...Depression: Unipolar Vs. Bipolar Rebecca M. Azurmendi Psychology 270 July 14, 2013 Professor Moore Depression: Unipolar Vs. Bipolar Depression is sometimes not taken seriously or is misunderstood. Key emotions in mood disorders are depression and mania. Depression is an overwhelming feeling from the challenges of life and a low, sad state in which life seems dark. Mania is an exaggerated belief that the world is for the person’s taking. Unipolar depression is a form of depression that does not have a history of mania. Bipolar disorder is marked by the mixture of periods of mania and depression (Comer, pg. 194). Unipolar depression is often mistaken for clinical depression. Severe unipolar depression is twice as severe in women as it is in men. Between young boys and girls unipolar depression is similar (Comer, pg. 194). We have all experienced a form of depression at some point in our lives. The signs and symptoms are all different depending on the individual. Some symptoms can be less severe than the others. Symptoms of unipolar depression feed off emotionally, motivationally, behaviorally, cognitively, and physical categories of symptoms. Emotionally individuals feel sad, miserable, and unwanted. The lose most if not all pleasure in most things. Their sense of humor tends to fade away and many of them experience anxiety, anger, and agitation. Some individuals feel humiliated and dejected (Comer, pg. 195). The motivation symptoms of depression usually lead to...
Words: 1191 - Pages: 5
...Depression: Unipolar and Bipolar Vanessa Clark PSY/270 July 7, 2013 Dr. Stephanie Sencil-White, PsyD, PhD, LCSW, DCSW Depression: Unipolar and Bipolar There comes a time in one’s life where they may have the signs and symptoms of a person suffering from depression. Depression is a mood disorder that can affect anyone of any age at some point in their life, but usually occurs after a traumatic event. Unipolar disorder and bipolar disorder are two depression disorders that will be discussed throughout this essay. The differences of unipolar and bipolar disorder, the signs and symptoms, causes, and treatments of these two disorders will also be discussed so that others can seek the help they need if they notice the signs and symptoms happening in their life. Unipolar disorder and bipolar disorder are both considered to be a form of depression, yet there are differences that can assist a psychiatrist in determining which disorder a patient may have. Unipolar disorder affects your mood, your daily living, and causes an all-time depressive state. Where unipolar disorder consists of depressive (low) symptoms, bipolar disorder consist of cycles of mania (high) and depressive (low) symptoms (Bipolar Central, 2004-2013). Bipolar disorder is said to be characterized by extreme changes in mood and can lead to risky behavior, damaged relationships, careers, and even suicidal tendencies. According to “Bipolar Central” (2004-2013), unipolar disorder is characterized by severe debilitating...
Words: 861 - Pages: 4
...Depression Paper Angie Marquez PSY 270 April 17, 2016 Depression Paper Most people have felt sadness at some point in their life. It is a normal reaction to the loss of a loved one or even just everyday life struggles. When these feelings of sadness start to last longer than a few days and begins to keep you from functioning normal it may be more than just sadness. Clinical depression is a treatable medical condition that many people experience in throughout life. Depression is considered a mood disorder. “Mood disorders are a category of illnesses that describe a serious change in mood” (Mental Health America, 2016). Other mood disorders include unipolar disorder and bipolar disorder. There are important differences between unipolar and bipolar such as how the illness makes people feel and behave and the difference in treatment (ULifeline, 2016). Bipolar disorder is a serious illness that involves one or more episodes of serious mania and depression (Mental Health America, 2016). Mania is when a person is feeling happy, confident, energetic and productive (ULifeline, 2016). During an episode of bipolar disorder a person can experience extreme mood swings. They can go from feeling happy and energetic to feeling sad and hopeless, sometimes with a period of a normal mood between the two extremes. There is no definite link between genetics and bipolar disorder but research does show that is tends to run in families (Mental Health America, 2016). Other causes of bipolar disorder...
