Here's a guide to various mental illnesses and psychological disorders, such as obsessive compulsion, schizophrenia, phobias, anxiety disorders, and depression.
Psychological disorders range from post traumatic stress syndrome to common phobias. This guide to various psychological disorders is a good introduction to mental illnesses, both mild and severe.
Diagnosing and treating psychological disorders is an objective procedure involving past research and experience. That knowledge of psychologcial disorders has been combined into a large, comprensive manual called the DSM-IV.
Diagnosing and Treating Psychological Disorders: DSM-IV
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) is published by the American Psychiatric Association. It's a comprehensive tome of all mental health and psychological disorders in adults and children. Not only does it list the names and symptoms of psychological disorders, it also includes possible causes, treatments, statistics, and research.
The DSM-IV has been called the psychiatrist's Bible because it increases understanding of patients, treatments, and even 3rd party insurance payers. Psychological disorders are classified and explained.
There are 5 Axes in the DSM-IV that cover psychological disorders:
Axis 1. Clinical Syndromes, also known as the diagnosis of the psychological disorder.
Axis 2. Developmental Disorders & Personality Disorders. Developmental disorders typically occur in childhood, and can affect physical, intellectual, and emotional development (eg, autism, Down's Syndrom). Personality disorders have long lasting symptoms that affect one's interaction in the world.
Axis 3. Physical Conditions (such as brain injuries or physical impairments). Some psychological disorders spring from physical aspects, others have unknown causes.
Axis 4. Severity of Psychosocial Stressors, including events in the patient's life: deaths, divorces, traumas, celebrations, new beginnings, etc. Lifestyle affects most psychological disorders.
Axis 5. Highest Level of Functioning describes how well the person functions at present and within the last year, with the psychological disorder.
The DSM-IV is not necessarily involved in the diagnosis and treatment of all psychological disorders - it depends on the psychiatrist, psychologist, or counselor. Whether or not an official DSM-IV diagnosis is made, it may be important to obtain objective support on any psychological condition or psychological disorder.
Unfortunately, there's a great deal of stigma attached to counseling for psychological disorders -- or psychological disorders in general! Mental illnesses are often embarrassing -- few people are thrilled to tell their friends and family they're seeing a "shrink"! It's also painful to delve into the depths of your soul or apply cognitive behavioral theories to your life, even if the psychological disorder can be overcome this way. Finally, counseling for psychological disorders can be expensive; not many insurance providers cover the cost easily. Overcoming the hurdles of seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist can be extremely valuable to your whole self - not just your mind and emotions, or the psychological disorder. Your physical health is intricately connected to your mind and soul, so dealing with one aspect of your self invariably boosts other parts.
Just like a physical disease like cancer, a psychological disorder can hit anyone at any time in their life, regardless of how wealthy, happy, or well-adjusted they are. It's the luck of the draw - just like many things in life.
If you found Psychological Disorders helpful, you might try:
The copyright of the article Psychological Disorders in Clinical Psychology is owned by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen. Permission to republish Psychological Disorders in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Which of the following statements describes a serious contemporary dilemma
regarding psychological disorders?
A) Most psychologists agree
that the legal grounds for diminished responsibility should be expanded but
adequate accommodation for society's needs must be made.
B)
Disorders are rising earlier and earlier in life but treatment options are
too limited for children.
C) More people should be diagnosed
with disorders but we can no longer lock people up against their will.
D) Internet addiction is a true disorder, analogous to drug
addiction or any other compulsive behavior, but the DSM panel will not
recognize it.
