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Analyzing Psychological Disorders

Michelle Newland Psy240: The Brain, the Body, and the Mind November 24, 2009

Analyzing Psychological Disorders

I want to take this time to thank you for the opportunity and for this interview. I learned so much while I was in school but I realize that I still have more to learn. I would appreciate the opportunity to work with you and for you and to be able to continue to learn. I once again appreciate the opportunity to show you what I have learned about schizophrenia as well as the opportunity to review two case studies that you have presented me with. I am confident that I can live up to your expectations. There are many different forms of psychological disorders. These disorders can, and do, range from simple common phobias to schizophrenia. These would be considered a disorder of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions (Pinel, 2006). These disorders are labeled in accordance to the predominant features (Heffner, 1999-2003). Schizophrenia is caused by the splitting of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional functions of the brain. The symptoms vary for those who have been diagnosed as being schizophrenic. Some of the symptoms would be: hallucinations, difficulty paying attention, thought pattern in disarray, delusions, catatonia, and “word salad” (Pawlik-Kienlen, 2007). To better understand what these symptoms are we can break them down. To begin hallucinations are voices that are not really there. These voices may tell someone to do something that is completely out of character for them. Thought pattern being in disarray means that someone’s thoughts are illogical, irrational, and disorganized (Pinel, 2007). Difficulty paying attention simply means that a person

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