Psychology: Controversies and Myths

Eyewitnesses are one of the most relied upon pieces of evidence in the trial process. Most jury members do not understand the limitations of eyewitness testimony, and they rely upon it as “fact”. Memory doesn’t function like a video camera: it is malleable and can be influenced by a lot of outside factors. Unlike eyewitness testimony, DNA is conclusive. The Innocence Project … [Read more...] about Eyewitness Identification – Part 1

Nootropics are a category of drugs designed to improve cognitive function, learning, memory, and performance. These drugs are useful for treating ADHD, narcolepsy, or Alzheimer's. While they are most useful for those whose cognition is impaired, “normal” people have begun to look into the use of these “smart drugs” to increase cognitive performance (Medical News Today). … [Read more...] about Cognitive-Enhancing Drugs

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has a lot of negative associations in the mind of the public. When most people think of ECT, they think of mental patients receiving this treatment without their consent in the 1950s (Scientific American). It would probably be terrifying to imagine a treatment involving electricity running through your head. Staff at mental hospitals used this … [Read more...] about ECT Therapy

When it comes to substance abuse, the recommended course of action by most clinicians is abstinence. For example, an alcoholic would be encouraged to refrain from their addictive behavior, meaning that individual would simply stop consuming alcohol. Abstinence is promoted by most substance use support groups and those who treat substance abuse. However, abstinence does not … [Read more...] about Harm Reduction Treatment Model

Benzodiazepines have a variety of uses, but it is commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. This is due to their effect on the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which reduces neuronal excitability and thereby produces a calming effect (ScienceDirect). However, benzodiazepines are also known to produce rebound effects, or the return of the symptoms being treated … [Read more...] about Benzodiazepines for Anxiety Disorders