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.
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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.
