Psychology and Mental Health Notes

Daniel's IQ and Mental Health

• Daniel has an IQ of 134, significantly above the average IQ of 100, with a standard deviation of 15, indicating high intelligence.
• His high IQ is in the right tail of the normal distribution, leading to a lower likelihood of being diagnosed with mental disorders compared to individuals with lower IQs.

Continuum of Anxiety Symptoms

• Each individual's behavior is unique, and mental disorders often present a continuum rather than fixed categories.
• Different examples of anxiety symptoms:
  • James: Difficulty sleeping due to worries about his relationship despite reassurance.
  • Nora: Worrying about others' opinions, leading to physical symptoms and communication struggles.
  • Eden: Panic symptoms (racing heart, difficulty breathing) during activities, indicating severe anxiety interference.
• Experiencing anxiety is normal, but a clinical diagnosis (like Generalized Anxiety Disorder) occurs when symptoms disrupt daily functioning.

The Four Ds of Diagnosis

1. Deviance from the norm:

   • Deviation can be statistical (e.g., IQ scores) or social (perception of behavior).
   • Example: Jack’s IQ of 62 places him in the left tail of the distribution, indicating severe cognitive impairment.

2. Distress/suffering:

   • Emotional or physical pain caused by thoughts or actions.
   • Many people with depression experience significant distress, while others may have disorders without visible suffering (like mania).

3. Dysfunction:

   • Impairment of day-to-day functioning due to mental health symptoms. However, what constitutes dysfunction can be subjective.

4. Dangerousness:

   • Behaviors that pose harm to oneself or others. Not all aggressive behaviors indicate a mental disorder.

• Limitations of these criteria include arbitrary boundaries and subjective nature in defining what constitutes a disorder.

Cultural and Temporal Context in Diagnosing Disorders

• Societal views shift over time; behaviors can be seen as deviant or acceptable based on cultural norms.
  • Example: Homosexuality has shifted from being classified as criminal to a non-issue in many places.
• A behavior accepted in one culture may be viewed as abnormal in another (e.g., spitting).
• Cultural awareness is vital to avoid misdiagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

• ASD is marked by difficulties in social interaction and communication, symptoms vary widely among individuals.
• Characteristics of individuals with ASD include:
  • Challenges understanding non-verbal communication, maintaining relationships, and adapting behaviors in different social contexts.
  • Stereotyped behaviors, strict adherence to routines, and sensory sensitivities (hyper/hypo reactions).
• Diagnosis may occur as early as 18 months but can also be delayed into adulthood without clear medical tests.

DSM-5 Diagnosis of Autism

• The DSM-5 categorizes ASD into three levels:
  • Level 1: Needs support; symptoms are noticeable only without assistance.
  • Level 2: Needs substantial support; symptoms visible to casual observers.
  • Level 3: Needs very substantial support; severe communication impairments.
• Symptoms must manifest in early childhood, affecting daily life consistently throughout the lifespan.
• Comorbidity with other disorders like ADHD complicates diagnosis and treatment.

Gender Differences in Autism Diagnosis

• ASD is diagnosed more frequently in boys than girls, with ratios currently around 1:3.
• Girls may compensate better for social deficits, causing underdiagnosis in females.
• The stereotype of high IQ in autistic individuals is misleading; many have average or below-average IQs.

Treatment of Autism

• Treatment aims to help individuals adapt to social norms while recognizing their unique characteristics. Methods include:
  • Therapy for social skills and communication improvement.
  • Medication primarily targets co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression; no specific medications address core ASD symptoms directly.
• Treatment accessibility varies by country, impacting diagnosis and intervention opportunities.

Geriatric Psychology

• Focuses on mental health care for the elderly, addressing issues like dementia, anxiety, and adaptation to life changes (e.g., moving to assisted living).
• Elders face unique psychological challenges, including underdiagnosed mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, often related to fear of falling or social isolation.
• Ethical challenges exist in balancing freedom with safety for elderly patients.

Nonviolent Communication (NVC)

• Three key components:

  1. Self-empathy: Understanding and accepting one's own thoughts and feelings.
  2. Honest expressions: Clearly articulating one's feelings and thoughts without judgement.
  3. Empathetic listening: Understanding others while also recognizing one's own feelings.

• Observations should avoid judgment; feelings must express underlying needs.

• Effective requests should be specific and respectful.

• The connection continuum highlights the dynamic nature of human interactions.