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.