May 31, 2009 12:13 PM
Guest :
I believe my father might have Borderline Personality Disorder, he and my
mother are separated mainly because he is an alcoholic. He has difficulty
understanding and relating to other even his own children and does not
understand who he is and is constantly searching for a meaning in his life.
every time he drinks he goes through a cycle of guilt that ultimately
involves him crying and begging for forgiveness, yet he continues to abuse
alcohol and on occasions cocaine- (it has been 3 years since my mother
asked him to quit drinking) I believe he might have suicidal tendencies and
he has ridiculous mood swings. the ironic thing is he used to be a
councilor for the state hospital and for drug addicts. I want him to seek
help for not only his drug abuse but for his mental health, I don’t know
how to talk to him or my mother about it (I don’t have the best
relationship with him) I just need some feed back im literally at my wits
end with always having to deal with him and his neurotic tendencies. His
problems have affected not only me but my younger sister as well and i just
don’t know what to do anymore. Some words of wisdom would be helpful,
thanks.
Jun 1, 2009 8:50 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
It's so difficult having a parent or sibling with a psychological
disorder!
Do you live with him? I think it's important to give
yourself physical and emotional space. You can't solve his problem or fix
his mental health, and you have to let him live his life -- even if it
seems unhealthy or destructive. People with psychological disorders aren't
necessarily rational about seeking and accepting help. It's hard for both
them and the people who love them.
It may be ironic that he was
a drug addict counselor, but it may be that he went into that field because
drugs or addictions were familiar to him somehow. People often pick careers
that relate to something they were exposed to during their childhoods.
Since you can't talk to your dad, you might consider asking someone
he trusts to step in. This could be your aunt, grandparent, godfather,
uncle...someone who knows your dad, and who speaks his language.
You might also call your local Addicts Anonymous or distress line, and
ask what resources exist in your city. They sometimes have brilliant
suggestions about helping family members with psychological disorders!
Finally, I encourage you to get help for yourself. Talk to a
counselor about how to square with your past so you can have a healthy,
happy future -- and happy, healthy relationships.
I hope this
helps a little, and encourage you to update me when you can! I'd love to
know how you and he are doing.
Laurie
Jun 26, 2009 11:50 PM
zafariqbal :
Hi any one tell me how much minimum time is required for treatment og
Generalized Anxiety Disorder with different type of therapies
(CBT,Behaviour therapy ,Psychoanalysis and conceling)specially when client
is just 21 year old . Regards zafar
Jun 27, 2009 5:24 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi Zafar,
There really isn't any minimum or maximum amount of
treatment time for Generalized Anxiety Disorder -- or any psychological
disorder or mental illness! It depends on the person, his/her experiences,
how long it's been going on, and the psychologist's choice of therapy.
To get a more solid answer to your question, I'd suggest calling
the psychologists or counselors you might be working with. Ask what their
estimated treatment times are -- they would probably be able to narrow it
down better, if they had some background info.
Sorry I can't be
more helpful, and good luck,
Laurie
Aug 7, 2009 11:37 AM
Guest :
Hello Laurie, I'm beginning to research the historical backgrounds of
three WWI veterans, all deceased, in order to develop a realistic
characterization for a novel. One man consistently referred to himself by
name, never the first person, as in "Johnny can do that." Safe to
say it was some form of PTSD, but that doesn't get me too far. Is there
some recognized syndrome, or a similar case that you've come across? Could
this have been a pre-existing condition, exacerbated by battle field
trauma? I would appreciate your comments. Charles Rolston
Aug 7, 2009 3:40 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi Charles,
Sounds like an extremely interesting novel you're
about to write!
Referring to yourself in the third person is
possibly a trait of the narcissistic personality disorder. PTSD can
exacerbate any psychological disorder or mental health issue -- or, of
course, trigger new ones!
I suggest you research narcissism. A
great source of info is "Healthy Place: America's Mental Health
Channel." Search for narcissism there; Dr Sam Vaknin is a well-known
expert in that personality disorder. He's also very approachable, so if you
contact him through the Healthy Place, I'm sure he'd be happy to help you
further.
Good luck!
