Abstract This paper discusses the importance of classification in the psychiatric field. It begins by providing a brief historical review of classification in psychiatry. It then discusses how DSM-IV contributes to health care and the entire medical field.
From the Paper "Diagnosis is the foundation of all medical practices (Berrios, 1995). In recent years, the medical industry has experienced a revolution in medicine's ability to identify and treat the illnesses that burden humanity. The psychiatric industry, which specializes in treating mental illnesses, has been a key participant in this revolution, identifying new diagnostic measures and systems of classification for many psychiatric disorders."
Abstract The purpose of this research paper is to identify one of the classifications in the DSM IV using one of the cases in the book, "The Transcendent Child" by Lillian B. Rubin, to fit the diagnosis.
Abstract This paper examines the urgent need for changes in the classification of personality disorders. The paper discusses the current classification model for personality set forth by DSM 4. It looks at the problems associated with this system of classification, including high level of co-morbidity and lack of theoretical or empirical rationale for selection of categories. The paper looks at proposed alternative classification systems, such as dimensional systems where extreme scores are representative of psychopathology.
From the Paper "Personality disorders are longstanding patterns of extreme, inflexible personality traits that are deviant or maladaptive and lead to impaired functioning or subjective distress. (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 1994). The essential feature of a personality disorder is an enduring pattern of inner experience and behaviour that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual's culture."
Abstract This paper is a psychological report written as an exercise based on public information about a hypothetical public figure. The writer describes the fictitious patient in detail, giving her personal history and background. The DSM-IV-TR multiaxial assessment process in which an individual's symptoms are classified based on a five axis model, is used to determine that the patient suffers from substance abuse, bipolar II disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The treatment prescribed for the patient is cognitive behavioral therapy, and the writer explains in detail what it will entail. The writer concludes with suggestions for further treatment.
Outline:
Part I - Basic Information
Part II - Referral Context
Part III - Disclosure Statement
Part IV - Pertinent Background Information
Academic History
Substance Abuse History
Trauma History
Family History
Past experiences in Counseling
Part V - Behavioural Observations / Validity Results / Clinical Interview
Part VI - Diagnosis & Cause of Problem
Part VII - Treatment Recommendations
Goals
Therapist Function and Role
Interventions
Part VIII - Impressions & Recommendations
From the Paper "Kitty is a public figure of some sorts, as she is the wife of a previous presidential candidate. Kitty has spoken publicly about the difficulties people in the public eye have in seeking mental health treatment and in fact has admitted that she is happy her husband did not win the presidential election in 1988 because she feels that that would have further impeded her ability to seek help for her serious substance abuse problem at the time. Because of Kitty's role as a public figure, confidentiality is of the utmost concern. Confidentiality is always an important part of the therapeutic process, but in Kitty's case she requires additional acknowledgement that the relationship she has with her therapist is confidential. During our initial session I reviewed a formal informed consent with her, which covered the issues of confidentiality specifically related to her situation."
Abstract This paper is an in-depth examination of the field of abnormal psychology and the treatment of mental illness. This paper examines the many different components of this field, including the historical treatment and explanation of mental iIllness, the role of the criminal justice system as a tool used to treat the mentally ill and the benefits and dangers of using labels in mental health. The author also looks at different models that have been applied in this field and presents both the advantages and disadvantages to their use. Also examined in detail is the treatment of children, uses and abuses of medication and child's rights when being treated by a therapist.
The following is a table of contents for the paper:
Historical Treatment and Explanation of Mental Illness
Criminal Justice System as Treatment for Mentally Ill
The Benefits and Dangers of using Labels in Mental Health
What is Concordance?
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Medical Model Approach to Mental Disorders
Inter-Rater Reliability of the DSM-IV
Why has ADHD's prevalence recently increased so dramatically?
Who should have control over the treatment of children?
The right of the mentally ill to have children
What are: Mental Retardation, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, and Learning Disorders?
There is a bibliography, but no footnotes or endnotes.
From the Paper "The advantages of this view include getting faster results, attaining functionality, and avoiding stigmatization through labeling. The medical model's approach of treating the behaviour can often achieve much faster results because it does not spend time searching for an often difficult to find, underlying cause. It treats what is already obvious, the behaviour, and thus can attain much faster results. The medical model is also capable of restoring a person to a level of functionality much faster than the non-medical model. By treating the behaviour problems, a person can become able to function within their daily lives. The medical model would advocate teaching coping skills rather than trying to cure the unconscious causes of behaviour, which they may not even admit exist. Another advantage of the medical model is that it avoids the labeling associated with the traditional diagnoses offered by the DSM-IV. By only treating the behaviour, the medical model does not provide a label for the patient and thus avoids the associated stigmatization of labeling."
Abstract Discussion of the DSM IV diagnosis of the disease. Information needed to complete the five axis diagnosis. Uses a fictional client as an example of how to form an accurate diagnosis. Criteria needed including memory impairment, cognitive impairments, gradual onset, elimination of other conditions that could this this specific dementia. Intervention plan.
