...Psychiatric Diseases, Disorders, and Drugs LaTisha Davis Psych 240 April 15, 2012 Psychiatric Diseases, Disorders, and Drugs Mood disorders are by definition disturbances in mood or prolonged emotional state. Almost anyone can suffer from mood disorders including children. These disorders range from depression, bipolar disorder to mania. In each of the states of the disorder, the person is either in a euphoric state or extremely sad state of mind. Although a person may experience mood changes in their life, and may be happy at times and then sad other time, it become a psychological disorder when the symptoms last longer than a certain amount of time. Depression is the most common mood disorder. With depression comes feelings of overwhelming sadness, lack of interest in activities, and excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness. People who suffer from depression feel they have failed tremendously in life and therefore find it hard to be sociable, they are always tired, and they never feel comfort or pleasure. They find it hard to concentrate on anything and they lose interest in sex and food as a result. Some of the signs of depression include changes in short-term memory, insomnia, and in extreme cases suicide weighs heavily on their minds. There are two categories for depression; major depressive disorder is the term used to describe intense sadness, depressed mood, and loss of interest in almost everything. Dysthymia is a milder form of depression with the same symptoms...
Words: 872 - Pages: 4
...varieties of mood disorders however this paper is focused on cyclothymic and dysthymic disorders. Dysthymic mood disorder has long term effects where cyclothymic has short term effects. Mood disorders can happen to anyone at any time. It can be hereditary or simply caused by chronic stress. This paper will look at what each of these disorders are, how the come about, symptoms, and treatment. This paper will also talk about some case studies involved in each disorder to give examples of what it is like to live with a mood disorder. The entire scholarly journal authors used in this paper has a degree in phycology or education. Key Words: Dysthymic, Cyclothymic Tina is a 25 year old that lives a very happy productive life most of the time. She goes through highs where she is super happy and excited but that doesn’t last forever, she then goes into a depression where all she wants to do is stay at home and sleep. Tina doesn’t know what to do, she wants to be able to live her life to the fullest but unable to do so due to her constant misunderstood emotions. Bill is an average male on the outside but inside he suffers some serious problems he is happy but in a few days he won’t be. He will become severely depressed everyday of his life for nearly two years. If bill doesn’t get help for his depression he is at high risk for suicide. Significantly, cyclothymic and dysthymic mood disorders are affecting people from all parts of the world. Cyclothymic disorder is a milder mood disorder...
Words: 824 - Pages: 4
...Dissociative and Mood Disorders Gretchen Harper Psy/203 March 30, 2015 Bonnie Johnson Dissociative and Mood Disorders Dissociative Disorders Dissociative disorders include several syndromes that contribute to a change in consciousness which affect an individual’s memory and their identity. In the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) there are five major subcategories of this disorder. They include the following: 1. Dissociative Amnesia: Patients suffer from loss of memory including information regarding themselves or their life experiences. 2. Dissociative Fugue: The amnesia is a large part of the patient’s life; they also experience a personal loss of identity and in most cases loss of physical location. 3. Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID): The patient has very different identities (two or more). Also known as multiple personalities or alter egos. The patient alternates their states of personality which each has control over conscious thoughts, actions and experiences. These personalities are usually separated by a level of amnesia. 4. Depersonalization Disorder: Patients have an understanding that they change in some way or are no longer real. They also have belief that their surroundings are not real too. 5. Dissociative Disorders (not specified): Patients show one or some symptoms of dissociative disorders but might not be to the extent of being diagnosed in the previous categories. Cultural specific beliefs of “spirit-possession”...
Words: 1707 - Pages: 7
...Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, and Psychosis Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, and Psychosis Many propose the question that for many years pondered the minds of many great theorists, and that is: What is a mood disorder, and how many personal dispositions or traits may a person actually possess? To date, a specific number has never been stressed. What is certain, is that mood fluctuates from individual to individual, and is a part of everyday life. Learning to adapt to multiple different moods and personalities can be challenging for anyone, especially those designated to conduct research. There are many different angles in which a person’s mood can be studied. Methods include gathering data and examining different traits. Psychologists study common traits that are shared as well as unique traits referring to individual behavior. In research, they emphasize continued studies on mood and temperament traits. These traits proposed the questions of behavior. Such as why a person behaves in the manner that they do, the motivation behind why they behave in certain ways, and their ability to sustain. For the purposes of this paper, mood, psychosis, schizophrenia, and the biological, cognitive, and behavioral components of each will be analyzed. Part I: Mood Disorders To understand mood disorders, it is important to first understand the definition of mood. Hansell & Damour (2008) suggest that mood is a state of which includes cognitive, motivational, and physical processes...