Laurie
Aug 10, 2009 7:41 AM
Guest :
Hi Laurie, Thanks for the tip - it sounds very promising. I hadn't
thought of the narcissism angle, as he presented as almost
personality-free. Another aspect of this was watching him in a remote
field, playing Caruso on an antique phonograph, eyes closed, birds on his
knees, shoulders, nestling around his feet - quite a sight. And your
mention of the third person caused me to imagine this narcissism of his
manifesting as a child-like "secret friend" perhaps. At least in
my book! Thanks again, Charles Rolston
Aug 14, 2009 9:03 AM
Guest :
my name is wendy, i have a mother in law that i beleive has a disorder, is
there such a disorder where someone subconciously sets themself up to fail
so therefore they can be completely dependant on family members? and even
when things seem like they are going well, then they have excuses everyday
for some reason or another for a family members interaction...kinda like a
dog or child that does something wrong just for attention? the bad thing is
shes an out of work social worker, she only did it for less than 2
years..the rest of the time shes lived off other people. her sons have
tried to help her to the point now shes completely dependant on them and
this isnt a new situation. when it comes to tough decisions--she perfers
to have other people make them for her. and then she has people to blame
for her own life. im not a therapist, or have any mental health
training--all i can tell you is that my whole life growing up my mother and
my brother both have bi polar disorder, multiple personalies, they are
paranoid schzophinics, and ive been taught for years how to pick up on
thier behaviors and how to counteract, and help them, and how to not allow
their problems to effect me and my life....., please help before we
divorce..due to her ability to manipulate her sons.
Aug 14, 2009 8:13 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi Wendy,
I'm sorry to hear about the situation with your
mother-in-law.
I don't think it's a formal psychological
disorder, but some people are certainly focused on sabotaging themselves
and have a fear of success! Fear of failure is more commonly known, but
fear of success is also quite common.
You're in a tough spot,
because you can't do much about your mother-in-law. It's your husband who
needs to step up and deal with her behavior before it wrecks your marriage.
If he doesn't see that there's anything wrong, then you might consider
finding a way to get into couples counseling. You don't necessarily have to
go to a psychologist or therapist -- you might find a pastor, rabbi,
spiritual director, or other trusted person just as helpful.
Convincing your husband to see your point of view might be more effective
if you don't tackle it alone. You need an outside opinion to show him the
severity of the situation!
I recently wrote a few suggestions in
a post on my Psychology blog, which you might be interested in. To get
there, just click on my name in blue at the top of this page, then click on
"Read Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen's blog" on the right side. Scroll
down to "How Do I Cope With Bad or Toxic Parents?" You can also
find it in the August, 2009 list on the side panel.
I wish you
all the best, Wendy!
Laurie
Aug 27, 2009 6:25 PM
Guest :
I was wondering what was the name of the disorder is that when other people
say that they have something that is wrong with them to the person who has
this disorder and then that person with this disorder then thinks that they
too have what the other person has? I was just wondering what the disorder
was called?
Aug 28, 2009 6:19 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi,
Hypochondria or health phobia (also called "medical
students disease" because they learn about illnesses and think they
have that illness) is the first thing that springs to my mind, based on
your description.
Hypochondria is mostly associated with
physical diseases, though. I'm not sure if there is an actual psychological
disorder that is similar to hypochondria, but relates only to emotional
health. I'll do some research -- and if I do find a psychological disorder
like this, I'll be back to update you! But off the top of my head,
hypochondria seems to suit your description the best.
Laurie
Sep 8, 2009 12:47 PM
Steve Simms :
I'm trying to "label" this "friend" of ours...we all
know she has a problem. I started out as friends of her sister and she
filled me in. OK, she's a 100% major flake. She is 29, lives at home.
She'll call, you, text you, etc. make plans and then walk right by you an
hour later like she doesn't know you. I've had strangers (sort of) ask me
what is "her deal" and tell me similar stories. Her sister told
me she was made fun of in school b/c she had some major freckles on her
face and one side of her face looked strange. She would go home crying.
