Abstract This paper describes bipolar disorder and its comorbidities. It also describes the emerging bipolar spectrum, which is a new way of looking at bipolar disorders. The paper also describes borderline personality disorder (BPD) and describes the arguments for and against its inclusion within the bipolar spectrum. It particularly describes the similarities between BPD and bipolar disorders.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Axis I Comorbidity Axis II Comorbidity Bipolar Spectrum and Temperament
Do Some Diagnoses Deserve a Bipolar Subgroup?
From the Paper "The understanding of bipolar disorders is in a state of flux. Traditionally, the disorder was defined as a period of severe manic and depressive episodes with periodic switches between these two poles and was referred to as manic- depression, and now bipolar disorder I. In the 1980's, it was recognized that there were clinical manifestations resembling manic-depression, however, the extremes in mania were not as severe (hypomania). This was termed bipolar II disorder. In situations where an individual experiences 2 or more years of the hypomanic symptoms with subthreshold periods of depressive symptoms a diagnosis of cyclothymic disorder is made. These diagnoses are included in the DSM-IV."
Abstract The paper reveals that borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an increasingly common diagnosis amongst American psychiatric patients. The paper covers three specific areas related to BPD; (1) a description of BPD, including its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment protocols, (2) comorbidities which can commonly occur with BPD and how they can differ from patient to patient and (3) a review of current research to demonstrate new findings in the diagnosis and treatment of BPD.
Outline:
Introduction
Causes of BPD
Comorbidities with BPD
Treatment for BPD
Newer Methods in Treating and Diagnosing BPD
Conclusion
From the Paper "BPD's definition has changed over time. The current description of BPD includes antisocial disorder, eating disorder and generalized anxiety.
A complete list of BPD's diagnostic signs includes emotional vulnerability, self-invalidation, unrelenting crises, inhibited grieving, active passivity and apparent competence. This last symptom may seem contradictory to the earlier signs, but means that the individual may present him/herself as being much more competent than they really are. Thus, as with the earlier diagnostic signs, a basis of low self-esteem and deceptive behavior is consistent with that symptom(2), BPD is often associated with affective disorder in 66% of cases, according to initial studies(3)."
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that, as several research studies have indicated, there is a definite relation between Down's syndrome and dementia. The writer notes that dementia typically follows as a co morbid condition among adults with Down's syndrome and has a severely crippling effect on the patient. The writer points out that though some studies show the neurobiological pathways associated with the onset of dementia in DS patients, we are still a long way from a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms involved. The writer discusses that several researchers have focused on studying Down's syndrome and dementia as comorbid conditions and this has contributed to an improved understanding of these disorders and ineffective management of DS patients. The writer presents a brief review of existing literature on the association between these two comorbid conditions in order to provide a better understanding of the complications and the latest treatment modalities.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Downs Syndrome - Brain Structure
Genetic Factors For Dementia In DS
Cognitive Functioning and Dementia
Proactive Screening for Dementia
Conclusion
From the Paper "Earlier studies among healthy population have revealed that many years of education have an effect of slowing down the onset of Alzheimer's. Therefore in this study the researchers compared DS patients exhibiting symptoms of dementia and those without such symptoms and correlated them with other factors such as levels of education, recreational activities, employment, etc. In all, 35 adult subjects in the age ranging between 26 and 67 years were included for the study. All the subjects were periodically observed over 3 years and assessed for their decline based on Neuropsychological tests, reports from caregivers, and the Dementia Scale for Down syndrome. Applying the statistical tool of regression analysis, the researchers found that decline was directly related to cognitive functioning and that higher cognitive functioning implied lesser decline. It was also identified from the study that the level of cognitive functioning was by itself related to the other variables such as education, employment and other activities. "
Abstract This paper examines the prevalence of manic depression (or bipolar disorders) in children and adolescents. It discusses the symptoms and the diagnosis and describes the difficulties in diagnosis due to the complexity of bipolar disorder (BPD) in children and adolescents. It also looks at how these difficulties in diagnosis affect the ability to treat the disorder.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Diagnosis in Children and Adolescents
Outpatient Treatment
Specific Outpatient Treatments
Inpatient Treatment
Medication
Comorbid Diagnosis: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Comorbid Diagnosis: Substance Abuse
Methodology
Conclusion
From the Paper "As a result of the research reviewed, future research should examine the effectiveness of specific family interventions such as IFT, FFT, and CBT, due to the profound impact families have on the success of treatment in youth with BPD. Empirical research should be developed to conclude best practice therapeutic techniques for the reduction of depression and mania in children, as well as pharmacological interventions. It would be useful to study, over a period of at least six months, the efficacy of specific family treatment modalities in bipolar diagnosed children. This would be based on psychotherapeutic goal achievement in areas such as social, emotional, and school functioning while focusing on family interaction and education. Controlled and experimental groups are needed to empirically determine which psychosocial approaches demonstrate the greatest efficacy (Rivas-Vazquez et al., 2002)."
