Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Definition

• A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities.

Symptoms

• Persistent sadness or low mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities (anhedonia)

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia)

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

• Thoughts of death or suicide

How It Is Acquired

• Biological Factors: Genetic predisposition, imbalances in neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine).

• Environmental Factors: Traumatic life events, chronic stress, and lack of social support.

• Psychological Factors: Cognitive distortions and negative thinking patterns.

Effects

• Impaired daily functioning, affecting work, school, and social relationships.

• Increased risk of substance use and other mental health disorders.

• Physical health issues due to neglect of self-care and potential suicidal ideation.

Bipolar Disorder

Definition

• A mental health condition marked by extreme mood swings, including manic and depressive episodes.

Symptoms

• Manic Episodes: Increased energy, euphoria, reduced need for sleep, grandiosity, impulsive behavior, racing thoughts.

• Depressive Episodes: Symptoms similar to MDD, including sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest.

How It Is Acquired

• Genetic Factors: Strong hereditary component; having a family history increases risk.

• Environmental Factors: Stressful life events, substance abuse, and major life changes can trigger episodes.

• Biological Factors: Imbalances in neurotransmitters and changes in brain structure.

Effects

• Difficulty maintaining relationships due to erratic behavior.

• Problems with employment and daily responsibilities.

• Risk of self-harm or suicide, particularly during depressive episodes.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Definition

• A chronic disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various aspects of life.

Symptoms

• Persistent worry or anxiety about different events.

• Restlessness or feeling on edge.

• Fatigue.

• Difficulty concentrating.

• Irritability.

• Muscle tension.

• Sleep disturbances.

How It Is Acquired

• Genetic Factors: Family history of anxiety disorders can increase risk.

• Environmental Stressors: Life transitions, trauma, and chronic stress can trigger GAD.

• Personality Factors: Individuals with certain personality traits (e.g., perfectionism) may be more vulnerable.

Effects

• Interference with daily life, work, and social interactions.

• Increased risk of depression and substance use disorders.

• Physical health issues, including headaches and gastrointestinal problems.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Definition

• A mental health disorder characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

Symptoms

• Obsessions: Fears of contamination, harm, or losing control; intrusive thoughts that cause significant anxiety.

• Compulsions: Ritualistic behaviors such as excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or organizing to alleviate anxiety.

How It Is Acquired

• Genetic Factors: Family history may play a role in susceptibility.

• Neurobiological Factors: Dysfunction in brain circuits involving serotonin regulation.

• Cognitive Factors: Dysfunctional beliefs and misinterpretation of intrusive thoughts.

Effects

• Significant time spent on compulsions, leading to impaired daily functioning.

• Increased anxiety and distress when unable to perform compulsive behaviors.

• Impact on relationships and quality of life due to secrecy and avoidance behaviors.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Definition

• A mental health disorder triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, characterized by flashbacks, avoidance, and heightened arousal.

Symptoms

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks of the trauma.

• Nightmares.

• Avoidance of reminders related to the trauma.

• Negative changes in mood and cognition.

• Hyperarousal (e.g., irritability, difficulty sleeping, exaggerated startle response).

How It Is Acquired

• Exposure to traumatic events such as combat, sexual assault, natural disasters, or serious accidents.

• Risk Factors: Personal history of mental health issues, lack of social support, and previous trauma exposure.

Effects

• Impairment in personal and professional relationships.

• Risk of depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse.

• Physical health issues due to chronic stress response.

Schizophrenia

Definition

• A severe mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, language, and sense of self.

Symptoms

• Positive Symptoms: Hallucinations (hearing voices), delusions (false beliefs), and disorganized thinking.

• Negative Symptoms: Lack of motivation, emotional flatness, and social withdrawal.

• Cognitive Symptoms: Impaired memory, attention, and decision-making.

How It Is Acquired

• Genetic Factors: Strong hereditary component; family history increases risk.

• Environmental Factors: Prenatal exposure to infections or malnutrition, psychosocial stressors.

• Neurochemical Factors: Imbalances in dopamine and other neurotransmitters.

Effects

• Severe impairment in social and occupational functioning.

• Increased risk of homelessness, incarceration, and self-harm.

• Stigma and discrimination can exacerbate isolation and distress.

Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa)

Definition

• Serious mental health disorders characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors and preoccupation with body image.

Symptoms

• Anorexia Nervosa: Extreme restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, distorted body image.

• Bulimia Nervosa: Binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting.

How It Is Acquired

• Genetic Factors: Family history of eating disorders or mental health issues.

• Cultural Factors: Societal pressures for thinness and beauty ideals.

• Psychological Factors: Low self-esteem, perfectionism, and coping mechanisms for emotional distress.

Effects

• Severe physical health consequences, including malnutrition and electrolyte imbalances.

• Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

• Disruption of relationships and functioning in everyday life.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Definition

• A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Symptoms

• Difficulty sustaining attention or following through on tasks.

• Hyperactivity (fidgeting, excessive talking).

