THE NATURE OF MENTAL DISORDERS

FACTS 1.5 million people presently hospitalized in the United States for mental disturbances. An additional 4 to 5 million people annually seek psychological help of one sort or another. Approximately 20% of the U.S. population has a “mental disorder” However, it is still incredibly difficult to define a mental disorder.

CAUSES OF MENTAL DISORDERS Most times, the specific cause of a particular disorder can’t be determined. Psychological Sociocultural Biological Often it’s a mix of these three factors. For most severe disorders, it’s usually biological factors at work.

Definitions of Abnormal Behavior There are three criteria that must be met to consider abnormal behaviors a “mental disorder” The person suffers discomfort more or less continuously. The discomfort can be anxiety, worry, depression. In addition, they feel something is wrong with their life more than the average person does.

Definitions con’t 2. The person may behave in a bizarre fashion. He constantly misinterprets what is going on and what others are doing and saying. People who need help may be very inefficient. Meaning—they are unable to perform their life roles properly. **Maladaptive, unjustifiable, disturbing, atypical

Classifying Disorders DSM-V: Symptoms and classifications are contained in book published by American Psychological Association

Disorders of Childhood ADD/ADHD: childhood disorder characterized by inattention, distractibility, impulsiveness, and or excessive activity, and restlessness. Affects approx. 3 to 5% of population of children. More boys suffer than girls. (80% are boys) B/w 8 and 10 years old--diagnosis

AUTISM Childhood disorder characterized by a failure to develop normal patterns of communication, social interactions, and emotional responses. Usually present at birth and can be quite severe. No known cause, no known cure, no specific drug.

ANXIETY DISORDERS ANXIETY: generalized feeling of apprehension and pending disaster. It includes many physical problems like: Sweating Throat closing up Erratic breathing Heart pounds Trembling

Anxiety Disorders Anxiety Disorders include: Panic Disorders Phobic Disorders Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

PANIC DISORDERS PANIC DISORDERS: type of anxiety disorder where the person has frequent and overwhelming attacks of anxiety that are not associated with specific objects or events. These attacks are often extremely severe but short in duration Causes: Not exactly sure but often runs in the family, or caused by life transitions, or severe stress Cures/treatments: cognitive behavioral therapy, medications, psychotherapy

PHOBIC DISORDERS PHOBIC DISORDERS: type of anxiety disorder in which a person becomes disabled and overwhelmed by fear in the presence of certain objects or events Phobia means ‘fear of” Two Basic types of Phobias: Specific phobia: associated with a specific object or situation, such as snakes, dogs, elevators, etc. Agoraphobia: the fear of leaving a familiar environment (home)—means fear of open places. Causes: Usually result from association or learning

OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER: Obsession: endless preoccupation with a certain urge or thought Compulsion: repeated, symbolic, ritualized behavior Causes: genetics, biological factors Treatment: behavioral therapy, medications

POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER An anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened. Treatments: Psychotherapy and medication