Psychological Disorders

  • Diagnosis:

    • Based on deviance, dysfunction, and personal distress.

    • DSM-5 is the primary diagnostic manual; cultural differences are a key criticism.

  • Prevalence:

    • Approximately 1 in 10 Canadians experience a disorder yearly.

    • 40-50% of adults face one mental health difficulty in their lifetime.

  • Risk Factors:

    • Diathesis-stress model: disorder develops from predispositions and stressors.

  • Models of Disorder:

    • Major approaches include Neuroscience, Psychodynamic, Person-centred, Cognitive, and Cognitive-behavioural.

    • Beck's theory highlights cognitive errors in depression.

  • Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs):

    • Atypical social development and communication; theory-of-mind deficits.

    • Intervention includes Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).

  • Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

    • Symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity.

    • Affects 3-5% of children; treatments include pharmacological and behavioral interventions.

  • Depression:

    • Emotional, cognitive, and motor symptoms; linked to serotonin and norepinephrine.

    • Diagnosed children have a higher relapse risk in adulthood.

  • Gender and Age Differences:

    • Women are more likely to attempt suicide; men are more likely to complete it.

    • Elderly have lower major depression rates but may be misdiagnosed.

  • Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression):

    • Characterized by mood fluctuations.

  • Anxiety Disorders:

    • Includes Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), phobias, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

    • GAD involves excessive worry linked to GABA; phobias are irrational fears; OCD features compulsions to relieve anxiety.

  • Schizophrenia:

    • Affects about 1% of the population; characterized by delusions and hallucinations.

    • Treatment is more effective for positive symptoms; genetics, environmental stress, and SES influence risk.

  • Personality Disorders:

    • Extreme, inflexible traits in three clusters.

    • Borderline Personality Disorder involves self-concept and relationship instability.