PsychologicalDisorders-3.10

Overview of Insomnia and Sleep Issues

  • Insomnia is a common disorder linked to various symptoms and other issues.

  • Several disorders may arise from a lack of sleep, including physical and psychological symptoms.

Consequences of Sleep Deprivation

  • Difficulty concentrating and forgetfulness are key symptoms of inadequate sleep.

  • Impaired efficiency in work and hobbies affects overall quality of life.

  • Sleep apnea is a significant condition that can occur at any age, not only in older individuals.

  • Sleep apnea occurs when either the brain fails to signal breathing or there is an obstruction due to weight gain.

  • Poor sleep quality correlates with increased risks for serious health issues, such as heart disease.

Importance of Quality Sleep

  • Quality sleep is crucial for physical and mental health.

  • Strategies for improving sleep include addressing insomnia through various methods:

    • Behavioral changes

    • Sleep environment improvements

Psychological Factors in Sleep Disorders

  • Personality types play a role in stress levels affecting sleep:

    • Type A: Organized and stressed, prone to anxiety and health issues.

    • Type B: Laid back and more adaptable, generally less stressed.

  • Stress is identified as a key factor linking various biopsychosocial complications, including:

    • Biological predispositions affecting health.

    • Sociocultural factors (e.g., poverty and discrimination).

Effects of Stress on Health

  • Stress impacts hormone secretion, immune function, and inflammation, all causing strain on the body.

  • It can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as fast food consumption during busy periods.

  • Perception of pain and personal coping strategies are also influenced by stress levels.

Psychological Treatments for Physical Disorders

  • Non-medication interventions for reducing stress and improving health:

    • Relaxation training, meditation, and hypnosis.

    • Mindfulness meditation enhances awareness of thoughts and promotes relaxation.

Eating Disorders Overview

  • Personal narratives illustrate struggles with food, control, and guilt.

  • Anorexia Nervosa:

    • Characterized by restriction of energy intake leading to significantly low body weight.

    • Intense fear of weight gain and distorted body image.

    • Subtypes include restricting and binge-eating/purging types.

  • Bulimia Nervosa:

    • Involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging, excessive exercise).

    • Self-evaluation heavily influenced by body shape and weight.

Psychological Characteristics of Eating Disorders

  • Common traits between anorexia and bulimia:

    • Low self-esteem, anxiety, perfectionism.

  • Differences in coping mechanisms:

    • Anorexia involves more rigid control over food intake; bulimia shows impulsiveness and fluctuations in weight.

Recovery Processes

  • Treatment for anorexia includes nutritional rehabilitation, which may involve:

    • Gradual increase in calorie intake through intensive or outpatient programs.

    • Addressing underlying psychological issues.

  • Importance of support systems and understanding influences on eating behaviors can aid recovery.

Causes of Eating Disorders

  • Stress is a pervasive factor contributing to eating disorders.

  • Genetic predispositions play a significant role, along with psychological and sociocultural influences:

    • Family dynamics, peer pressure, and societal expectations are contributing factors.