Words: 1942 - Pages: 8
...MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS PSY/410 MOOD AND ANXIETY DISORDERS There are a variety of mood and anxiety disorders associated with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV-TR), including: anxiety, mood/affective and dissosociative/somatoform disorders. Furthermore, there are several sub-categories that fall under different mood and anxiety disorders. These include phobias, depression and post-traumatic stress. Each can have their respective type of affect on a person with varying degrees of severity (Benjamin, 2006). According to Hansell & Damour (2008), the common belief is that fear itself is a naturally-promoted human emotion that manufactures anxiety. In addition, anxiety is classified as an emotion filled with uncertainties. DSM IV-TR lists the various disorders and anxiety is one of the common symptoms of anxiety disorders. Anxiety Disorders There is one clear difference between anxiety and fear. Fear itself is associated with a specific stimulus. On the other hand, anxiety is about uncertainty in what the future has in store (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Anxiety overload can quickly produce General Anxiety Disorder, (GAD) and/or panic disorders, as well as social phobia (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Mood/Affective Disorders Personality and moods in most people vary every day, some moderate while others can be more severe. Experiencing feelings of anxiety and fear are normal also, and the level of fear and anxiety can vary. According...
Words: 691 - Pages: 3
...Mood Disorders and Suicide Sharmaine M. Discion Emotion refers to a state 0f arousal that is defined by subjective states of feeling. Affect refers to the pattern of observable behaviors that are associated with subjective feeling Mood refers to a pervasive and sustained emotional response that can color the person’s perception of the world. Depression can refer either to a mood or to a clinical syndrome, a combination of emotional, cognitive and behavioral symptoms. Syndrome of depression is also called clinical depression. Mania, the flip side of depression, also involves a disturbance in mood that is accompanied by additional symptoms. Euphoria, or elated mood, is the opposite emotional state from a depressed mood. It is characterized by an exaggerated feeling of physical and emotional well-being. Mood disorders are defined in terms of episodes-discrete periods of time in which the person’s behavior is dominated by either a depressed or manic mood. Common Features of Depression * Changes in Emotional State * Changes in motivation * Changes in functioning and motor behavior * Behavioral Symptoms * Cognitive changes HOW TO DIAGNOSE MOOD DISORDERS? The DSM-IV-TR approach to classifying mood disorders recognizes several subtypes of depression, placing special emphasis on the distinction between unipolar and bipolar disorders. TYPES OF MOOD DISORDERS Unipolar Mood Disorder is a mood disorder in which the person experiences only episodes...
Words: 509 - Pages: 3
...MOOD DISORDER Mood disorder is something every one experience even occasional strong, even unpleasant, emotional reactions. however, when moods tend to go out of control, going thru extreme elation or plunging to deep depression, the diagnosis will end up been one of the mood disorder. Mood disorder is define by extremes of mood, from mania to depression. Two types are major depression and bipolar disorder. Mood disorders can effect anyone, including children. The cause of mood disorders is not fully understood, but an imbalance in brain known as neurotransmitters is likely the cause. Sometimes mood disorders may be related to a medical condition, substance abuse, life events, or other events in life. However, I have experience with this disorder due to the fact I was diagnosis at 19 with mood disorder, I was also diagnosis with bipolar as well. Major depression consist of hopelessness and despair, which is also known as clinical depression. When dealing with major depression, it may be difficult to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy friends and activities. Clinical depression can happen only once in your life, while others have it several times in a lifetime. Major depression seems to occur from one generation to the next in some families, but may affect people with no family history of the illness. The symptoms of major depression include: profoundly sad or irritable mood, pronounced changes in sleep, appetite, and energy, difficulty thinking, concentrating, and remembering...