But, now she's almost 30 and she just acts strange. She has zero real
friends. I always treated her nice, talked to her, tried to be a good
friend. But she started that flaky behavior and I got frustrated. She does
this to EVERYBODY. She hangs out with people and then the next day just
stops answering her phone. On the night before Katrina came she didn't
answer her phone, even after I was with her all day. I thought that was odd
at the time. Then her boyfriend left her, had some health issues and she
started clinging to me for a friend. And then BAM, she started pulling that
BS. One day she called me numerous times, made plans with me and friends,
came to the meeting spot and walked right by me without saying a word. Then
took off with some guys. I got angry, and next day she called and told me
some lie...she's always lying and a bad lair to boot. Everyone asks me
"what the heck is worng with her??" I'm trying to
"label" it. Her sister told me some really strange stories about
her, and stuff she did to her friends and why they stopped hanging out with
her. Very strange behavior. Basically make plans and then stop answering
her phone that night and the other friend would become frustrated and start
calling her sister to see what the heck is going on. I believe in
psychology but part of me just says "she's just a Flake, plain and
simple." Like her sister says, she doesn't see anything wrong in her
behavior. Everyone can see it. It's hard to explain in one post, but just
take my word for it this is a strange girl. She has no feelings of guilt,
or remorse. I feel bad for her but her life's disaster is her own doing.
Anxiety disorder? I've been reading up on personality disorders. I honestly
think she needs someone to talk to, and when asked her sister said her
family has thought about getting her some help but really, they're just
enablers to me. They make apologies for her behavior but do nothing,they're
scared of her.
Sep 9, 2009 7:25 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi,
Your friend sounds like she’s dealing with a few issues, and
her family may not know how to help her. I don’t know what psychological
disorder she’s struggling with – or if she’s just a flake, like you say --
and I suspect it’d take a psychologist or doctor to pinpoint exactly what’s
going on.
It’s great that you’re trying to be her friend, and
I’m sorry that she’s not more responsive. Often people who are dealing with
mental health issues don’t realize the impact they’re having on others, and
they don’t know how to interact appropriately. Social skills aren’t high on
the list!
You may just have to accept that your friend is
strange, and not expect anything more from her – except more strange
behavior. That’s who she is.
If you’d like to learn more about
helping her, you might find “Resources for Helping People With
Psychological Disorders” helpful. To read it, click on my name in blue at
the top of this page. Click on "Read Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen's
blog" on the right side. Scroll down to the article. It’s also in the
July, 2009 list on the side panel.
Best wishes, Laurie
Sep 10, 2009 6:17 PM
Steve Simms :
Thanks for the response Laurie. I'll read that, and I also have a friend
who's a psychologist, I've thought about asking her. She's acted this way
for many, many years, not just of late. Right now, we're not friends b/c of
her behavior. I let it get to me. She's 100% incapable of saying Thank You
or giving gratitude and people take it as selfish. She also
"plans" stuff to do to people. I mean, she plots to befriend
somebody, then flakes on them on purpose. Strange I know. Like, to get back
at people she'll go find them, male plans and then never arrive/stop
answering her phone. She's mentioned stuff like this to me before, and even
done it to me but I knew "what was up." Her sister has told me
repeatedly, it's b/c of her childhood. But, I know people her had worse
childhood situations and are just fine. She spends all her money on
clothes...thousands each year on expensive clothes AND I read this was a
symptom of anxiety disorder, I believe. It's sad, b/c her reputation is of
a "strange girl" and it's not b/c of her appearance (she had some
lazer surgery) or anything but her attitude. If anyone tried to talk to
her, I'm sure she'd just blow up and leave. She has wild mood swings, also.
There's so much more to the story. I just feel if she doesn't get help
she'll be in her 40s living at home(she has a good job but wastes all her
money), and by then be WAY worse than she is now, as IMHO this stuff
doesn't get "better" or just go away.