Abstract ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a common childhood problem affecting as much as 3-5% of the school-age population. The paper shows that the core symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Children with ADHD exhibit functional impairment across multiple settings and engage in disruptive behaviors, thus inviting criticism from adults and peer rejection. The paper examines how psycho stimulant medication has been shown to be reasonably successful, but may produce significant side effects in a school-age child. A multi-component model of intervention consisting of pharmacological treatment in consonance with contingency management and cognitive behavior modification techniques seems to be the answer for this very baffling problem. The paper shows that for practitioners to have confidence in the expected outcomes, specific procedures to implement behavioral management in school classrooms must be scientifically replicated.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
What is ADHD?
Impact of ADHD
Diagnostic Standards
Related Disorders and Comorbidity Review of Literature
Multi-Component Intervention
Comorbidity Pharmacological Intervention
Methodology
Findings and Results
Conclusions and Summary
From the Paper "The authors also suggest that practitioners should tailor the intervention to match the needs of the child. For example, while psychostimulant medication has been shown to be successful, it may produce significant side effects in a preschool-age child. School practitioners therefore should take an active role in monitoring the effects of medication. Also, systems should be in place, whereby immediate and consistent feedback is given, supplemented by age-appropriate rewards and procedures. Parents must be enabled to provide support and guidance to affected children, and need appropriate training. A well designed program incorporating the efforts of all concerned, could result in a potentially successful treatment approach. "
Abstract This paper describes post-traumatic stress disorder and its related topics, i.e., symptoms, prevalence rates, a brief history of PTSD, risk factors, and types of treatment.
Outline
Brief History of PTSD
Definition of PTSD
Symptoms of PTSD
Prevalence
Risk Factors for Having PTSD
Co-morbidity
Types of Treatment
Resources Online
Mental Health Providers in St. Louis
Resources
From the Paper "Psychological distress resulting from exposure to trauma has been a part of the human condition since the beginning of time (Joseph, Williams, & Yule, 1997). The psychosomatic effects of such an experience have been documented as far back as 1666, following the occurrence of the Great Fire of London. After surviving the event, Samuel Pepys recorded episodes of having nightmares and intrusive thoughts that resulted from his traumatic experience. During the 1800?s, the advent of the railway system spawned a series of labels that described the post traumatic stress resulting from railway collisions. In more recent times, the effects of trauma on an individual's psychological health were described in the context of such war related traumas as shell shock, nervous shock, and war neurosis (Lee & Young, 2001)."
Abstract This paper discusses the psychological, sociological, pharmacological, therapeutic and behavioral aspects of relapse and recovery. The author examines how mental illness leads to medical disturbance, and therein lies the root to problems rising from drug abuse, alcohol dependency and lack of responsibility for action. The paper also discusses probable solutions to these problems.
From the Paper "Dual diagnosis, one such issue, has received much attention in the recent past. Dual diagnosis is a term used to explain a psychiatric disorder in relation to a medical problem, e.g., substance abuse and mental instability. Estimates of the prevalence of substance abuse in psychiatric populations range from 18% to 70. Recent data from the National Comorbidity Survey has identified a highly comorbid subset (14% of the general population) as being responsible for more than half of all lifetime psychiatric and substance use disorders, including the majority of the most-severe disorders."
Abstract Discusses various factors and influences. Examines the diagnostic criteria, the DSM-IV major depressive criteria. Somatic complaints, irritability and social withdrawal. Comorbidity including disruptive disorders and eating disorders, substance abuse, suicide attempts, phobias, panic attacks. Etiology of the condition. Environmental factors including family, peer, trauma and stress. Genetic factors.
From the Paper "DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENCE
Introduction
This research paper will present a discussion regarding adolescent depression. The following topics will be included in the discussion: diagnostic criteria, comorbidity, etiology, and summary and conclusions.
