Author Archives: Shervan K Shahhian, LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, The Most Comprehensive Online Library Regarding Mental Health, Psychology and Parapsychology in the World.

Doctored Degree in Clinical Psychology (PSYD) (ABD) All But Dissertation, a Masters (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology, a Bachelor's Degree (B.A.) in Psychology, a Associate Degree (AA) in Liberal Arts with an emphases in Psychology, Certification in Anger Management, Certification in MRT-Moral Reconation Therapy®, Certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy, and Certification in Advanced Hypnotherapy.

Understanding the 7 Types of ADD:

https://danielamenmd.com

Understanding the 7 Types of ADD:

Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist specializing in brain health, identified seven types of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) based on brain imaging studies. These types go beyond the traditional understanding of ADHD as just hyperactive or inattentive. Each type has different symptoms and

The 7 Types of ADD:

Classic ADD

  • Symptoms: Inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity, restlessness.
  • Brain Pattern: Decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex when focusing.
  • Treatment: Stimulant medications (e.g., Ritalin, Adderall), exercise, protein-rich diet.

Inattentive ADD

  • Symptoms: Easily distracted, disorganized, forgetful, trouble following through.
  • Brain Pattern: Reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex.
  • Treatment: Stimulants, diet, coaching for structure and organization.

Over-Focused ADD

Symptoms: Trouble shifting attention, obsessive thoughts, difficulty with flexibility, opposition to change.

  • Brain Pattern: Overactivity in the anterior cingulate gyrus.
  • Treatment: Strategies to increase dopamine and serotonin (e.g., exercise, meditation, supplements).

Temporal Lobe ADD

  • Symptoms: Irritability, mood swings, memory problems, aggression, temper outbursts.
  • Brain Pattern: Dysfunction in the temporal lobes.
  • Treatment: Anticonvulsants, psychotherapy, relaxation techniques.

Limbic ADD

Symptoms: Persistent sadness, low energy, low self-esteem, negativity, but without full clinical depression.

  • Brain Pattern: Overactivity in the limbic system.
  • Treatment: Boosting dopamine (e.g., exercise, bright light therapy), targeted medications.

Ring of Fire ADD

  • Symptoms: Extreme moodiness, overreaction, anxiety, sensitivity to sounds and lights, oppositional behavior.
  • Brain Pattern: Hyperactivity across the brain.
  • Treatment: Elimination diets (to remove food sensitivities), calming supplements (e.g., GABA, magnesium), lifestyle adjustments.

Anxious ADD

  • Symptoms: Inattention combined with chronic anxiety, physical stress symptoms, fearfulness, tension.
  • Brain Pattern: Overactivity in the basal ganglia.
  • Treatment: Relaxation strategies, GABA-promoting foods, supplements, and sometimes anti-anxiety medication.

Each type responds differently to treatments, which is why a personalized approach is key. Dr. Amen emphasizes brain imaging and lifestyle modifications alongside medication and therapy.

https://danielamenmd.com

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology and the Cross-Cultural Perspectives:

Parapsychology and the Cross-Cultural Perspectives:

Parapsychology, the study of psychic phenomena such as telepathy, remote viewing, psychokinesis, and near-death experiences, takes on different meanings and interpretations across cultures. Cross-cultural perspectives on parapsychology highlight how different societies understand and integrate paranormal experiences into their belief systems, traditions, and scientific inquiries.

Indigenous and Shamanic Traditions

  • Many indigenous cultures embrace parapsychological phenomena as part of their spiritual practices. Shamans, medicine men, and spiritual leaders often claim to communicate with spirits, foresee events, and heal through non-physical means.
  • Examples:
  • Native American traditions emphasize vision quests, spirit communication, and energy medicine.
  • Amazonian shamans use ayahuasca to access altered states of consciousness for healing and divination.
  • African spiritual traditions include ancestor veneration, possession states, and psychic healing.

Eastern Mysticism and Psychic Phenomena

  • In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism, paranormal abilities are often seen as natural extensions of spiritual development.
  • Examples:
  • Siddhis in Hinduism: Advanced meditators or yogis are believed to develop supernatural abilities such as telepathy, levitation, and mind-over-matter control.
  • Tibetan Buddhism: Monks practicing deep meditation claim to achieve clairvoyance, remote viewing, and even mind projection.
  • Chinese Qigong masters: Some practitioners report abilities to manipulate energy (Qi) for healing and paranormal feats.