Sep 17, 2009 7:52 AM
Guest :
we're a 5 member family ,i have a brother who is so much close to my
father, my father traveled to another country for work for 5 month,the day
he arrived my brother started to be different, almost doesnt talk stop
interracting with us, loses his pleasue in everything, doesnt want to go
out even for a picnic, he dosnt even look at his cell phone and i found him
deleting all the messages, he stoppped sitting on the computer to play his
favourite games stopped logging on to the internet, he doesnt answer the
phone our home phone, and we try to make him laugh but he produce a very
weak reaction what's that case, is he trying to tell my dad dont travel
again i need u???
Sep 17, 2009 1:49 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi,
I’m sorry your brother seems to be struggling so much right
now, but it’s not possible for me to say what’s really going with him. The
internet is a wonderful place to get basic information about psychological
disorders and mental health issues, but specific help for specific
individuals has to come from in-person counseling.
Have you
tried asking your brother what’s wrong? Has anyone talked to him, perhaps
going out for a walk or a cup of coffee? The best way to find out what’s
bothering someone is to go directly to them and talk about it.
Why don’t you try talking to him – and maybe even talking to your father
or mother – and see if that uncovers any reason he’s changed his behavior
so drastically.
Another possibility is to talk to a teacher you
trust, a counselor, or even calling a help line. If you’re worried about
your brother’s mental health, you might need to reach out to experts who
can help him and your family.
I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful,
and I wish you all the best.
Laurie
Sep 22, 2009 9:57 PM
Guest :
I think my brother may be suffering from some sort of psychological
disorder. Within the past few weeks he has been talking about this
enlightening stage that he is going through. He says that he has
"changed" and that my family and I can also change and see what
he sees if we start to eat healthy, and stop taking any type of medication.
He goes on and on trying to convince my mother and my step-father that he
isn't crazy. He says If they trust him and believe in what he is saying
that they too will "see" what he is seeing. He recently broke
ties with his best friend. He says that his best friend was selfish and he
has realized everything. It's to the point that the things that come out of
his mouth make absolutely no logical sense and he blames everything that my
family does wrong on the fact that we do not eat healthy. The problems dig
deaper as he gets into conversations about the government and money and how
we are all controlled and do not "see" it. I am desperately
trying to figure out if these are signs of mental illness, or if this is
just a phase that he is going through. He has even taken it as far as
telling me that our step father is not the kind of man my mother should
have in her life. He states that our stepfather is hiding things from him.
When I asked him what? He cannot explain. He tells me if I changed my
diet that I would "see" it for myself. Its an obsession with
getting healhy and in turn he thinks that we will realize what the world is
really about. He feels as though the reason we are all blinded from the
truth is because of the fact that we eat junk food and things that are not
healthy for us. Please Help...
Sep 23, 2009 6:25 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi,
It definitely sounds like your brother isn’t enjoying a
stable, happy existence right now! I don’t know if he has a psychological
disorder or mental illness – but I do think he’d benefit from seeing a
doctor or counselor.
One way to know if someone is struggling
with an emotional or mental issue is their quality of life. Are they happy?
Satisfied with life? Enjoying good relationships? Getting along in everyday
life? Everyone struggles with sadness, pain, and discomfort in life…but if
abnormal behavior and problems are the main focus, then the person might be
struggling with something more serious than everyday “angst.”
You might need to talk to your parents about how to get help for your
brother. And, you might call a help line or distress line to learn what
resources are available in your area.
For more suggestions on
helping people with psychological disorders, visit my Psychology blog. I
can’t post links to articles here, but I’ve written several on helping
people with depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc. To get
there, just click on my name in blue at the top of this page, then click on
"Read Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen's blog" on the right side. Scroll
down to “Resources for Helping People With Psychological Disorders” (in the
July 2009 side panel).
Best wishes, Laurie
Oct 3, 2009 8:11 PM
Guest :
hi,i was hoping someone could help me out. my best friend has said he's
been experiencing things like talking to himself in his head and writing
things down about how he feels and stuff but he writes these things
subconsciously im assuming because he doesnt remember doing it at all. with
the talking to himself,hes been saying that hes having arguments so to
speak with himself. does anyone know what might be going on?
