This paper sets out to clarify the unique features of exercise addiction. It begins by examining how this addiction can be distinguished from compulsions and impulse control disorders both of which, like an addiction, involve excessive behavior that creates adverse effects. Assessment of exercise addiction also requires that clinicians be attuned to other forms of excessive behavior, especially eating disorders that can co-occur with exercise. Finally in an effort to clarify exercise addiction, this paper uses the four phases of addiction to examine the attributes of exercise that define it as a healthy habit distinct from an addiction. The paper ends with a discussion of the implications of these topics for effective assessment and treatment.

Research over the last two decades suggests that a wide range of substance and behavioral addictions may serve similar functions. Yet, co-occurrence of addictions has only been reported among a minority of addicts. “Addiction specificity” pertains to a phenomenon in which one pattern of addictive behaviors may be acquired whereas another is not. This paper presents the PACE model as a framework which might help explain addiction specificity. Pragmatics, attraction, communication, and expectation (PACE) variables are described, which may help give some direction to future research needs in this arena.

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The recent addition of a behavioral addictions category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) has provided a framework to examine when behaviors progress from normal to pathologically excessive. Several behaviors that are either typically harmless (e.g., gambling, shopping) or even healthy (e.g., alcohol consumption, sex) when performed in moderation have been identified as having addictive potential. Exercise is one such behavior that may be viewed as an addiction. However, the literature is confused by several terms such as compulsion, addiction, and dependence that all may refer to similar, if not the same, pathological patterns of problematic exercise. This chapter will first review the various terms that are widely used and provide a clear distinction among exercise addiction, dependence, and compulsion. Next, we will review assessment measures that are commonly used in research and in clinical practice to screen for problematic exercise patterns. Finally, we will discuss the emerging literature that examines the co-occurrence of problematic exercise and eating pathology, substance use disorders, and other behavioral addictions.

This study examines the influence of directional properties of lateral organization on evaluation of paintings. Lateral organization, as defined here, has two dimensions: (1) left or right location of the principal figure; and (2) left-to-right or right-to-left sequence of figures represented by the direction of suggested movement, action, or lines. That previous studies have failed to demonstrate consistently a relationship between evaluations and directional properties is attributed to methodological shortcomings involving lack of control of stimulus properties and exposure time. Here, on the basis of a well-defined judging procedure, paintings were distinguished according to whether each dimension of lateral organization depicted one or more than one direction. Under two exposure conditions, 5 and 20 s, three evaluations (general preference, balance, and dynamics) were made for paintings which were presented simultaneously in the artist-created, original view, and the mirror-image, reversed view. It was found that evaluations were influenced by directional properties (sequence of figures) with a 5 s exposure and by more inclusive formal features with a 20 s exposure. Implications of the findings for perception and aesthetics are considered.

Alcohol use problems (AUPs) are prevalent among people seeking psychotherapy. Despite mandates from managed care companies to routinely screen for AUPs, little is known about the screening practices of providers or their ability to identify AUPs based on presenting symptoms. Participants (N = 117) read two case vignettes and suggested initial diagnoses and questions they would ask in order to clarify a diagnosis. Participants were more likely to ask about substance use and diagnose an AUP when the vignette contained explicit reference to the client's substance use as compared to a vignette where the signs of an AUP were more subtle. In both vignettes, a mental health problem was a more likely diagnosis than an AUP. Neither participant attributes nor personal or professional experiences with AUPs reliably shaped responses to the vignettes. The findings are discussed in light of their implications for future research and improved training in addictions for mental health providers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved).

Dimoff, Sayette, and Norcross (2017) documented a serious omission in the education of psychologists. Their research showed a paucity of addiction training in doctoral programs despite the growing prevalence of addictions. Although their article briefly discussed possible explanations and barriers to explain this finding, the article itself was shaped by implicit assumptions about addiction training that contribute to the field's failure to embrace such training. The current article identifies these assumptions and offers elements of an alternative approach to addiction training better suited to psychologists. (PsycINFO Database Record

The literature on prescription privileges for psychologists typically debates the pros and cons of having the authority to prescribe. This article steps aside this debate to ask psychologists four questions about the relationship between current clinical practice and medication: What goes into the decision to recommend medication? How is medication introduced to the patient? What is the most effective psychologist-prescriber relationship? How does medication interact with psychotherapy? These questions challenge psychologists to think how best to combine psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. The answers will help psychologist work more effectively with patients who take medication. Should psychologists achieve prescription privileges, these answers also indicate the need for psychopharmacology training modules which give greater emphasis to the interaction of biological and psychological factors in shaping a patients response to medication.Depending on the survey, psychologists are for prescription privileges (APA commissioned Frederick/Schneiders 1990 survey cited in Wiggins, 1994 or against (DeNelsky, 1991). Articles areThe author appreciates the helpful comments of Nancy E. Hansen and Henry V. Soper on earlier drafts of this manuscript.Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to Marilyn Freimuth,