Words: 689 - Pages: 3
...Psychology Mood Disorders: Causes, Effects and Treatment Mood Disorders: Causes, Effects and Treatment Robert Baker Psychology GE1116 Dr. Angela Isom November 30, 2009 Mood Disorders: Causes, Effects and Treatments In today’s society, people seem to have a lot of problems that are classified as mental disorders. These disorders include: depression, schizophrenia, bipolar, and even seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The immediate stigma that is placed on most if not all mood disorders is that they are sicknesses. In the case of depression, this is not to confuse depression, a normal emotion with biological depression, an illness. Further along this line of irrational thought is the belief that they are not treatable and the person affected is in some way, shape or form disconnected from civilization as we know it. In this research paper, we will attempt to destroy these unfair stereotypes on this subject, attempt to rationalize the behaviors, and shed light on treatments for the various disorders. The research gathered will attempt to understand and answer these questions: 1. What are mood disorders and their symptoms? 2. What are the causes? 3. How can the stigma of mood disorders be removed? 4. What forms of treatment are the most successful? What Are Mood Disorders And Their Symptoms? In order to get a good idea of what causes mood disorders, we first...
Words: 454 - Pages: 2
...Psychological Mood Disorders Cyclothymia is a mood disorder that is on the low end of the spectrum of more aggressive disorders of mood like Bipolar I and II. Cyclothymia is characterized by short periods of mild depression and hypomania. In many cases, hypomania manifests as feeling particularly good or elated, so it may be merely thought of as being in a “good” mood. These cycles may then be followed by several months of “normal” mood. Many who have cyclothymia do not seek treatment since periods of depression and hypomania are short. Yet some are disturbed by these mild swings and will seek treatment from a mental health professional. If at any time during mood swings a patient becomes actually manic, rather than hypomanic, the condition is rediagnosed as bipolar disorder. As well, if period of depression exists for longer than two months, either a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, or major depression may be given. Some people find cyclothymia a livable condition, and when the condition does not progress to more severe symptoms, it can be managed with cognitive behavioral therapy. For others, destabilization of mood occurs so frequently that people will seek medication. People may take low dose mood stabilizers, and occasionally an antidepressant to help address persistent cycling. An affective disorder, also known as a mood disorder, is any mental condition whose main symptom is a major uncontrollable shifting of mood. There are a variety of affective disorders and they are...
Words: 650 - Pages: 3
...Mood and Addictive Disorders Kali LaDuke Psy/275 April 4, 2016 Kristi Collins Mood and Addictive Disorders Mood and substance abuse disorders are among the most common abnormal psychological afflictions. Mood disorders include those who suffer the symptoms of depression and mania. The depressive disorder unipolar depression, are those who only experience the lows of depression, while bipolar disorder is marked by both the low of depression and the frenzied high of mania. Substance use disorders are marked by recurrent use of substances, such as alcohol or drugs, that results in maladaptive behaviors (Comer, 2014). To explain the development if both mood and substance disorders there are biological, psychological, and sociocultural models. Treatment for these maladaptive behaviors also use biological, psychological, and sociocultural methods. Finally, there are several gender and cultural differences in the development, frequency, and treatment in these disorders. Mood disorders Depressive disorder has symptoms such as sadness, low energy, guilt, and low self-worth (Comer, 2014). When these symptoms occur without periods of mania, it is called unipolar depression. Overall, about 19 percent of the adult population experiences an episode of unipolar depression in their lifetime. Severe cases interfere with the daily activities of life and can include physical symptoms such as physical pain and muscle fatigue. Severe moodiness and suicidal thoughts may also accompany...