Oct 3, 2009 9:38 PM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi,
I’m afraid that it’s almost impossible to say for sure
what’s going on with your friend. Can you encourage him to talk to a doctor
or counselor? That’s the best way to support and help him.
Also,
be careful not to pin a psychological diagnosis or label on him. If you
think he’s depressed or schizophrenic, for instance, you could do him more
harm than good. That is, you could start treating him as a person with
depression or schizophrenia. Treating him differently or giving him
psychological advice isn’t necessarily a good thing.
The best
thing to do is help him see a doctor for professional help.
Best
wishes, Laurie
Oct 8, 2009 12:40 PM
Guest :
I broke up from a relationship about 9-10 weeks ago and was feeling very
low at the time anyway. I started not sleeping and looked ill so I looked
in the mirror to see what had changed. I lost some weight and looked drawn
which upset me. I checked the mirror more and more and then thought I can
fix the things that are wrong. In instead it turned into an obsession with
which i started to see things getting worse and then a fine line got
deeper. I went extremely downhill fast and I am still 9 weeks trapped
because I can't wash for fear of the mirror or clean my teeth or do
anything. I'm so frightened of the damage i am doing because I can't get
out of this viscous cycle.
Oct 12, 2009 4:08 AM
Guest :
I have my sister 25yrs. aged. Her behave is quite abnormal, every thing
fine for her BUT just her behave is quite odd compair with ordinary people
have. Means she can't talk with eye-eye contact, always bowing head,
abnormal laughting, slightly odd activities, watching TV etc. Please if
have any information please let me know? Thanks
Oct 20, 2009 12:00 AM
Guest :
I'm not quite sure what problem I have or if I have any at all, maybe what
I'm feeling is normal but if doesn't feel right. I have intense mood swings
just throughout one day. I can start the day off being happy and full of
energy and end it depressed and lazy and agitated. I go through different
sleep patterns, sometimes sleeping very good and sometimes not sleeping at
all. I am nervous about what others think about me and sometimes think to
myself if this is the way everyone thinks or is it just me. I have days
were I'm very confident and days were I hate myself. I don't know whats
wrong with me but I really could use some advice. Thanks.
Oct 20, 2009 6:20 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi,
I can’t say what’s wrong with you over the internet – you
need to talk to someone in person for that, such as a counselor or
doctor.
But, it does sound like you’re dealing with some anxiety
issues – you might research “Generalized Anxiety Disorder” for more info
about that. You might also look for information about manic depression or
bipolar disorder. I’m not saying you have those conditions or psychological
disorders; I’m just offering things to look into! Again, a counselor or
doctor would be able to help you determine what’s going on.
Most
(if not all) of us go through periods of anxiety, sadness, insecurity, and
exhaustion. But, in normal circumstances those periods of negative emotions
are usually brief and don’t negatively affect day to day functioning. They
come and go, and people don’t feel like anything is wrong with them.
If your life is negatively impacted by your mood swings and bouts
of sleeplessness, then you need to see a doctor. It could be something as
simple as changing your diet or lifestyle habits (you’d be surprised at how
food affects our moods!). The only way to find out for sure is to talk to
your doctor, and take it one step at a time.
I hope this helps a
little, and encourage you to talk to someone in person.
Best
wishes, Laurie
Oct 23, 2009 10:39 AM
Guest :
Devlin What are the odds of an entire family suffering from varoius
mental illnesses? My mother has exhibited obsessive compulsive
personality disorder since I was a child. She has an extreme controlling
nature, sense of self righteousness and is a hoarder. My older brother has
schizoid personality disorder, my fraternal twin sister, paranoid
personality disorder(she was also diagnosed by proxy as having munchausen
syndome), and my younger brother suffers from paranoid schizophrenia. My
uncle and my grandmother on my mother's side of the family seem to suffer
from depression. Whenever they come to visit, they just sit around with
blank expressions on their faces like mannequins in a store front window
with virtually little or nothing to say. As you can imagine, it was very
difficult for me growing up in a household I considered to be an asylum. What I am concerned about is whether my two sons aged 21 and 16 are at
risk of becoming mentally ill at some point in their lives. There is no
evidence of mental illness on my father's side of the family. What do
you think?
