Psychological Disorders Study Notes

Overview of Psychological Disorders

  • Introduction to common psychological disorders and symptoms
  • Clarification on classification and understanding of psychological disorders

Categories of Psychological Disorders

  • Major Categories:
    • Anxiety Disorders
    • Depression
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Schizophrenia
    • Dissociative Identity Disorder (formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder)
    • Eating Disorders
    • Substance Abuse Disorders
    • Neurodevelopmental Disorders (e.g., ADHD, Autism)

Criteria for Assessing Psychological Disorders

  • Significant Disturbances: Must cause noticeable disturbances in thoughts, feelings, or behaviors
  • Dysfunction:
    • Biological Dysfunction: Example - inability to sleep due to anxiety
    • Psychological Dysfunction: Example - excessive worrying in anxiety
    • Developmental Dysfunction: Example - ADHD affecting executive functioning skills
  • Distress or Disability: Symptoms must interfere with daily functioning (e.g., low performance at school due to lack of sleep)
  • Cultural Appropriateness: Disturbances must not reflect expected and culturally approved responses to distress (e.g., reactions to losing a loved one)

Practice Reflections on Psychological Disorders

  • Example Analysis:
    • Leo: Avoidance of public places due to fear - Possible psychological disorder due to significant distress
    • Tabitha: Sadness during movies related to recent loss - Not a psychological disorder (normal response)
    • Nick: Avoiding ladders due to superstitions - Not a psychological disorder (common belief)
    • Jake: Neglecting hygiene and work - Indicative of a possible psychological disorder
    • Sonia: Enjoyment in cleanliness routine - Not a psychological disorder unless it interferes with life
    • Alana: Shyness in class - Not necessarily a disorder unless it affects her function
    • Viram: Obsession with weight leading to unhealthy food restrictions - Likely indicative of an eating disorder

Media Representation of Psychological Disorders

  • Common portrayal as dangerous or extreme (e.g., The Joker)
  • Misconceptions about violent behavior and mental illness
  • Notable figures (e.g., Vincent Van Gogh, Britney Spears, Kanye West) and their struggles with mental health

The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)

  • Published by the American Psychiatric Association
  • Provides standardized criteria for diagnosis, prevalence, and comorbidities
  • Importance of DSM-5 in identifying psychological disorders and criteria for treatment

Causes of Mental Health Disorders

  • Historical context of supernatural beliefs (demons, curses)
  • Shift towards biological explanations (genetic components, chemical imbalances, brain abnormalities)
  • Current understanding through Diathesis-Stress Model
    • Combination of biological predispositions and psychosocial factors (experiences and traumas)

Specific Categories of Mental Health Disorders

Anxiety Disorders

  • Characterized by excessive and persistent fear and anxiety
  • Most common category with lifetime prevalence of 25-30%
  • Examples of disorders:
    • Specific Phobia: Extreme fear (e.g., arachnophobia) affecting behavior
    • Social Anxiety Disorder: Extreme anxiety in social interactions (e.g., Leo's case)
    • Panic Disorder: Experiences of panic attacks, which feel like heart attacks
    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Chronic worry about various aspects of life
  • Causes include genetic predisposition and environmental factors (impact of childhood trauma)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD)

  • Defined by intrusive thoughts leading to compulsive behaviors
  • Examples include compulsive cleaning, checking behaviors, hoarding
  • Behaviors stem from a need to counter intrusive thoughts (e.g., thoughts of harming others)
  • Treatment includes understanding that thoughts can lead to compulsive behaviors

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Originally recognized after WWI as combat fatigue or shell shock
  • Can result from various traumatic events, not just military experiences
  • Symptoms include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, negative emotional states, and exaggerated startle responses
  • Importance of social support in preventing PTSD effects

Mood Disorders

Major Depressive Disorder

  • Chronic feelings of depression, significant impairment in daily life
  • Symptoms: sadness, loss of interest, weight changes, sleep disturbances, feelings of guilt, suicidal thoughts
  • Prevalence: 16.9% of population affected in lifetime
  • Risk factors: unemployment, urban living, substance abuse, and prior trauma

Bipolar Disorder

  • Characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression
  • Mania includes elevated mood or irritability, high energy, and reckless behavior
  • Prevalence: 1% of U.S. population, more common in men
  • Treatments involve medication regulation, addressing both ends of mood spectrum

Conclusion

  • Importance of recognizing psychological disorders in a compassionate and informed manner
  • Understanding the complexities of mental health including causes, categories, and treatments.
  • Next steps include discussing treatment options for various disorders.