makes it difficult for them to understand others' feelings and needs. They are often envious of others or believe others are envious of them, resenting others' successes and devaluing their achievements. Their fragile self-esteem makes them highly sensitive to criticism, which can lead to feelings of humiliation and emptiness, often resulting in disdain, rage, or social withdrawal.

Interpersonal relationships suffer due to their entitlement, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. Despite their ambition and confidence, their performance often suffers from an intolerance of criticism, leading them to avoid risks and resulting in low vocational functioning.

06/03/2024

This video is part of my educational series on mental health awareness. While it's presented in Farsi, I also offer information in plain English to provide a basic understanding of this condition for those interested. In today's episode, I'll be discussing Borderline Personality Disorder.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex condition characterized by pervasive instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, along with marked impulsivity. This disorder typically begins in early adulthood and affects various areas of life. Individuals with BPD exhibit intense fear of abandonment, often responding with inappropriate anger and frantic efforts to avoid perceived separations or changes in plans. This fear is intertwined with discomfort in solitude and a persistent need for others' presence.

Relationships are often tumultuous and unstable, with individuals alternating between idealizing and devaluing others based on perceived responsiveness. This relational instability stems from a fragile self-image, sudden shifts in goals and values, and an identity disturbance, where individuals may fluctuate between feelings of worthlessness and nonexistence.

Impulsivity is a hallmark of BPD, leading to self-damaging behaviors such as reckless spending, substance abuse, and unsafe sexual practices. Self-harm, including recurrent suicidal behaviors or gestures, is common and often triggered by perceived threats of abandonment or overwhelming responsibilities, providing temporary relief from emotional distress.

The emotional landscape of BPD includes intense mood swings, with rapid fluctuations in dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety, often exacerbated by interpersonal stress. Chronic feelings of emptiness and difficulty controlling intense anger are common, with outbursts typically followed by shame and guilt, contributing to a pervasive sense of being inherently "bad" or "evil."

During periods of extreme stress, individuals with BPD may experience transient paranoid ideation or dissociative symptoms, typically triggered by perceived abandonment. These brief symptoms further compound the individual's distress and sense of instability.



#روانشناسی‌

05/30/2024

The key characteristic of histrionic personality disorder is pervasive and excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior. Individuals with this disorder feel uncomfortable or unappreciated when they are not the center of attention. Often lively and dramatic, they initially attract others with their enthusiasm, apparent openness, or flirtatiousness, but their constant demand for attention soon wears thin. They often position themselves as "the life of the party," and if not the focus, they might create a scene or fabricate stories to regain attention.

These individuals frequently exhibit inappropriately sexually provocative or seductive behavior, extending beyond those with whom they have a romantic or sexual interest and into various social, occupational, and professional relationships, irrespective of the social context. Their emotional expression is typically shallow and rapidly shifting. They consistently use their physical appearance to attract attention and are overly concerned with their looks, investing significant time, energy, and money in their appearance.

They often seek compliments and can be extremely sensitive to criticism about their looks. Their speech tends to be excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail. They express strong opinions dramatically but without supporting facts or detailed explanations. For instance, they might praise someone as a wonderful person but cannot provide specific examples to substantiate this view.
Their behavior is marked by self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated emotional expression, which can embarrass others due to excessive public displays of emotion that seem insincere. Individuals with this disorder are highly suggestible and easily influenced by others and current trends. They are overly trusting of strong authority figures, believing these figures can magically solve their problems. They often misinterpret the intimacy of relationships, seeing them as much closer than they actually are.
Individuals with histrionic personality disorder may struggle to achieve emotional intimacy in romantic or sexual relationships, often playing roles like "victim." They might try to control their partners through emotional manipulation or seductiveness while simultaneously showing significant dependency. There is a heightened risk for suicidal gestures and threats among these individuals, often used to gain attention or better caregiving.

05/27/2024

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregarding and violating the rights of others, beginning in childhood or early adolescence and persisting into adulthood. Central traits of this disorder include deceit and manipulation.

To diagnose ASPD, the individual must be at least 18 years old and have a history of conduct disorder symptoms before age 15. Conduct disorder involves repeated and persistent behavior that violates the basic rights of others or societal norms and rules. These behaviors fall into categories such as aggression toward people and animals, property destruction, deceitfulness or theft, and serious rule violations.

Antisocial behavior persists into adulthood, with individuals frequently disregarding lawful behaviors. They may engage in acts like property destruction, harassment, theft, or illegal activities, often resulting in arrest. These individuals show no regard for others. Impulsivity is common, with decisions made impulsively and without consideration of consequences.

Individuals with ASPD are typically irritable and aggressive, engaging in physical fights or assaults. They show reckless disregard for their own safety and that of others, often through behaviors like reckless driving, unsafe sexual activities, or substance abuse. These individuals are also generally irresponsible, as evidenced by significant periods of unemployment despite available opportunities, abandonment of jobs without realistic plans, or financial irresponsibility such as defaulting on debts or failing to support dependents.

A lack of remorse is also characteristic. Individuals may be indifferent to or rationalize harming others, blaming victims for their misfortune or minimizing the impact of their actions. They fail to make amends and often believe that self-interest justifies their behavior.

ASPD follows a chronic course but may become less evident or remit as individuals age, especially by their fourth decade. This reduction is particularly notable concerning criminal behavior, though a decrease in the broader spectrum of antisocial behaviors and substance use is also typical.




#روانشناسی‌

05/22/2024

Schizotypal Personality Disorder (STPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by pervasive patterns of social and interpersonal deficits, cognitive or perceptual distortions, and eccentric behaviors. These features begin in early adulthood and manifest across various contexts, causing significant distress or impairment in functioning.

The hallmark of STPD is a pervasive pattern of social and interpersonal deficits marked by acute discomfort with, and reduced capacity for, close relationships. Individuals with this disorder often exhibit cognitive or perceptual distortions and eccentricities of behavior.

Individuals with STPD frequently interpret casual incidents and external events as having a particular and unusual meaning specifically for them, known as ideas of reference. They may also engage in magical thinking, believing they possess special powers to influence events, read others' thoughts, or predict the future. These individuals may experience unusual perceptual experiences, such as sensing an unseen presence or hearing murmurs of their name when no one is around. They often display odd or eccentric behavior, including peculiar speech patterns, unconventional dress, and unique mannerisms. Their speech may be vague, digressive, or overly elaborate, and their appearance might be unkempt or unusual.

In addition, individuals with STPD commonly experience significant social anxiety, particularly in unfamiliar settings. This anxiety is often accompanied by paranoid ideation, such as believing that others are plotting against them or harboring malicious intentions. Moreover, they typically struggle with forming and maintaining close relationships, often feeling uncomfortable and out of place in social interactions. This discomfort does not diminish with increased familiarity and is usually linked to underlying suspiciousness.

One critical aspect of diagnosing STPD is distinguishing between culturally rooted beliefs and those indicative of a disorder. For example, in some cultures, beliefs in spirits, ancestor worship, or specific rituals are normative and respected. However, in a different cultural context, these same beliefs might be viewed as symptomatic of STPD if they are not widely shared or understood.