Abstract This paper provides 12 case histories and evaluations of different types of mentaldisorders. The disorders include: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Dementia of the Alzheimer's type, Paranoid type of Schizophrenia and Major Depressive Disorder.
From the Paper "Peter, a ten-year-old Caucasian boy, was referred to the therapist for diagnosis due to his inability to deal with academic tasks and disruptive behavior over the last seven months. Apart from the involvement of Peter and therapist, Peter's mother and his teacher..."
Abstract This paper proposes that Internet addiction, or Internet Dependence/Abuse Disorder, is a new DMS-IV, Axis I mentaldisorder. The paper cites symptoms of the proposed disorder which are symptomatic criteria for Internet Addiction.
From the Paper "The proposed DSM-IV disorder to be discussed in this report is Internet Addiction or Internet Dependence Abuse Disorder. Symptoms of this proposed disorder include tolerance or a need for markedly increased amounts for time spent online to gain the same satisfaction, withdrawal or anxiety, psychomotor agitation, excessive thinking about what is happening on line when not on the Internet and craving or accessing the Internet more often or for longer periods of time than was intended. Other objective symptoms include unsuccessful attempts..."
Abstract This paper discusses whether the concept of 'mentaldisorder' can ever be free of cultural bias. The problem is situated in trying to achieve neutrality, a concept which should be discarded. An alternative to the concept is discussed.
Abstract Throughout the history of the discipline of psychology, there have been numerous paradigmatic shifts in viewing the human mind and the human psychological condition. Today, much lip service has been paid to the idea that all psychological mentaldisorders are holistic in nature. In other words, it is assumed that individuals are not "all body" or ?all mind,? in accordance with the traditional Cartesian mind/body duality. This paper looks at the current theory that an individual's genetic makeup, past history, and current physical and psychological environment are all engaged in a complex series of intricate interactions that produce "the self" that the therapist must treat, to the best of his or her ability, with the tools of therapy, medication, and analysis, depending upon his or her field of expertise.
From the Paper "Eating disorders are an interesting example of how important it is to examine causality and treatment through a variety of guises, as what seems to "cause" the disorder, such as a low serotonin level present in anorexics, may be a symptom of starvation. However, serotonin is also linked to chemical reasons for the development of depression, which may also be linked to the reasons for the eating disorder being developed in the patient as a coping strategy. Low serotion levels may have genetic roots in the development of the disorder as well, which cause parents to place pressure upon the child because of their own inability to deal with stress. (Misra & Soka, et. al, 2003)"
Abstract This paper defines violence and mentaldisorders and discusses the correlation between the two. It discusses whether people suffering from mentaldisorders have a predisposition to violence and if there is a higher rate of violence in mentaldisorder patients than the general population. The paper examines the contemporary view of mentally ill patients and whether or not mental illness is a contributor to violence in the society.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Defining Violence and MentalDisorders Classification of MentalDisorders Categories of MentalDisorders Relationship between MentalDisorder and Violence
Conclusion
From the Paper "From the various studies conducted in attempting to determine the link between mental disorders and violence, it is concluded that severe mental disorders do not independently predict violence, but these findings challenge perceptions that mental illness is a leading cause of violence in the general population. People with mental illness, however, do report violence more often, mostly because they show other factors associated with violence. Consequently, determining the link between violence and mental disorder requires consideration of its association with other variables, such as substance abuse, environmental stressors and a history of violence."
Abstract This paper examines the current state of scholarship with regard to how language and culture can impact the diagnosis and treatment of mentaldisorders. The paper contends that there is much research but still relatively little in the way of concrete guidance for the therapist in everyday practice. The paper claims that is necessary for behavioral health professionals to first look at their own attitudes toward diversity and then for them to recognize and accept the reality of difference in the people they will deal with. The paper asserts that before a therapist can accurately create either a diagnosis or a treatment plan, he or she must understand where the subject comes from, not only as far as personal history but with respect to the cultural views that shape response to whatever happened to the person individually.
Outline
Introduction
The Scope of the Issue
Language
Cross-cultural Prevalence of MentalDisorders Methodology
Review of Literature
How Well is the Issue Being Addressed?