Words: 797 - Pages: 4
...Clinical Assessment PSY 270 December 15, 2013 Dr. Stephanie Sencil-White Clinical Assessment Clara is a four year old adopted child who is exhibiting lack of eye contact, inconsolable temper tantrums, and an aversion to school; these behaviors have her parents concerned. During the interview with Clara’s family I would begin by asking if there were any recent changes in the household, such as, a new baby or pregnancy, or the loss of a loved one. I would inquire if these behaviors were sudden or a gradual progression. I would ask if the temper tantrums preceded or followed a specific incident or if they appeared for no apparent reason. I would also ask if a specific incident happened at school or if there was an area of concern that the teacher had mentioned that may be causing the lack of desire to attend. I would inquire about the biological parents and if there was any information available about their psychological or physical health or that of any other biological relatives that may be beneficial, including the age Clara was when she was adopted. Upon concluding the initial interview I would look into performing further testing such as a clinical observation so that I could observe Clara in an environment that was more natural to her in the hopes I could gain a better view of her behaviors (Comer, 2011). I would further conduct a mental status exam to help determine Clara’s awareness, orientation, attention span, and memory, thought process, mood, and appearance...
Words: 558 - Pages: 3
...Schizophrenia presentation PSY 270 May 24, 2015 Grade-A Schizophrenia Presentation Introduction: Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder for which there is no cure; however, it can be managed. Although researchers are not sure what causes schizophrenia, they think a person’s environment coupled with genetics play a significant role in the development of the disease. Studies indicate sensitivity to schizophrenia is inherited. Edwards (2011) stated, “Scientists believe that the interaction between genes and the environment are necessary for schizophrenia to develop” Edwards, R. D. (2011). Multiple factors such as viruses, malnutrition in utero, stress, drug use, problems during birth, and prenatal or postnatal injuries may be environmental factors involved in the development of schizophrenia. Evidence points to schizophrenia beginning early in a person's life even though symptoms may not be present until later when the disorder appears. Other factors may include abnormalities in the neurotransmitters called dopamine, and glutamate. It causes people to think abnormally, and exhibit various combinations of abnormal behavior. (Mayo clinic staff, 2014). According to Mayo clinic staff (2014), symptoms of schizophrenia include “hallucinations, delusions, extremely disordered thinking and behavior, social withdrawal, depersonalization (a sense of being unreal, hazy and in a dreamlike state)...
Words: 1221 - Pages: 5
...Clinical Assessment PSY 270 December 15, 2013 Dr. Stephanie Sencil-White Clinical Assessment Clara is a four year old adopted child who is exhibiting lack of eye contact, inconsolable temper tantrums, and an aversion to school; these behaviors have her parents concerned. During the interview with Clara’s family I would begin by asking if there were any recent changes in the household, such as, a new baby or pregnancy, or the loss of a loved one. I would inquire if these behaviors were sudden or a gradual progression. I would ask if the temper tantrums preceded or followed a specific incident or if they appeared for no apparent reason. I would also ask if a specific incident happened at school or if there was an area of concern that the teacher had mentioned that may be causing the lack of desire to attend. I would inquire about the biological parents and if there was any information available about their psychological or physical health or that of any other biological relatives that may be beneficial, including the age Clara was when she was adopted. Upon concluding the initial interview I would look into performing further testing such as a clinical observation so that I could observe Clara in an environment that was more natural to her in the hopes I could gain a better view of her behaviors (Comer, 2011). I would further conduct a mental status exam to help determine Clara’s awareness, orientation, attention span, and memory, thought process, mood, and appearance...
Words: 558 - Pages: 3
...Substance abuse PSY 270 May 17, 2015 Substance abuse In trying to choose a particular viewpoint that I agree with most in relation to the causes and treatments of substance related disorders, I clearly see that it is possible for all of them to be true, or any combination of the various viewpoints. Although I agree with all possible causes for substance abuse, I have narrowed my choices down by their respective treatment methods. I believe that all humans are a sum of their life experience. Every single sound, touch, taste, smell, and emotion that our bodies and souls have ever experienced is a unique part of who we are as individuals, positively and negatively. For this reason I think the sociocultural and the psychodynamic views are a good place to start. I would like to first say that biological explanations for dependency should always be considered when assessing a possible cause(s) and medication should be prescribed in conjunction with other types of therapies if needed. The sociocultural view asserts that people are more likely to use drugs or alcohol to escape the stresses in their life, or perhaps grew up in families where drug and alcohol use is accepted and/or common. Sociocultural treatments include self-help groups such as AA/NA, culture and gender sensitive treatment groups, as well as community prevention programs. Comer, (2011). In the psychodynamic view, people who turn to substance abuse have an excessive dependency needs that can be traced back...