From the Paper "DSM IV Diagnosis : Alzheimer's Disease
DSM IV Criteria
Axis I 290.10 Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type, With
Early Onset, Uncomplicated
Axis II V71.09 No diagnosis
Axis III Alzheimer's disease
Axis IV None
Axis V GAF = 31 (current)
The above five axis diagnosis is preliminary only since some of the necessary information is unavailable at this time. Axis I, Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type, is substantiated by the following criteria: (A) memory impairment, failure to identify objects (agnosia), and disturbance in executive functioning; (B) the cognitive impairments cause significant impairment in..."
Abstract Analysis of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as it relates to women. Contends that certain personality traits of women (dependent persoanlity, emotionalism) are labled as psychiatric disorders by the white male mental health community. Cites several articles discussing the issue. Historical bias against women. Suggestion for a better diagnostic system.
From the Paper "Introduction
Perceptions of gender and gender roles have been constantly readjusting over the last few decades, resulting in a plethora of written material about the societal disadvantages experienced by women, as well as their emotional costs (Halgin, 2001, p. 14). Although researchers and clinicians have attempted to keep the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) up to date, "psychiatric diagnosis and help-seeking behavior are multifaceted, and sometimes they involve subtle bias" (p. 14). Halgin presents Terry A. Kupers' article, "The Politics of Psychiatry: Gender and Sexual Preference in DSM-IV" in contrast to "Gender Issues in DSM-IV" by Ruth Ross, Allen Frances, and Thomas A. Widiger, as examples of this ongoing discussion."
Abstract This paper gives a psychological case study of schizophrenic John Nash, using DSM IV guidelines to ascertain to diagnose and assess his conditions. Also outlines any social and cultural diversification that may have arisen from the diagnosis of his problem.
A guideline to disorders and behavior manifestations and their application to the characters, Hannibal Lector and Buffalo Bill, in the movie, "Silence of the Lambs" (1991).
Abstract Defining mental disorders and subsequent behaviors through the DSM-IV-TR (2000) and associated research is a daunting task indeed. Applying these disorders to the characters, Hannibal Lector and Buffalo Bill, in the movie "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991), requires critical and analytical thinking about mental disorders, etiology of the disorders, and subsequent behaviors as a result. This paper presents a discussion of the disorders using a variety of information in the literature and then presents the key behaviors in a comprehensive table for ease of possible diagnosis. Finally, these defined behaviors are applied to Hannibal Lector and Buffalo Bill in an attempt to give a picture of how these two characters became who they are.
Table of Contents
List of Tables
Introduction
Component I: Disorders and Behavioral Manifestations Guide.
Schizophrenia
Conduct Disorder
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Paranoid Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder
Histrionic Personality Disorder
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Exhibitionism Paraphilia
Fetishism Paraphilia
Frotteurism Paraphilia
Voyeurism Paraphilia
Pedophilia
Hebephilia
Component II: Assign Disorders to the Characters Hannibal Lector and Buffalo Bill
Component III: Identify probable Etiology of the Disorder
References
From the Paper "Component I of this paper is a general guideline of 13 mental disorders, each followed by a comprehensive checklist of behaviors that meet the criterion for each mental disorder. Component II of this paper is where the guideline is utilized in assigning disorders to the characters Hannibal Lector and Buffalo Bill, in the movie The Silence of the Lambs, (1991). Finally, component III mergers the general guideline with the diagnoses of Hannibal Lector and Buffalo Bill and presents a picture as to the etiology of the disorders and the resulting behaviors observed. This will then give a picture as to precursor and probable subsequent behaviors."
Abstract The purpose of this original study is to demonstrate how interpersonal psychotherapeutic techniques can be used to reduce the incidence of relapse for women diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. Scholarly sources are used; a free outline is also provided.
Table of Contents
I. Introduction.
A. Overview
B. Problem Statement
C. Purpose
II. Review and Discussion
A. DSM-IV Description of Major Depressive Disorders (MDDs)
B. Primary Focus of Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
C. Manner in which IPT is Used in the Treatment of MDD
D. IPT View of Maintenance Factors in the Treatment of MDD
E. Role of Etiological Factors in the Treatment of MDD
III. Conclusion
A. Major Themes Identified
B. Implications for Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) Practice
C. Recommendations and Lessons Learned
D. Direction of Future Research
From the Paper "Depression is a serious condition which affects millions of people in the United States today. Further, the majority of people in America will experience some form of depression at some point in their lives. Major depression affects about 5 percent of the population at any one time, and over the course of a lifetime 17 percent of the population experiences a major depressive episode, according to a 1994 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry. The incidence of major depressive disorders is also higher among women (Frank & Spanier, 1995)."
What is personality disorder and do psychologists have a good understanding of it? Differences in aetiology and psychological explanations of different disorders.
Abstract This essay outlines the different syndromes under the personality disorder umbrella as classified by the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM IV). It examines the diagnostic problems that are commonly encountered because of the confusing and overlapping aetiology. It also mentions how the classification system reinforces of gender stereotypes. The causation of personality theories, including trait theories (e.g. Eynsenck), psychoanalytic models, and psychobiology, is then analyzed, and the relationship of these theories to specific disorders is discussed.