Western Scientific and Skeptical Approaches

  • Western science traditionally approaches parapsychology with skepticism, demanding rigorous empirical evidence.
  • While organizations like the Rhine Research Center and Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) study psychic phenomena, mainstream science largely dismisses parapsychology due to challenges in reproducibility and control.
  • However, certain subfields, such as Controlled Remote Viewing (CRV) and near-death experience research, have gained attention in military, medical, and consciousness studies.

Latin American and Caribbean Beliefs

  • A strong connection to spiritualism, folk magic, and syncretic religions (such as Santería, Candomblé, and Espiritismo) shapes perspectives on paranormal experiences.
  • Examples:
  • Espiritismo: A belief system in which mediums communicate with spirits.
  • Santería and Voodoo: Incorporate spirit possession, divination, and ritual magic.

6. Cross-Cultural Parapsychology in Modern Research

  • Global parapsychological research suggests that psychic experiences may be universal but culturally filtered through different beliefs, languages, and social constructs.
  • Studies show that people from all cultures report near-death experiences, out-of-body experiences, and telepathic occurrences, but interpret them based on their cultural and religious backgrounds.

Conclusion

Parapsychology is deeply influenced by cultural perspectives. While Western science often seeks empirical validation, many indigenous, Eastern, and spiritual traditions accept psychic phenomena as a natural part of reality. The challenge lies in integrating these diverse viewpoints into a broader understanding of human consciousness and the unknown.

Shervan K Shahhian

Cultural Biases in Mental Health:

Cultural Biases in Mental Health:

Cultural biases in mental health refer to the ways in which cultural factors — such as values, beliefs, norms, and traditions — can influence the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions.

These biases can manifest in various ways, such as:

Diagnostic Practices: Certain mental health conditions may be interpreted differently based on cultural norms. For example, in some cultures, behaviors that are considered normal or even desirable may be labeled as disorders in others. For instance, certain forms of emotional expression or family dynamics might be seen as abnormal in Western cultures but perfectly acceptable in other cultural contexts.

Treatment Approaches: The type of therapy or treatment considered effective can be influenced by cultural views on health and wellness. Some cultures may prefer spiritual healing or community-based practices over psychotherapy or medication. Cultural biases in mental health professionals can lead to misunderstanding or dismissing the validity of these practices.

Stigma and Perception: Mental health stigma varies greatly across cultures. In some cultures, mental illness may be seen as a personal weakness, shameful, or taboo, which can lead to individuals avoiding seeking help or facing discrimination.

Cultural Adaptation of Tools: Mental health assessment tools, like questionnaires or scales, are often developed with a specific cultural context in mind. If these tools are used outside that context, they may not be valid or reliable. For example, a mental health assessment designed in a Western context may fail to accurately assess mental health in non-Western populations.

Language Barriers: Different cultures may have distinct ways of expressing emotions or psychological distress. When mental health professionals are not aware of these differences, they may misinterpret the symptoms or fail to communicate effectively, which can lead to inaccurate diagnoses or ineffective treatments.

Cultural Competence: Mental health professionals who lack cultural competence (the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from cultures other than their own) may unintentionally perpetuate biases that affect the quality of care.

Addressing these biases involves cultural competence training for mental health professionals, developing culturally appropriate diagnostic tools, and creating more inclusive treatment models that respect diverse cultural perspectives on mental health.

Shervan K Shahhian

Self-Obsession, how can one escape from it:

Self-Obsession, how can one escape from it:

Escaping self-obsession requires shifting focus from excessive self-concern to a more balanced and outward-looking perspective.

Here’s how:

1. Cultivate Self-Awareness

  • Recognize when you’re overly fixated on yourself.
  • Keep a journal to track thoughts and patterns.
  • Reflect on how self-obsession affects relationships and mental well-being.

2. Develop Empathy & Connection

  • Practice active listening in conversations.
  • Engage in acts of kindness and service to others.
  • Spend time with people without making everything about yourself.

3. Challenge Negative Thought Patterns

  • Ask: “Is this truly important in the grand scheme?”
  • Focus on gratitude and appreciation for others.
  • Shift from self-criticism or self-glorification to objective self-assessment.

4. Engage in Meaningful Activities

  • Find hobbies that bring joy outside of self-image concerns.
  • Volunteer or contribute to a cause bigger than yourself.
  • Learn new skills that take focus off internal concerns.

5. Practice Mindfulness & Presence

  • Meditate to reduce rumination on self-related thoughts.
  • Focus on the present moment instead of internal narratives.
  • Avoid excessive social media comparisons that fuel self-obsession.

