Psychological disorders and diseases
PSY 240
November 2, 2014

Psychological disorders and diseases
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. 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 include “hallucinations, delusions, and extremely disordered thinking and behavior” (Schizophrenia). Some antipsychotic drugs are that are prescribed to treat schizophrenia are; chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, haloperidol (haldol), and perphenazine. Often there are other types of medications that are used in conjunction with the antipsychotic drugs such as antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications. The medications and dosages are mixed and matched until the right dose and drug start to manage the symptoms based on the individual’s circumstances. Most medications only work when they are taken as prescribed. The problem with schizophrenics they rarely think they are sick, so they either choose not to take the medication as directed, or not at all. This is a problem called anosognosia. ("National Alliance on Mental Illness", 2014).

Depression, unlike normal feelings of sadness that are momentary or short-lived, is a disorder where people repetitively succumb to feelings of utter despair, and experience feelings of defeat and hopelessness. They lose the ability to experience pleasure (anhedonia) for no apparent reason (Pinel, 2011). There are four main groups of drugs used to treat affective disorders, also referred to as mood disorders, (.eg., depression, anxiety, mania, anxiety,and bi-polar), they are: “monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, selective monoaminereuptake inhibitors, and mood stabilizers” (Pinel, 2011, Chapter 18, The Brain Unhinged). Iproniazid (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MOI)) was the first introduced as an antidepressant in 1957. Although the drug was initially developed for patients with tuberculosis, it proved far more effective on how patients felt about the disease than treating the disease itself (Pinel, 2011). Iproniazid increases norepinephrine and serotonin by reducing the enzyme (monoamine oxidase (MAO) that breaks down monomine neurotransmitters in the cellular fluid (cytoplasm) of the neuron. MAO inhibitors can cause several side effects, but the most serious side effects are high blood pressure, and stroke caused by foods that contain tyramine such as, cheese, pickles, and wine. Normally the liver quickly metabolizes tyramine by MAO, but consuming these foods while taking an MAO inhibitor causes a surge in blood pressure than can lead to stroke (Pinel, 2011).

Mania is a component of Bipolar disorder, a chronic illness causes that with recurring experiences of mania (highs) and depression (lows). Bipolar disorder causes a series of abnormal mood swings, changes in energy, and the ability to stay focused and on task. In its mild state mania produces a seemingly positive range of emotions and behaviors; people are talkative, animated, spontaneous, optimistic, and very self-assured. In its extreme state, the person exhibits uncontrolled excitement and optimism, often accompanied by an onset of relentless chatter, and flitting from one topic to another. They also make impulsive decisions without thinking things through which leads to one disaster after another. When the mania subsides, depression sets in. This may be partially due to the consequences of their behavior, the path of unfinished tasks, and damaged relationships (Pinel, 2011).

Lithium (mood stabilizer) and carbamazepine (an anti-epileptic drug) are two of the drugs that are commonly us prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, among many other drugs. Lithium (a metallic ion) has been proven to be effective for mania, and carbamazepine for depression. (Pinel, 2011) Lithium requires periodic blood testing because it can cause thyroid and kidney problems. Other side effects include agitation, dry mouth and problems with digestion (Mayo clinic staff, 2014). Other types of medications used are; anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. Side effects depend on the drug(s) taken; however, most of them have a common side effect, weight gain. So far there is no cure for bipolar disorder, people who live with bipolar disorder can greatly reduce their symptoms by recognizing their individual patterns of behavior, and be accountable for managing their own care, in addition to counseling and medication. ("National Alliance on Mental Illness", 2014).

According to Pinel (2011), Anxiety is a constant fear that continues despite the fact there is no real threat. When anxiety becomes severe it disrupts normal performance. All anxiety related disorders are based on feelings such as fear, hopelessness, and concerns. People may experience rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, queasiness, difficulty sleeping, disorientation, and sometimes panic (Chapter 18, The Brain Unhinged). A combination of psychotherapy and medication has proven to be effective in treating anxiety. There are five main classes of anxiety disorders: generalized, phobic, panic, obsessive compulsive, and posttraumatic stress. Antidepressants that are used for anxiety disorders include Prozac, Tofranil, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor XR., Celexa, and Lexapro, to name a few. These drugs are used to treat anxiety because they manipulate the movement of neurotransmitters believed to influence the symptoms of anxiety. The common side effects of these various drugs are a decreased desire for sex, weight gain, and the inability to achieve an orgasm. (Mayo clinic staff, 2014).

According to Pinel (2011), Tourette Syndrome is a disorder that causes spontaneous physical, and/or verbal behaviors called tics. It is not uncommon for people with tourette syndrome to also have attention deficit disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsion disorder (OCD), or some combination of the two. Symptoms usually become apparent in childhood, and early adolescence. Although the symptoms progressively get worse over time, they seem to reach a plateau at some point, and then begin to lessen as the person becomes older, and more mature. Spontaneous involuntary physical movements may include involuntary facial expressions, flailing of limbs, jumping, crouching, spinning, making vulgar gestures, or touching things, to name a few. Verbal outbursts may include cursing, barking, hissing, coughing, screaming, coprolalia (uttering obscenities), “echolalia (repetition of another’s words), and palilalia (repetition of one’s own words)” (Pinel, 2011, Chapter 18, The Brain Unhinged). Marijuana is thought to relieve some symptoms of touretts, but more research is needed. Other medications used to treat the symptoms of touretts are Vitamin B-6 pimozide, and clonidine. The tics of Tourette syndrome are usually treated with neuroleptics (the D receptor blockers that are used in the treatment of schizophrenia). Neuroleptics are proven to reduce tics in about 70% of people taking them. The problem is, either the patient refuses to take the medication, or the patient’s parents refuse to give it to them because of undesirable side effects. The side effects include, weight gain, dry mouth, and extreme tiredness (Pinel, 2011). Other medications may be used in conjunction depending on other disorders the person may have. Marijuana alone has little adverse affects, however, taken with other medications can produce potential health hazards such as, blood sugar levels, low blood pressure, bleeding, and a multitude of other adverse interactions. (Mayo clinic staff, 2014).

In conclusion, although psychological disorders cannot be cured, the combination of therapy and medications can significantly help manage the symptoms experienced as a result of them. More is known about the causes and treatments of psychological disorders today than ever before, thus allowing people to live happier, more productive lives. