Redefining Stress

How to train your brain to conquer anxiety and depression

G. Frank Lawlis, PhD, is principal content and oversight adviser of the Dr. Phil Show. See full bio

March 16, 2009

Sleep and the ADHD Student

Maybe because I have ADD myself or just have a passion for working with these great kids, but I want to pass on some rather fascinating observations I have been making in regard to the sleep patterns of students diagnosed with this disorder. Read More

March 3, 2009

The Aphrodisiac: Foods and Libido

Even before Madame Pompadour ate truffles, vanilla, and celery to heighten her desire for Louis XIV, food and sexual delight went hand in hand. Nearly every food from artichoke to passion fruit has been considered an aphrodisiac. Read More

February 16, 2009

The PTSD Solution: New Hope through Brain Plasticity

As new programs continue to grow in response to the huge demand of patients who believe they are victims of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), I am becoming more frustrated with the mercenary trends of the professional community in trying to "catch the next wave" of fad diagnoses. Read More

February 2, 2009

Retraining the ADHD Brain

In 2004 I published a book on Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder, called The ADD Answer, and brought on the wrath of a lot of traditional pill-selling companies and associations by merely pointing out that the diagnostic form of using behavioral lists is not reliable or valid. Read More

January 16, 2009

Food as Brain Medicine

After three weeks out of spinal surgery without pain drugs, I can truly appreciate the value of food as medicine, at least as pain medicine. This experience comes on the exact time of the publication of my cookbook, Brain Power Cookbook (Plume Publ. 2009). Read More

December 19, 2008

Re-training the Brain for Worry Stress – Part II

As part I of worry stress from The Stress Answer, I tried to lay the ground work for how to re-train your brain into the flexibility model of dealing with stress; worry stress. Read More

December 1, 2008

Retraining the Brain for Worry Stress - Part I

As part of the first part of stress management taken from The Stress Answer, I want to lay the ground work for our most dangerous stressor; worry. This is the layman's word for all the "normal" issues that cannot be balanced against the blessings we all realize at one level, but gets overshadowed over time. Read More

November 18, 2008

The Gift of Stress from Santa Claus

It is no surprise that we are approaching the stressful time of the year - the holidays. It seems paradoxical that "holidays" are defined as times meant for joy and release from work demands. The pictures of children dancing around, opening up gifts, families smiling in the chorus of a song, and group pictures are actual higher stress than routine Mondays. Read More

November 3, 2008

Are You Still Dealing With Your Older Sibling?

One of the greatest influences in a person's life is the impact a sibling makes. It is the role in the family with a quest for identity that develops many of the interpersonal skills we have and the goals we set for ourselves. Read More

October 14, 2008

Beware: Stress Inducers are Present

In psychology news in today’s modern world, the issues of our tremendous stress are on our personal coping skills. The research has validated the promotion of positive cognitive perception, especially as we coach ourselves to act more rationally and solve our problems from within. I agree with the framework as a valid and constructive plan. Read More

Depression Basics

Some 15 million Americans struggle with depression—an illness that comes in many forms—from major depression and seasonal affective disorder, to dysthymia and bipolar disorder.

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