6. Seek External Perspectives

  • Ask trusted people for honest feedback about your behavior.
  • Read, watch, or listen to content that broadens your worldview.
  • Engage in discussions that challenge your viewpoints.

Shervan K Shahhian

Non-Pathological Obsession, what is it:

Non-Pathological Obsession, what is it:

A non-pathological obsession refers to an intense interest or fixation on a particular subject, activity, or goal that does not negatively impact a person’s overall well-being or daily functioning. Unlike pathological obsessions (which are often linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder or other mental health conditions), non-pathological obsessions can be beneficial, driving passion, deep expertise, and personal fulfillment.

Characteristics of a Non-Pathological Obsession:

  • Passionate Engagement – A strong and consistent interest in a subject or activity.
  • No Significant Distress – The obsession does not cause anxiety, distress, or impairment in daily life.
  • Balance – The individual maintains a functional lifestyle and responsibilities.
  • Personal Growth – The obsession leads to learning, creativity, or meaningful achievements.
  • Choice and Control – The person can step away from the obsession when needed.

For example, someone deeply interested in Controlled Remote Viewing (CRV) who dedicates significant time to studying, practicing, and discussing it—but still maintains healthy relationships, work, and self-care—could be said to have a non-pathological obsession.

Shervan K Shahhian

Non-Pathological Obsession vs Pathological Obsession, the differences:

Non-Pathological Obsession vs Pathological Obsession, the differences:

The main difference between non-pathological obsession and pathological obsession lies in the level of impairment, distress, and control a person has over their thoughts and behaviors.

Here’s a breakdown:

Non-Pathological Obsession
Healthy Passion or Intense Interest — A person might be deeply invested in a hobby, research, or goal (e.g., an artist obsessed with perfecting their craft).
Enhances Life — The obsession is constructive, leading to personal growth, achievements, or fulfillment.
Under Control — The person can take breaks and shift their focus when necessary.
Minimal Distress — Even if they think about it frequently, it doesn’t cause anxiety or disrupt their daily life.

🔹 Example: A scientist obsessively working on a theory but still maintaining relationships and self-care.

Pathological Obsession
Compulsive & Unwanted Thoughts — Intrusive thoughts that feel uncontrollable and cause distress.
Interferes with Daily Life — Negatively affects work, relationships, or mental health.
Driven by Anxiety or Fear — Often linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or other conditions.
Lack of Control — The person feels trapped in obsessive patterns and may engage in compulsive behaviors to cope.

🔹 Example: Someone repeatedly washing their hands due to obsessive fear of germs, despite knowing it’s excessive.

Shervan K Shahhian

Understanding the Psychology of Obsession:

Understanding the Psychology of Obsession:

Obsession is a psychological state where a person becomes fixated on a particular thought, idea, person, or activity to an unhealthy degree. It can be linked to various psychological mechanisms and conditions, from normal intense interests to clinical disorders like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or even addiction. Understanding the psychology of obsession requires exploring its cognitive, emotional, and neurological foundations.

Key Psychological Aspects of Obsession

  1. Cognitive Fixation — The mind locks onto a specific idea or subject, making it difficult to focus on anything else. This can stem from emotional needs, trauma, or deep-seated fears.
  2. Emotional Intensity — Obsession is often fueled by strong emotions such as love, fear, desire, or anxiety. For example, obsessive love can stem from insecurity or fear of abandonment.
  3. Reinforcement Loops — The brain reinforces obsessive thoughts through repeated exposure and emotional validation, creating a cycle that is hard to break.
  4. Neurological Basis — Research suggests that obsessive behavior is linked to dopamine and serotonin imbalances, which affect reward and mood regulation.

Types of Obsession

  • Personal Obsessions — Related to self-image, success, or personal goals.
  • Romantic Obsession — Can lead to unhealthy attachment or stalking behaviors.
  • Intellectual or Ideological Obsession — Seen in extreme beliefs or conspiracy thinking.
  • Compulsive Behaviors — Found in OCD, where individuals feel compelled to repeat actions to ease anxiety.

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Obsession

  • A healthy obsession (or passion) drives motivation and creativity, such as an artist or scientist deeply engaged in their work.
  • Unhealthy obsession leads to distress, dysfunction, and often negative outcomes, such as toxic relationships or compulsions that interfere with daily life.