Diagnostic Criteria
Diagnostic criteria for depression is described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). Diagnosis for Major depressive Episode is the same for children, adolescents, and adults. Differences in age may result in differing presentation of symptoms. The prepuberty age group is more likely to present somatic complaints, irritability, and social withdrawal. Adolescents and adults as oppose ..."
Abstract Cathy H. suffers from anxiety disorders, mood disorders and personality disorders. Often there is high comorbidity among these different forms of disorders. In the following, this paper will explicate my "diagnosis" of Cathy's disorders step by step. The author discovers the likelihood that Kathy has cognitive theory of depression.
Abstract Narcissism as it applies to psychology was first applied by Freud who drew it from the obvious connection to the Greek mythological character, Narcissus who was involved in an exclusive self-absorption. While considered a completely normal and natural stage in child development, narcissism is marked by that period in our lives when the entire world exists because we are there. In adolescence, after puberty, secondary narcissism occurs and is manifested in a sexual expression that is directed exclusively toward the self. Some degree of narcissism throughout all stages of life is considered normal as it is manifested in a healthy self-regard coupled with realistic aspirations for the self and life. The point at which narcissism becomes pathological and can be diagnosed as a personality disorder is when it begins to impair social function. Individuals with this disorder have little or no empathy for others and an inflated sense of their own importance and of the significance of their achievements. It is common for persons with this disorder to compare themselves to famous people of achievement and to express surprise when others do not share or voice the same perception. They feel entitled to great praise, attention, and deferential treatment by others, and have difficulty understanding or acknowledging the needs of others. They envy others and imagine that others are envious of them. The person with narcissistic personality disorder has no patience with others, and quickly strays from situations where he or she is not the center of attention and conversation. A person who demonstrates narcissistic personality disorder tends to maintain a highly exaggerated sense of self-importance and "specialness". Often, the clinically diagnosed narcissist is frequently occupied, to an excess, with fantasies about his/her own attributes and potentials for success in all aspects of life, and also generally depends upon confirmation from others for reinforcement of that self-image. The narcissist tends to experience difficulties maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships, stemming primarily from a distinct lack of empathy with a propensity for the taking of advantage of others in the interest of self-aggrandizement. Narcissism is often diagnosed comorbidly with antisocial personality disorders.
Abstract This paper summarizes and reviews an article entitled, "Psychopathology and Comorbidity of Psychiatric Disorders in Patients with Kleptomania" by Franck Bayle and Herve Caci. The paper explains that the article is about a study that compared patients with kleptomania to patients with alcoholism or dependence and to psychiatric patients with no-impulse-control disorders.
From the Paper "In closing, implusitivity remains the major psychopathological feature of kleptomania. People with kleptomania share serious psychopathology and have a very low rate of co-morbid substance related disorders. The information process and the psychopathology underlying impulsitivity may be gained from studies involving them."
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at the behavioral disorder known as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), providing first a general definition of the disorder, a description of typical symptoms associated with ADHD, and an explanation of why it is difficult to understand the etiology of ADHD. It then describes the difficulty in assessing and diagnosing children with ADHD, discusses what is known about the etiology of the disorder, and looks at treatment options available for ADHD. The paper also briefly discusses what is known about ADHD in adults and concludes by noting that additional areas of study are required in order to obtain a better understanding of ADHD.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Etiology
Treatment
Comorbidity ADHD in Adults
From the Paper "Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very controversial disorder, and its diagnosis, unfortunately, is only empirical. ADHD is a "very loosely defined assemblage of neuropsychiatric clusters appearing in childhood and often persisting into adolescence and even adulthood" (Kidd, 2000). The most common symptoms of ADHD include age-inappropriate inattention/inability to stay focused, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, other symptoms may often include things such as restlessness, mood swings, temper tantrums, problems completing tasks, disorganization, and an inability to cope with stress (Kidd, 2000)."
This paper discusses abnormal psychology as related to the character Dr. Helen Hudson played by Sigourney Weaver in the film "Copy Cat" (1995) produced by Arnon Milchnar.
1,060 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
Abstract This paper explains that, throughout the movie "Copy Cat", Dr. Helen Hudson deals with panic attacks and everyday life by taking a large amount of prescription pills and washing them down with bourbon whiskey to control her intense fear; she has been in her house for over thirteen months. The author believes that she would be diagnosed as having a panic disorder with agoraphobia associated with post traumatic stress disorder caused by the attack on her life in which she almost died herself after seeing a cop get shot. The paper concludes that the problem with the movie's portrayal of these conditions is that, at the end, she is cured instantly from agoraphobia, drug and alcohol abuse and panic attacks; plus she beats the bad guys and, all of the sudden, psychological life is grand.