Words: 2197 - Pages: 9
...Mood and Addictive Disorders Mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorders, are the most common among patients. Substance disorder is also very common in our society today. There are many causes and different treatments for each. As well as potential gender and cultural influences on depressive, bipolar, and substance disorders. Depressive disorder is an illness that the whole body is involved, it affects the mood and thoughts. Depressive will interfere with daily life and normal functions. This disorder plays effect of the person dealing with it as well as other surrounding that cares for him or her. Depressive disorder is just not passing a blue mood. People suffering with this disorder cannot physically pull themselves together to get better. The exact cause of depression is still unknown, but there are many factors that can increase the risk of developing this condition. A family history of depressions could possible increase the risk. Major events, positive or negative, can cause stress and lead to depression. For example, getting married, having a new baby, starting a new job are positive things but can be very stressful. Losing a job, retiring, or getting a divorce are negative events that may could cause depression. Serious illness, like cancer, may trigger. Or other personal problems such as social isolation can also contribute to the risk of developing depression. Each person is different and the treatments may vary. The most common is being put...
Words: 1034 - Pages: 5
...Depression is a mood disorder characterized by several different symptoms and research has indicated that it may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. While it is generally understood that the best treatment for depression is a combination of prescription antidepressant drugs, lifestyle changes as well as therapy, the least invasive and possibly most beneficial way to begin treatment is with therapy alone. Therapy is a beneficial way to express one’s feelings and emotions rather than allowing them to bottle up and learning skills to better oneself in small everyday steps to later better their life. The brain is incredibly complex and is involved in most functions of the body. The brain contains neurotransmitters that may help indicate...
Words: 1266 - Pages: 6
...At different times in your life, you may have ‘been in a funk’, or extremely unhappy for a short period in time. People may have noticed or commented on how you are acting, but it doesn’t put any stress on your ability to function in life. At other times in your life, you may have felt elated, or extremely energized. When someone has a unipolar disorder, their sadness or elation are catapulted into extreme highs or lows, and this mania or depression has a significant effect on their abilities to function in their normal lives. When someone experiences both the extreme highs and lows of mania and depression alternately, they are diagnosed as bipolar. Depression is a continual disorder that affects between 5 and 10% of adults in the United States per year, and up to 17% of adults will have suffered from a severe case of depression at least once in their life. Depression is a low or sad state, where a person will experience significant levels of sadness, lack of energy, low self worth, guilt, or other symptoms like these. These symptoms span across fives areas of functioning. The first area we will look at is the emotional symptoms (Comer, 2005). The emotional symptoms of depression include feeling sad, miserable, empty, and just plain unhappy. Another function that is affected is motivation. The motivational symptoms cause people to lose their drive and desire to do anything, and often have to force themselves to go through their regularly scheduled life. The behavioral symptoms...
Words: 1005 - Pages: 5
...Disorders of Mood and Addiction Stephanie MacPherson PSY/275 June 15, 2015 Barry Brooks Disorders of Mood and Addiction Everyone experiences, from time to time, periods of sadness, fatigue, or unhappy thoughts. Among the United States population, around eight to ten percent suffer from a pattern of depression known as unipolar depression. Depressive and bipolar disorders show to be a leading cause of disability, without treatment a person can have a difficult experience with relationships, work, and social activities. Substance abuse disorders are becoming an epidemic. The need for instant gratification has become more and more prevalent in the world. The DSM-5 shows the symptoms checklist for diagnosis of substance abuse disorder (see table 1.3 in appendix a), and according to Comer, (2014) “the substances people misuse fall into several categories: depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, and cannabis” (p. 295). The different combinations of treatment methods that allows a person diagnosed with these disorders to carry out normal life and perform daily activities as the rest of the population. The potential causes of these disorders can change based on many different factors such as stress, genetics, lifestyle. In addition, the multicultural perspective enlightens the different gender and culture influences, and of males seeking treatment there is a higher percentage in females diagnosed. (McCullough, J. P., Jr., Klien, D. N., Keller, M. B., Holzer,Charles E...
Words: 1800 - Pages: 8
...Treatment plans for mood disorders are much alike the treatment plans for anxiety disorders. There are two main paths that can be taken, either with prescription medication or the therapeutic paths. There are three types of prescription medicines when it comes to mood disorders: mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. The first step is for the doctor to determine the severity of the disorder. That will determine which medicine and the dosage. While this is done with all prescriptions, it is essential and different with mood disorders due to the fact that it is easy for one factor to upset the whole person. Also, this helps with determining which of the three types of medication to use. Thankfully research has expanded and “The...
Words: 997 - Pages: 4