From the Paper "The word personality refers to the, "dynamic organisation, inside the person, of psychological systems that create the person's characteristic patterns of behaviour, thoughts and feelings" (Allport, 1961, cited in Carver and Scheier, 2004, p.5). People tend to behave in relatively predictable ways, yet personality also develops as a response to environment and change. Most people are able to learn from past experiences and adapt their personalities accordingly. A functional personality is therefore one that is both predictable and flexible to adaptation in accordance with societal rules."
Abstract In the last fifty years, there has been a strong shift in the attitudes and beliefs that deal with sexual abuse and sexual offenses. This is particularly true when it comes to female sexual offenders and the rates at which they abuse others. This paper shows that the rates are actually much higher than were first thought and, most alarmingly, the rates of child sexual abuse are also rising. This appears to be the case for female sexual offenders as well as male sexual offenders, but some of this could come from the fact that female sexual offenders are just now beginning to be recognized in larger numbers. In other words, the abuse may have been just as prevalent in the past, but the rates at which it was reported and believed were much lower. The paper shows that, due to this, it was assumed that females did not commit sexual crimes. When most people, even today, think of sexual offenders, they assume that the perpetrator is male and the victim is female. This paper shows that in reality, this is not always the case.
Paper Outline
Introduction
Prevalence
Judicial and Mental Health Decision Making
Formal Culture
Training Initiatives
Organizational Policies
Crime Reports
DSM-IV and Sex Offending
Informal Cultures
Culture of Denial
Conclusion
From the Paper "Individuals that are female, or 'feminine,' are considered to be nurturing, caring, protecting, non-aggressive, and non-sexual (Denov, 2003). Because of this, the idea that they might harm someone, especially in a way related to sexuality, is almost impossible for some individuals to comprehend, even if their knowledge and training tells them a different story. The sexual scripts that most people live by are not only heterosexual, but gender-based as well. Asking people to suspend this type of 'normal' thinking to say that a women is completely capable of a sexual offense is something that even those that are educated about the issue struggle with frequently (Denov, 2003). This could be part of the reason why so many women that are suspected of sexual offenses or even charged with them escape with little to no punishment by the judicial system and often do not spend as much time in counseling for their 'problem' as their male counterparts."
Abstract This paper looks at the symptoms and mental state of those who suffer from apotemnophilia, a rare disorder, experienced by mentally competent people that want healthy limbs and/or digits removed from their bodies. It considers several factors such as: What apotemnophilia is, if amputation may be an effective way to treat the disorder, possible psychological causes and why amputation may be actually be necessary. It also discusses the ethical aspects of amputating healthy limbs and why this disorder is not yet included in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Psychological Disorders" (DSM).
From the Paper "Apotemnophiles are often confused with acrotomophiles. The difference between the two is that acrotomophiles gain sexual gratification by being with or fantasizing about a person who has a disability or amputation. John Money (1977) originally coined the term "apotemnophilia" while looking at case studies of two men who became sexually aroused by the thought of being with a person who had an amputation or having one themselves (Money, 1977, p.117). It is likely that these two men were acrotomophiles, however the term apotemnophilia (note the suffix) has stood the test of time. Apotemnophiles simply wish to have their amputation(s) performed in an effort to become "whole". Apotemnophilia is not a problem of sexual desire, but a problem of body image (Elliot, p.73). "
Abstract This paper summarizes the research on diagnosing autism. The paper addresses assessment and the use of the DSM-IV for autism diagnosis. The paper also studies difficulties with diagnosis and differential diagnosis, including the need for a multiple axial diagnosis. The paper concludes that parent-pediatrician partnerships are critical to making an early autism diagnosis.
This paper discusses the characteristics, treatments and potential outcomes of three abnormal psychological conditions: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anorexia nervosa and schizophrenia.
Abstract This paper explains that abnormal psychology is generally concerned with undesirable behaviors, which, since the early 1900s, have been classified and updated yearly in the DSM-IV that is used by professionals to help identify mental illnesses. The author explains that attention-deficit disorder and disruptive behavior (ADHD), which runs in the family, was once thought to be only a childhood disorder but research shows that it continues into adulthood. The paper relates that the treatment for schizophrenia demands medication, such as Risperdal, Zyprexa, and Clozaril, along with psychotherapy; however, sometimes hospitalization is necessary during an active phase of the illness.
From the Paper "Unfortunately with behavioral disorders, relapses are triggered by stressful events and the majority of people in this world go through many stressful events in their lifetime. As for people with schizophrenia, they will never return to a fully normal and healthy life. The disorders symptoms can be controlled with medications and therapy. One problem they are left with is permanent side effects from the medications they have to take over their life times, which can be undesirable in social and occupational settings. Treatments are constantly changing and hopefully someday the outlook for all disorders will be bright. But we need to understand what the outcome can be so we can pass on to our patients what they can achieve."