Words: 417 - Pages: 2
...Psychological and Psychophysiological Stress Disorders Respond to the following: 1. Stress can be the root cause of psychological disorders. Name four symptoms shared by acute and posttraumatic stress disorders. 4 symptoms that are shared by acute and posttraumatic stress disorders are fear, avoidance, reduced responsiveness, and increased arousal, anxiety and guilt. 2. What life events are most likely to trigger a stress disorder? Combat trauma occurs when soldiers are exposed to combat. Civilian trauma can include natural or accidental disasters. Victimization which can happen when someone is sexually of physically assaulted. Acts of terror and torture may also lead to stress disorders. 3. Traumatic events do not always result in a diagnosable psychological disorder. What factors determine how a person may be affected by one such event? Every individual reacts to trauma differently. Their personal resiliency, biological processes, childhood experiences, social support systems and cultural background can a play a part in whether or not they develop a diagnosable psychological disorder. 4. What is the link between personality styles and heart disease? Type a personalities have certain characteristics that can lead to heart disease. Type A's tend to lean towards hostility and time urgency which increases the heart rate. Those with repressive coping styles also have a sharp rise in heart rate and blood pressure when in stressful situations. Both of these can...
Words: 522 - Pages: 3
...Appendix D Psychological and Psychophysiological Stress Disorders Respond to the following: 1. Stress can be the root cause of psychological disorders. Name four symptoms shared by acute and posttraumatic stress disorders. Reexperiencing the tramatic event, avoidance, reduced responsiveness, increased arousal, anxiety and guilt. 2. What life events are most likely to trigger a stress disorder? Wars, natural disasters, accidents, sexual assult, victim crimes, and terrorism. Basically any mentally tramatizing event. 3. Traumatic events do not always result in a diagnosable psychological disorder. What factors determine how a person may be affected by one such event? Biological processes,personailites, childhood experiences and social support systems are all factors as to wether a person develops a stress disorder. 4. What are the four stages in meeting the psychological needs of disaster victims? normalize peoples responses to the disaster, encourage expressions of anxiety, anger and frustration, teach self helping skills and provide referrals. 5. What is the link between personality styles and heart disease? A person with a type A personality style is more likely to be high strung, angry, overly driven, competitive, and cynical. These people give stress to their lives thus making themselves predispositioned for a heart attack. Type B personality people are laid back and less worried about the rushes of life. Those who fall in between these two types depending on their...
Words: 295 - Pages: 2
...Bachelor’s Degree Career Plan I have always wanted to study psychology since I was a little kid. With a BA. in psychology, I can work as a career counselor, a job which relates to my graduate career as an Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Being a career counselor involves helping people select a career, assisting those in the process of changing careers, or providing vocational rehabilitation to individuals returning to the workforce. Career counselors offer guidance and advice, for instance, to powerful businessmen or even just high school students just starting out in the world. The main goal of the career counselor is to help their clients find careers that suit them and careers that are suitable for them. Career counselors will often interview and test clients to determine where they strengths lie, and, therefore, which careers they would be good at. Counselor might also consider whether or not it is possible or advisable for a client to continue his or her education. Career counselors work in high schools and colleges to help students get ready for their chosen careers. According to the BLS, the salary for career counselors is $56,040 per year. Because career counseling relates to workforce diversity, I am going to take all workplace core classes to obtain a Human Resources Certificate. For counseling, I plan to take Psychological Assessment, Theories of Personality, and Intro to Group Counseling. I already had the opportunity to do an internship in Human Resources...
Words: 619 - Pages: 3
...Axia College Material Appendix B Research Methods List the advantages and disadvantages of the following research methods: |Research Method |Advantages |Disadvantages | |Case Study |Can be a source for new ideas about |Are reported by biased observers who chose | | |behavior and treatments. They can offer |what to include in case studies and | | |tentative support for a theory. Can serve |sometimes can be self serving. They rely on| | |to challenge theory assumptions. Can show |subjective evidence. They provide little | | |the value for new, unique or existing |basis for generalization. | | |techniques. Can offer opportunities to | | | |study large observations of unusual rare to| | | |see problems. | | |Correlational Method |Can use observe many individuals at once. |Researchers need to know the magnitude of | | ...
