Psychological Disorders Understanding the Human Mind

Understanding Disorders When someone has a psychological disorder, or disease of the mind, they find it difficult to cope with ordinary stresses of daily life These disorders have a number of causes: error in nature (chemical imbalance), genetic components, environment (history of abuse) Stereotyping: we assume that all people who are mentally ill share the same characteristics

2 major classifications for psychological (mental) disorders:2 major classifications for psychological (mental) disorders: 1. Neurotic Disorders Less serious form of disorderLess serious form of disorder React with fear or dread to everyday situationsReact with fear or dread to everyday situations Find life difficult but still able to function within societyFind life difficult but still able to function within society 2. Psychotic Disorders Often lose touch with realityOften lose touch with reality Life is dominated by delusions and hallucinationsLife is dominated by delusions and hallucinations Usually appears in late teens/early twentiesUsually appears in late teens/early twenties

Neurotic Disorders Panic attacksPanic attacks –Characterized by intense fear and anxiety Physical and/or emotionalPhysical and/or emotional –Often begins in early adulthood Related to stresses?Related to stresses? –Affects 2-4% of the population (more likely in women) –Treatment: medication and therapy (cognitive and behaviour) –Up to 10% of Canadians suffer from one or more anxiety disorders

PhobiasPhobias –”an irrational, often debilitating fear,” meaning there is no basis in reality Incredible effect on daily lifeIncredible effect on daily life –Examples: Claustrophobia (confined spaces), social phobia (saying or doing something wrong around others), tropophobia (moving or making changes), agoraphobia (public spaces)Claustrophobia (confined spaces), social phobia (saying or doing something wrong around others), tropophobia (moving or making changes), agoraphobia (public spaces) –Treatment: exposure therapy, involves gradually confronting the dreaded situation –Relaxation Techniques: deep-breathing exercises

Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) –Recurrent obsessions or compulsions that interfere with daily life –Patient feels something awful will happen if they do not repeat routine behaviours –Patient usually recognizes the disorder Accompanied by feelings of shameAccompanied by feelings of shame –Occur from brain injury, inherited, environmental factors –Treatment: therapy/counseling & medication

Psychotic Disorders Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASP)Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASP)Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASP)Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASP) –Aka: sociopathy –“lifelong pervasive pattern of rule breaking and violating the rights of others” Usually begins before 15Usually begins before 15 –Symptoms include: Pathological lying, difficulty expressing feelings, hallucinations/delusions, feel no empathy (serial killers)Pathological lying, difficulty expressing feelings, hallucinations/delusions, feel no empathy (serial killers) -Some reasons: insufficient bonding between infants and mothers, an abusive childhood, impoverished home environment –Treatment: hospitalization, medication, curable?

Major DepressionMajor Depression –Characterized by deeply unhappy feelings, little pleasure in life –Accompanied by anxiety, little to no appetite, sometimes suicide attempts –Treatment: counseling, medication

Bipolar Affective DisorderBipolar Affective Disorder –Extreme mood changes –Both manic and depressive Manic: confused and aggressive behaviour, unlimited energy and trouble sleepingManic: confused and aggressive behaviour, unlimited energy and trouble sleeping Depressive: extreme fatigue, sadness, and sense of futilityDepressive: extreme fatigue, sadness, and sense of futility –Treatment: medication and counseling

SchizophreniaSchizophrenia –distortion of reality, social withdrawal and disturbances of thought, perception, motor activity and emotions –Several types ranging from complete withdrawal to catatonic Catatonic schizophrenia: rigid and mute, hold positions for hours without movingCatatonic schizophrenia: rigid and mute, hold positions for hours without moving –Research suggests a genetic link –Treatment: drug therapy

For Tomorrow Read A Tale of Two Sociopaths Answer questions 1-3 from case study As well  Recap 1-3 on pg. 99