From the Paper "These issues do not just present treatment problems. How can one ethically diagnose and treat someone he or she does not understand? It becomes a most serious matter of being incompetent to provide adequate treatment to the Asian or Arab immigrant. It is also frequently the case that, as professionals, counselors are not aware that the African-American or Hispanic-American person sitting across the desk, comes from a different cultural perspective even though he or she may have been born and raised in this country. Bluntly, incompetence is not acceptable in any health care setting. It would seem that it is now necessary for members of the behavioral health professions to develop new skills and tools if they are to deserve the confidence and trust of the people they will be treating."
Abstract Using ADHD as an example, this paper discusses issues related to living with mentaldisorders. Diagnosis and medical concerns are addressed. The reality of living with such a disorder and its impact on various aspects of daily living, such as school, work and social functioning are examined.
From the Paper "For many years the field of psychology has had medical guidelines set for it in the diagnosing of mental disorders. The DSM-IV lists symptoms and criteria required to diagnose certain mental disorders and it explains how those disorders manifest themselves medically. Once the disorder is diagnosed however, there are often daily life adjustments and implications that are discovered as well. The treatment of a mental disorder involves not only a proper and thorough diagnosis but also treatment that understands the daily implications of having a mental disorder."
Abstract This paper examines the movie "Don't Say a Word", directed by Gary Fleder, and focuses particularly on its deeply disturbed protagonist, Elizabeth. The young lady manifests a number of mental problems, so many and so variable that her psychiatrist becomes suspicious that she is faking. The paper points out that she is indeed partially faking her symptoms. At the same time, she is a troubled young woman and does suffer from depression and related problems because of certain traumatic events. The paper adds that the link between the events and her reaction is clearly made and serves to show her portrayal to be realistic. The paper takes a close look at how well she mimics certain problems so convincingly, enough to fool even medical professionals. Ultimately, she is diagnosed with counterfeit schizophrenia. The paper concludes, however, that the severe traumas in her life might have led to the onset of real disorders.
From the Paper "Schizophrenia may be the most severe of the psychiatric disorders, and this problem leads to a disability resulting from negative symptoms and cognitive deficits, which may at times include delusions and hallucinations. These symptoms are in keeping with what psychiatrists in the film see when they examine Elizabeth. The modern conception of schizophrenia was made first by German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin at the beginning of the twentieth century, and in 1959, Schneider offered a set of first rank symptoms of the disease. These symptoms included audible thoughts, hearing voices arguing, hearing voices commenting on one's actions, the feeling of influences on the body, thought withdrawal, delusions, and the belief that one's feelings and volitional acts are influenced by others (Stefan, Travis, & Murray, 2002, pp. 12, 15)."
A look at the psychological, physiological, biological, sociological and cultural factors that cause innumerable extremely disturbing and devastating mentaldisorders in the younger generation.
Abstract This paper examines how mental as well as physical well-being is essential to live a prosperous life and to make this world a better place for the generations to come. It looks at how various factors combine to work against this well-being by giving birth to mental illnesses in children and how the world is not left with any option other than to look into the health issues at hand and the germane factors that are responsible for causing mental illnesses in juveniles. It highlights and discusses the various possible factors that contribute to the mentaldisorders found in juveniles.
Outline
Statement of the Problem
Thesis Statement
Employed Research Methodologies and Tools and Techniques
A Brief Overview
Possible Factors Causing Mental Illnesses in Juveniles
Suggestions for Ameliorating the Issue at Hand
Putting All Together: A Quick Recap
Conclusion
From the Paper "With the world rapidly transmuting into a global village, diversity in all walks of life as augmented manifolds thereby posing various challenges for the people involved. One such problem that MUST be looked into with far more pull pertains to the mental well being of children of all ages. Various factors some known whereas others still unknown come into play and are usually working vitally behind the high crime rates in juveniles, severe lack of patience, tolerance and mental as well as emotional stability and innumerable serious mental illnesses among children. For similar reasons, massive figures indicate that mental illnesses in children are quite common. This further gives rise to a chain of connected issues and problems for the world at large. Major personality problems in children diffuse from these mental illnesses that infect our society and increase health issues in children."
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 MentalDisorders" (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 The paper discusses amnestic syndrome, an abnormal mental state where all cognitive functions are intact except memory and learning.