From the Paper "The character in the movie I would like to focus on is Dr. Helen Hudson (Sigourney Weaver). The movie starts out with Dr. Hudson being a very intelligent and capable person who is giving a lecture on serial killers at a University in San Francisco. The lecture goes well but afterwards she is attacked in the bathroom by a man (Harry Connick Jr.). We later learn that this man was on trial for murder and Dr. Hudson testified in court against him with her advanced knowledge on the subject. The attack was pretty graphic and she was rescued at the last minute by a police officer who heard gun shots. The movie then flashes to the present where Dr. Hudson is at home and suddenly wakes up sweating and hyperventilating. The images of the attack in the previous part of the movie now represent the dream she was having. In my opinion, they wanted the audience to think she has reoccurring nightmare about the attack."
This well-researched paper analyzes the various causes of severe depression ranging from biological to genetic to environmental while also focusing on the variety of effective treatments currently available.
Abstract This paper defines the term depression as a psycho-neurotic or psychotic disorder marked by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentrating, as well as feelings of dejection and hopelessness which can lead to suicidal tendencies. This paper supplies relevant published data and statistics pertaining to this specific topic. This paper discusses the significant increase in reported cases of severe depression. Currently, the risk of developing depression stands between 8%-12% for men and 20%-26% for women. This paper cites the findings of the World Health Organization which states that by the year 2020 severe depression will be the world's second most debilitating disease, surpassed only by heart disease. The writer contends that, although the exact causes of depression have not yet been determined, it is clear that biological, genetic and environmental factors play a significant role. Some common environmental factors linked to depression include involvement in difficult relationships, conflicts with family members, friends and co-workers and/or the death of a loved one. This paper explores the various treatments available including: Electro-convulsive therapy, psychotherapy and drug therapy while also citing the success rates for these and other treatments.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder
Epidemiology
Etiology
Diagnosis and Clinical Presentation
Mental Status Exam
Comorbidity and Differential Diagnosis
Course and Prognosis
Treatment
Summary
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The lifetime risk of developing depression is between 8 and 12 percent for men and 20 and 26 per cent for women. In any given year, approximately 12 percent of women and 7 percent of men suffer from major depression, demonstrating that women are twice as likely to experience this illness as men are. The results of a recent study by Nolen-Hoeksema, Grayson & Larson suggest that such gender differences may be because women experience "more chronic strain, a greater tendency to ruminate when distressed, and a lower sense of their mastery over their lives. In turn, these variables contribute to each other." The statistics may unfairly represent the incidence of depression in men, however."
Abstract This paper explores the various definitions and symptoms of borderline personality disorder. Additionally, a brief review of current literature and definitions of this psychiatric condition are examined. In particular, dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, is considered as a possible treatment for this disorder.
Table of Contents
Section one: Overview of Borderline personality Disorder
1 Definitions and Historical Foundations
1.2 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM
1.3. Etiology
1.3.1. DBT
1.3.2. Genetics
1.3.3. Environmental Conditions
1.3.4. Neurological Issues
2. Diagnoses and Related Issues
2.1. Comorbidity Treatment
3.1. Treatment Overview
3.2. Psycho Pharmacological Approaches
3.3. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
3.3.1. Empirical Support
3.3.2. Theoretical Aspects of DBT
3.3.3. The Dialectical Model
3.3.4. Etiology
3.3.5. Praxis
From the Paper "Lineham pioneered this treatment of BPD in 1991. Her ideas were based on the concept and praxis that psychological treatment was just as important in dealing with Borderline patients as was the more traditional psycho? and pharmacotherapy. Lineham also emphasized a hierarchical structure in treatment goals. This structure began with the reduction of parasuicidal and life - threatening behaviors. This was followed by a reduction of behaviors which may interfere in the therapy process. Thirdly, reducing behaviors were introduced that improved the individual's quality of life. Lineman published results of her work which attested to the practical success of her work and approach. The difference of DBT to other approaches in therapy for BPD is that is combines a dialectical perspective with cognitive- behavioral therapy. This has resulted in a particular procedure of interventions which has been shown to produce positive results in the reduction of the symptoms of BPD. "
