CPA Web-based Workshop: Exploring Screen Addiction, Excessive or Otherwise Non-integrated Use of Screen-based Technologies
Screen-based technologies (computers, tablets, gaming consoles, phones, pads and pods) are fully assimilated in modern life (scholastics, work, research and play). Interactive technology is in every workplace, school and home, car, purse and pocket. But what is this doing to our brains and behavior; to our base neurophysiology? Much use is innocuous and just a reflection of modern times. But in clinical populations (and broadening sections of non-clinical populations), there appears to be a direct correlation between excessive and inappropriate screen usage and aliments or symptoms for which individuals are seeking psychological services–anxiety, depression, OCD, ICD, learning disabilities and ADHD, behavior disorders, conduct disorders, sexual dysfunction, marital/partner conflict and discord, anger management, and insomnia. Screen-Addiction is one of the most misunderstood and complex emergent addictions. This talk will go far beyond the questions of ‘is it real?’ exploring the biological/neurophysiological bases of content addiction (e.g., pornography), process addiction (e.g., communication/texting) combined (e.g., gaming) and compounding crossover – and most importantly what to do about it!
Learning Objectives: 1) To recognize the signs and symptoms of possible contributions of excessive screen usage to lack of wellness and alterations in development (use patterns may be central in causing or contributing to the maintenance of presenting symptoms); 2) To recognize the contributions of culture and epigenetics and the need for variation in treatment strategy/intervention accordingly; 3) To become versed in the emergent research to be able to educate clients of the need for change in their/their child’s relationship to technology for treatment success and generalized health and wellness; and 4) To learn how to identify behaviour patterns common to excessive usage and develop protocols for successful intervention.
Topic: The Neurotherapeutic Treatment of Addictions – November 2014
Topic: Biofeedback: the science of mind and body combined – October 2014
Topic: The Neurotherapeutic Treatment of Depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder – September 2014
Topic: The Neurotherapeutic Treatment of Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue and Pain – August 2014
Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorders – July 2014