Shervan K Shahhian

Neurobehavioral Status Testing:

Neurobehavioral status testing:

(PLEASE CONSULT A NEUROLOGIST, and/or PSYCHIATRIST FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION)

Neurobehavioral status testing is a type of cognitive and psychological assessment used to evaluate a person’s brain function, behavior, and mental status. It is often used in clinical settings to assess individuals with suspected neurological disorders, brain injuries, or cognitive impairments.

What It Evaluates

  1. Cognition — Memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive functioning.
  2. Language Skills — Understanding, speaking, and writing abilities.
  3. Motor Skills — Coordination and fine motor control.
  4. Emotional and Behavioral Functioning — Mood disorders, personality changes, and impulse control.
  5. Perception — Visual-spatial skills and sensory integration.

Who Needs Neurobehavioral Status Testing?

  • Patients with traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Individuals with neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)
  • Those with psychiatric disorders affecting cognitive function
  • Stroke survivors
  • People with suspected toxic or metabolic brain disorders

Common Tests Used

  • Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
  • Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
  • Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS)
  • Neuropsychological test batteries (e.g., Halstead-Reitan, RBANS, or D-KEFS)

Shervan K Shahhian

Non-Delusional Pathological Jealousy, what is it:

Non-delusional pathological Jealousy, also called Obsessive Jealousy or Morbid Jealousy, is an intense, irrational, and uncontrollable form of jealousy that is not based on delusions (as seen in delusional jealousy or Othello syndrome). Unlike normal jealousy, which can be based on real concerns, non-delusional pathological jealousy is excessive, intrusive, and often leads to destructive behaviors.

Key Characteristics:

  • Not delusional — The person does not have false, fixed beliefs (as in psychotic disorders), but their jealousy is still irrational and overwhelming.
  • Obsessive and intrusive thoughts — Constant thoughts about a partner’s potential unfaithfulness, even without evidence.
  • Compulsive behaviors — Checking phones, social media, interrogating partners, or stalking them.
  • Severe emotional distress — Anxiety, insecurity, and paranoia despite reassurance.
  • Aggressive or controlling behaviors — Trying to limit the partner’s social interactions or independence.

Causes:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Past trauma (e.g., infidelity in previous relationships)
  • Attachment issues
  • Underlying mental health conditions (e.g., OCD, borderline personality disorder)

Impact & Treatment:

  • Can damage relationships and lead to emotional abuse.
  • This may cause significant distress to both partners.
  • Treated with therapy (CBT, couples therapy), self-esteem work, and sometimes medication (if linked to anxiety or OCD).

Shervan K Shahhian

The Mental Health Impact of Unidentified Aerial Vehicles:

The Mental Health Impact of Unidentified Aerial Vehicles:

The presence and increasing awareness of Unidentified Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), often associated with unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), can have significant mental health implications, both individually and collectively.

Here are some key aspects of its impact:

1. Anxiety and Fear

  • Many people experience fear and anxiety due to the unknown nature of UAVs/UAPs. The idea that they could be extraterrestrial or beyond human control can trigger existential distress.
  • Witnesses of UAP encounters may develop paranoia or heightened vigilance, fearing government surveillance, alien abduction, or secret military experiments.

2. Psychological Distress in Witnesses

  • People who claim to have seen a UAP often report feelings of isolation, disbelief from others, and difficulty processing their experience.
  • Some witnesses suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, and social withdrawal.

3. Cognitive Dissonance and Worldview Disruption

  • The idea that mainstream science, governments, and institutions may be hiding or suppressing UAP information creates cognitive dissonance for some individuals.
  • Those deeply invested in materialistic or religious worldviews may struggle with integrating UAP phenomena into their existing belief systems, leading to existential crises.

4. Obsession and Paranoia

  • Some individuals become obsessed with uncovering the truth about UAPs, leading to compulsive research, conspiracy thinking, and paranoia.
  • Excessive focus on the phenomenon can result in social withdrawal and neglect of everyday responsibilities.

5. The Role of Disclosure and Media Influence

  • Official government acknowledgment of UAPs can validate concerns but also cause widespread uncertainty and fear.
  • Sensationalized media coverage can amplify hysteria, while secrecy fuels speculation and mistrust in institutions.

6. Spiritual and Psychological Awakening

  • On a more positive note, some people experience a sense of expanded consciousness, feeling that UAP encounters or knowledge about them open the door to greater cosmic awareness.
  • This can lead to personal growth, deeper philosophical inquiry, and a shift in perspective about humanity’s place in the universe.

Shervan K Shahhian