In The News
Is Gaming Disorder a Real Addiction, and How Can I Tell if it's Affecting my Child?
Studies have shown that video games and other addictions, such as alcohol and nicotine, affect neural pathways in similar ways: They all lead to an increase in dopamine levels in specific pleasure centers of the brain. While drugs increase dopamine levels far more than video games, gaming can have a similar deleterious effect of “taking … Read More
Video Game 'Disorder' is a Real Thing, and Concern is Growing
Just when you thought it was OK to play violent video games like “Carmageddon” and “Manhunt” for endless hours, nanny state thinking wants to limit your Xbox activity. But it’s not about that last-century belief that gamers might turn into violent zombies. This time, the warnings are both sobering and serious. The World Health Organization … Read More
Hoag Experts Discuss Gaming & Device Addiction in Teens
Gaming and device addiction is becoming more common in teens. The World Health Organization recently recognized “gaming disorder” as a diagnosable condition. While the addiction is not the same as a chemical one via drugs or alcohol, it can cause similar psychological effects, such as irritability, depression, isolation and anxiety. Hoag invites the community to … Read More
OC Hospitals Expand Mental Health Services for Teens Through ASPIRE Program
CHOC Children’s, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, and Mission Hospital have developed a consortium with El Camino Hospital’s After-School Program for Interventions and Resiliency Education (ASPIRE) to expand the availability of teen mental health services in California. The intensive outpatient therapy program, now in its eighth year, is designed for young people ages 13-18 with significant … Read More
Hoag Confronts Youth Mental Issues with ASPIRE Program
Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian will step up its efforts to address youth mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, with After-School Program for Interventions and Resiliency Education (ASPIRE) program. Founded in Northern California in 2010, the program is designed for youth between the ages of 13 and 17 and helps them develop … Read More
Show Teens a Path out of Suicidal Darkness
As the headlines are making all too clear: Our children are hurting, and they often see suicide as their only way out. Nationally, teen suicide rates are on the rise, and unfortunately we've experienced that firsthand with a recent suicide in our own community. That is why it is so heartening that the American Academy … Read More
Internet a 'Lord of the Flies': Teen Suicide Rise Started After Instagram, Snapchat began
Third of three parts. Part 1 and Part 2 A counselor at JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano faces a gathering of somber students and asks if they knew any of the teens who recently took their lives. A half-dozen hands immediately rise. After a pause, more hands poke up. “I knew Kyle,” … Read More
How parents should react to anxiety in their children may surprise you
Anxiety disorders are one of the most common conditions that I see in my patients: children, teens and adults.But what I find interesting is that many parents don’t know how to determine if their child has an anxiety disorder. Parents typically interpret anxious behaviors as nervousness or stress. When worry begins to interfere with one’s … Read More