Disorders

Introduction to Mental Health Disorders

  • Overview of mental health disorders covering common to less common disorders

Eating Disorders

  • Heritability of Eating Disorders: 50-60% heritable

    • Twin studies indicate that identical twins show more genetic similarities than fraternal twins. If one identical twin has an eating disorder, the likelihood of the other twin developing it is about 50-60%.

    • Environmental factors, particularly cultural messages that stigmatize body weight, contribute to the risk.

    • Individuals often have excessively high expectations of themselves.

Anxiety Disorders

  • Categories of Anxiety Disorders:

    • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

    • Panic Disorder

    • Specific Phobias

    • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Characteristics:

    • Anxiety episodes become more frequent and meet specific diagnostic criteria regarding time frames.

    • Common manifestations include trembling, sweating, blurred vision, and cognitive static.

    • Repetitive Behaviors: Associated with OCD - behaviors such as excessive checking or washing meant to prevent anxiety episodes; may be rational or irrational.

    • PTSD: Involves reliving trauma, often triggered by reminders of the traumatic event, affecting daily functioning.

  • Learning Theories and Anxiety:

    • Both classical conditioning (like John Watson's Little Albert) and operant conditioning (reinforcing avoidance behaviors) play parts in developing anxiety.

    • Cognitive learning leads to negative feedback loops that may exacerbate anxiety disorders.

    • Traumas and Anxiety Disorders: 58% of individuals have experienced a triggering traumatic event prior to developing an anxiety disorder; linked to neuroticism.

    • Infants show stress reactions as young as nine months, indicating biological predispositions to anxiety responses.

  • Biological and Psychological Factors:

    • Stressful experiences, personality traits (like neuroticism), and brain reactivity contribute to anxiety disorders.

    • Neuroticism is associated with higher stress reactivity and is heritable.

    • Hypervigilance: Individuals with anxiety disorders tend to exhibit heightened awareness of perceived threats, altering their expectations of the world.

Therapeutic Interventions for Anxiety

  • Interventions:

    • Appraisal Training: Adjusting cognitive appraisal to alter thought patterns to interrupt negative neural pathways.

    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Changing thought processes and behaviors through exposure and therapy techniques.

    • Mindfulness: Facilitates observing thoughts without judgment, making it easier to manage anxiety.

    • Calming and Coping Strategies: Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation help reduce physical stress responses.

  • Biopsychosocial Model: Integrates biological (neurotransmitter activity), psychological (thought patterns, social relationships), and social factors (environmental stressors).

    • Temperamental factors influence psychological and biological domains, and trauma influences psychological and social domains.

Sadness and Depression

  • Sadness vs. Depression:

    • Sadness is not synonymous with depression; it has inherent value and functionality. It can help individuals reassess life, make complex decisions, and let go of unattainable goals.

    • It serves purposes like expressing grief and adapting behaviors post-loss.

  • Major Depressive Episodes:

    • Characterized by intense feelings of hopelessness and lethargy. Symptoms persist for longer durations and can impact daily functioning.

    • 1/4 of individuals with depression may have identifiable triggers initially, but many experience it without apparent causes.

  • Overlap Between Anxiety and Depression:

    • Shared symptoms include agitation, restlessness, and excessive worry.

    • Distinct symptoms: anxiety manifests as nervousness and feelings of danger, whereas depression reflects sadness and irritability.

    • Gender differences: Women are at double the risk than men for depression, and the way it manifests differs between genders.

Bipolar Disorders

  • Types of Bipolar Disorders:

    • Bipolar Type I: Characterized by severe manic episodes and depressive states.

    • Bipolar Type II: Involves less severe manic episodes (hypomania) and more prolonged depressive states.

    • Episodes may be marked by impulsive behavior and poor decision-making.

  • Genetic Predisposition: Bipolar disorder is highly heritable. Individuals with a family history have a higher risk of developing the disorder. Creative individuals may exhibit signs of manic episodes.

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)

  • Prevalence:

    • 15-20% of adolescents engage in NSSI, defined as self-harm without suicidal intent.

  • Risk Factors:

    • Higher incidence in self-critical individuals or those lacking coping skills. Emotional distress may lead individuals to self