Week 9 Tut - Psychological Problems

Psychological Problems: Mental Health and Disorders

Defining Mental Health and Disorder

  • A mental health condition becomes a disorder when it significantly impairs an individual's regular life and functioning. This includes areas such as:

    • Employment

    • Relationships

    • Overall fulfillment

Dimensional vs. Categorical Approaches

  • Dimensional Approach: Views mental health as fluid and qualitative, existing on a spectrum.

  • Categorical Approach: The current system (DSM-5) uses this approach, classifying disorders into distinct categories.

Common Diagnostic Systems

  • DSM: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

  • ICD: International Classification of Diseases.

Disorder Symptoms and Prevalence

Major Depression Symptoms
  • Insomnia

  • Appetite and weight fluctuation

  • Social withdrawal

  • Lethargy

  • Low mood

  • Low motivation

  • Suicidal ideation

Treatments for Major Depression
  • Medication: Antidepressants, mood stabilizers

  • CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Interpersonal therapy

  • Psychotherapy

Social Anxiety
  • Fear of negative evaluation and social withdrawal.

  • Avoidance of social situations.

  • Physiological symptoms:

    • Racing heart

    • Increased breathing rate

  • Cognitive symptoms:

    • Rumination

    • Catastrophic thinking

Bipolar Disorder
  • Characterized by:

    • Manic episodes

    • Depressive episodes

  • Manic episodes involve:

    • Nervous system in overdrive

    • Impaired judgment

    • Insomnia

    • Rapid thought and speech

    • High energy

Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
  • Medication: Lithium, mood stabilizers, antipsychotics

  • CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Interpersonal therapy

  • Psychotherapy

Schizophrenia
  • Symptoms Include:

    • Change in eating patterns

    • Paranoia / Psychosis / Hallucinations

    • Catatonic behavior

Treatments for Schizophrenia
  • Medication: Antipsychotics

  • CBT: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Psychotherapy