Words: 261 - Pages: 2
...University of Phoenix Material Appendix B November 2012 Research Methods List the advantages and disadvantages of the following research methods: Case Study Advantages Case studies allow a lot of detail information to be collected that would not normally be easily obtained by other research designs. It provides detailed descriptions of precise and rare cases. An in depth data can be collected than can be found through other experimental designs. Case study can be a source of new ideas about a person’s behavior and open new ways of findings (Psy270 textbook). Case study can support a theory. Disadvantages One of the main criticisms is that the data collected cannot necessarily be generalized to the wider population. This leads to data being collected over longitudinal case studies not always being relevant or particularly useful. Case studies are generally on one person, but there also tends to only be one experimenter collecting the data. This can lead to bias in data collection, which can influence results more than in different designs. It is also very difficult to draw a definite cause and effect from case studies. Correlation Method Advantages Enables testing of expected relationships between two variables, and making projections, forecasts or predictions. These relationships can be assessed in daily life events. More experimental research can be conducted using new groups of participants to establish cause and effect. Correlational Method...
Words: 330 - Pages: 2
...Mind over Matter A Bruck PSY/270 November 26, 2011 Dr. Colleen Story Mind over Matter What is the difference between mental illness and insanity? (Hint: What is the important second prong of the McNaughten rule?) * The difference between mental illness and insanity is that with insanity the person does not know right from wrong. They do not realize their consequences or even realize if the consequence is wrong. People who have a mental illness still have a grip on reality. They understand right from wrong, they just may view it differently. A person with a mental illness usually knows they have a mental illness, but a person who is insane does not always understand that there is something wrong with their mind. * The McNaughten rule cannot be used to defend the actions of a person who drinks alcohol and then murders someone. Why not? * The McNaughten rule cannot be used to defend a person who drank alcohol and killed someone because they knew when they began drinking they were impairing themselves. When someone gets drunk it is self induced and they bring it on themselves. I think no matter how drunk someone gets they still have a sense of reality and they know right from wrong. Identify each of the following: Rational and guilty- Rational and guilty is when an individual fully understands right from wrong and is guilty. Guilty but insane- Guilty but insane is when the person is insane but is thought to know right from wrong in the situation...
Words: 392 - Pages: 2
...University of Phoenix Material Appendix B Research Methods List the advantages and disadvantages of the following research methods: |Research Method |Advantages |Disadvantages | |Case Study |Can provide insight to new behaviors |May prove to be bias reports. Provides a | | |associated to different mental illnesses, |subjective point of view in regards to the | | |and allow for new discoveries in diagnosis |patient’s behavior. Not all of the | | |and treatment. |information provided in case studies can be| | |May prove to be support for existing |useful. | | |theories, and even show how helpful | | | |existing treatments are. There may also be | | | |unique cases in which the patient will show| | | |unusual behaviors that aren’t typically | | | ...
Words: 291 - Pages: 2
...Psychological Disorder Analysis Laura Baker Psy/270 February 18, 2012 Monica Mauri Psychological Disorder Analysis Maria is a 42-year-old Hispanic female who came to the clinic ascribing of having trouble sleeping, feeling “jumpy all of the time,” and experiencing difficulty concentrating. She further said, “That these symptoms are causing problems for her at work, where she is an accountant.” She perceived these symptoms to be her cause of declined performance at her job. So she is very concerned about this, and has come in to seek our help. Upon intake Maria’s symptoms stand in need for analysis to come to a diagnosis. As Maria’s symptoms meet various criteria for Bipolar disorder, Dysthmic disorder, and Major Depression must be eliminated or ruled out. The suspected diagnosis upon her intake is Bipolar disorder or Major Depression. A complete assessment will be done on Maria, and a diagnosis will be determined. After a diagnosis has been established, a brief overview will be explained and possible causes will be explained also, and then followed by an ongoing effective plan of treatment to return the patient to a level of functioning with reduced symptoms. Maria participated in an in-depth interview process. The first questions initially posed to Maria a starting point for further analysis included in the following: 1. Did you remember any significant problems in your childhood? Yes. I was abused at age eight through twelve by a family member, but I do not remember...
Words: 955 - Pages: 4