The paper also looks at Alzheimer's disease, a tragic, progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person's memory, their ability to learn, reason, communicate and carry out daily activities. Additionally, the paper examines mild mental retardation, phenylketonuria (PKU), functional enuresis and encorpresis and autism.
From the Paper "Amnestic disorders can be either transient or persistent and can be caused by accidents, trauma, seizures, alcohol, tumors, encephalitis, carbon monoxide poisoning, and other conditions. There are some fascinating clinical cases on record where after severe brain trauma, an individual was completely unable to lay down new memories at all. There are also popular movies about amnestic syndromes. One of the most interesting is the movie, Memento, in which the main character has to tattoo notes all over his body to help him function because he has lost his memory and cannot retain new memories."
Abstract The paper notes that there are a variety of different psychological disorders, and what qualifies as a psychological disorder varies according to culture, source and opinion. The paper records that the guide for assessing and diagnosing psychological disorders is the DSM-IV, or the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of MentalDisorders", which is a particularly complex categorical system. This paper provides a general overview of the first five categories covered in the DSM, which includes their symptoms and also treatment options.
From the Paper "Schizophrenia is one of the most serious, if not the most serious psychological disorder and affects 1 person out of every 100, and accounts for more than half of all hospitalized individuals in mental institutions. Schizophrenia is nearly always treated using psychoactive drugs that aim to control the symptoms. Drugs in particular that are used are those that reduce the activation of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, which has been linked to schizophrenia. However, drug treatment is not always effective for schizophrenia patients, thus explaining their high rate of hospitalization. Treatment for schizophrenia is lifelong, in that the patients rarely are able to stop taking their meds. Very few cases exist where an individual is able to tackle schizophrenia without the use of drugs, but anomalies have occurred, such as the case of John Nash, the famous mathematician."
The following paper describes mental illnesses according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of MentalDisorders (DSM-IV).
1,175 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 6 sources, 2003, $ 40.95
Abstract This essay examines the differences and similarities between mood and anxiety disorders. It provides us with definitions and symptoms of these disorders, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. This paper also looks at the impact of mood disorders on society.
From the paper:
?A bipolar patient can also experience a mixed episode, which is characterized by cycles of depression and mania occurring in the same day. A hypo-manic episode is defined by a period of persistent mood elevation or irritability that last at least four days, but this condition is not as severe and may not result in social or occupational dysfunction.?
Abstract This paper examines how mental as well as physical well-being is essential to live a prosperous life. It highlights and discusses the various possible factors that contribute to the mentaldisorders found in juveniles such as psychological reasons, cultural aspects, sociological causes and biological factors.
Outline
Statement of the Problem
Thesis Statement
Employed Research Methodologies and Tools and Techniques
A Brief Overview
Possible Factors Causing Mental Illnesses in Juveniles
Suggestions for Ameliorating the Issue at Hand
Putting All Together: A Quick Recap
Conclusion
From the Paper "With the world rapidly transmuting into a global village, diversity in all walks of life as augmented manifolds thereby posing various challenges for the people involved. One such problem that MUST be looked into with far more pull pertains to the mental well being of children of all ages. Various factors some known whereas others still unknown come into play and are usually working vitally behind the high crime rates in juveniles, severe lack of patience, tolerance and mental as well as emotional stability and innumerable serious mental illnesses among children. For similar reasons, massive figures indicate that mental illnesses in children are quite common. This further gives rise to a chain of connected issues and problems for the world at large."
Abstract This paper looks at dissociative identity disorder, also know as multiple personality disorder, one of the most controversial mentaldisorders and is subject to intense skepticism. It examines how the literature ranges from passionate discourses recognizing it as a real psychiatric disorder to equally passionate claims that it does not exist.
From the Paper "A proper diagnosis can be made only when the clinician determines that the person experiences alter personalities who can be identified and elicited. The clinician must "meet" at least one alter who is relatively enduring, recognized as unique in behavior, and assumes control from time to time. This process usually takes time, and the revelation may come not in the actual session with the clinician but in a telephone call by "a friend" or in a letter. Due to the nature of the disorder, it may be very difficult to obtain a history."