Oct 24, 2009 6:55 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi Devlin,
It sounds like your family has more than its fair
share of psychological disorders! That’s a lot for you to cope with as both
a child and an adult.
I don’t know what the risk of your sons
becoming mentally ill is…and I suggest not focusing on that possibility.
There’s not much (if anything) you can do to avoid it! That is, it’s not
like heart disease that you can possibly prevent by eating a healthy diet
and exercising regularly. If there was something you could do to prevent
your sons from becoming ill, then I’d encourage you to try it. But I think
many of our children’s psychological disorders occur regardless of what we
do as parents to prevent them (eg, schizophrenia, anxiety, phobias,
obsessive compulsive disorders).
The tricky thing with
psychological disorders is that we’re all abnormal, quirky, odd, and weird
to some extent! So if you’re worried about your sons and they do something
even slightly off the wall, then you might overreact in fear and more
worry. This is why I suggest not being overly concerned about it.
That said, I think that if your sons begin to show signs of not adjusting
well to life, are unhappy or depressed, can’t have healthy relationships,
etc – then you’ll want to steer them towards helpful resources. They’re
both adults (almost), though, which makes it harder to “keep tabs on” and
help them.
I just wrote a blog post about coping with family
members who have psychological disorders. To read it, just click on my name
in blue at the top of this page, then click on "Read Laurie
Pawlik-Kienlen's blog" on the right side. Scroll down to “Coping With
Family Members Who Have Psychological Disorders” – you’ll also find it in
the Oct, 2009 section on the side panel.
I hope this helps a
little – and I encourage you to try not to worry about your sons’ mental
health. If a problem does arise, you will find the strength and resources
to cope with it!
Best wishes, Laurie
Nov 5, 2009 3:39 PM
Guest :
I am working on a project to compile a list of common psychological
disorders as well as prehistoric or ancient treatments and origins of
record for those disorders. Do you know of some interesting ones or places
that I could look for more information? Thanks for your help! :)
Nov 6, 2009 2:32 AM
Guest :
Hello Laurie, This is Angela. I was simply wondering what is the term
for a kind of phobia for a person who is trying to kill himself/herself in
her sleep? I mean, when he/she is awake, condition is perfect. But while in
sleep, or should I say drowsiness, they try to commit suicide. I would
appreciate a response from you. Thanks, Angela Markstupor.
Nov 6, 2009 6:45 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
To the guest on Nov 5: My favorite psychology websites for research are The
Social Psychology Network, The Encyclopedia of Psychology, and
PsychCentral’s Mental Health & Psychology Resources online. I don’t
know about ancient or prehistoric treatments or origins of record, but
those psychology websites might have that information.
You might
also want to interview a clinical psychology professor from a university or
college. He or she would have a great deal info about past psychology
practices (or at least know where you could do more research).
Good luck with your psychology project, it sounds fascinating!
Nov 6, 2009 6:48 AM
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :
Hi Angela,
I’m afraid I don’t know of a phobia like the one you
describe. I did some research on it, but came up empty.
But, if
you try the websites I listed above – The Social Psychology Network, The
Encyclopedia of Psychology, and PsychCentral’s Mental Health &
Psychology Resources Online – you might find the disorder you’re referring
to.
And, I also suggest that you talk to a clinical psychology
professor from a university or college – especially one who specializes in
sleep disorders. A psychiatrist who works at a mental health organization
may also be very helpful to you.
Good luck; I hope you find what
you’re looking for.
Nov 7, 2009 12:50 AM
Guest :
i wanna know in psychology, if it is possible to cure someone using some
techniques regarding their symptoms of disorder,then u can make a normal
person getting upset or psychological disorders using the same kind of
reverse techniques??