• Impulsivity (interrupting others, difficulty waiting for turns).

How It Is Acquired

• Genetic Factors: Hereditary predisposition; often runs in families.

• Neurobiological Factors: Differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to attention and impulse control.

• Environmental Factors: Prenatal exposure to tobacco or alcohol, lead exposure, and early childhood trauma.

Effects

• Impaired academic and occupational performance.

• Challenges in social relationships and peer interactions.

• Increased risk for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Definition

• A developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction.

Symptoms

• Difficulty with social interactions and understanding social cues.

• Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand-flapping, routines).

• Restricted interests and sensitivity to sensory input.

How It Is Acquired

• Genetic Factors: Higher risk in families with a history of autism or related disorders.

• Neurobiological Factors: Differences in brain development and connectivity.

• Environmental Factors: Advanced parental age and prenatal exposures may increase risk.

Effects

• Varies widely; some individuals may require significant support while others are high-functioning.

• Challenges in social communication can affect friendships and education.

• Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.

Substance Use Disorders

Definition

• Disorders characterized by the harmful use of psychoactive substances leading to significant impairment or distress.

Symptoms

• Cravings and strong desire to use the substance.

• Tolerance (needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect).

• Withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance.

• Continued use despite negative consequences.

How It Is Acquired

• Genetic Factors: Family history of substance abuse increases risk.

• Environmental Factors: Peer pressure, exposure to substance use, and socio-economic factors.

• Psychological Factors: Co-occurring mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.

Effects

• Physical health consequences, including organ damage and increased risk of infectious diseases.

• Legal issues, strained relationships, and job loss.

• Chronic relapses and mental health challenges.

Panic Disorder

Definition

• A type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks.

Symptoms

• Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling.

• Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking.

• Chest pain or discomfort.

• Nausea or abdominal distress.

• Fear of losing control or “going crazy.”

• Fear of dying.

How It Is Acquired

• Genetic Factors: Family history of anxiety disorders may increase risk.

• Environmental Stressors: Major life changes or stressful events can trigger panic attacks.

• Cognitive Factors: Misinterpretation of bodily sensations can lead to panic.

Effects

• Significant impairment in daily activities, including avoidance of places where attacks have occurred.

• Increased anxiety about having future attacks.

• Risk of developing agoraphobia (fear of being in situations where escape may be difficult).

Social Anxiety Disorder

Definition

• An intense fear of social situations that may lead to embarrassment or humiliation.

Symptoms

• Intense fear of being judged or negatively evaluated in social situations.

• Physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, trembling, or nausea.

• Avoidance of social interactions.

How It Is Acquired

• Genetic Factors: Family history can increase vulnerability.

• Environmental Factors: Negative social experiences, bullying, or overprotective parenting may contribute.

• Cognitive Factors: Individuals may have distorted beliefs about social situations and self-perception.

Effects

• Impaired ability to form relationships and maintain employment.

• Risk of other anxiety disorders and depression.

• Chronic stress leading to physical health issues.

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Definition

• A personality disorder characterized by unstable moods, behavior, and relationships.

Symptoms

• Intense and unstable emotions and relationships.

• Fear of abandonment.

• Impulsive behaviors (e.g., spending sprees, substance abuse).

• Self-harming behavior or suicidal thoughts.

• Identity disturbances.

How It Is Acquired

• Genetic Factors: Family history can increase risk.

• Environmental Factors: Childhood trauma, neglect, and unstable family environments.

• Neurobiological Factors: Dysregulation in emotion and impulse control regions of the brain.

Effects

• Significant impairment in interpersonal relationships.

• Risk of self-harm and suicide.

• Emotional dysregulation can lead to crises and difficulties in everyday life.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

Definition

• A severe dissociative disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states or identities.

Symptoms

• Amnesia (loss of memory for personal information or events).

• Presence of multiple identities, each with its own history and characteristics.

• Disruptions in identity and sense of self.

How It Is Acquired

• Traumatic Experiences: Often linked to severe trauma during childhood, particularly chronic abuse.

• Psychological Factors: Dissociation serves as a coping mechanism to deal with trauma.

Effects

• Difficulty with relationships and daily functioning.

• Risk of self-harm and suicidal behavior.

• Confusion regarding identity and significant distress.

Specific Phobias

Definition

• Intense, irrational fears of specific objects or situations, leading to avoidance behavior.

Symptoms

• Excessive fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation.

• Immediate anxiety response when encountering the phobic stimulus.

• Avoidance of the feared object or situation.

How It Is Acquired

• Learning Theory: Classical conditioning (association of a neutral stimulus with a fearful response).

• Genetic Factors: Family history of phobias or anxiety disorders.

• Cognitive Factors: Misinterpretation of danger and excessive focus on negative outcomes.

Effects

• Impairment in daily life and functioning, such as avoiding places or situations related to the phobia.

• Increased anxiety and distress when faced with the phobic stimulus.

• Limitations in personal and professional opportunities.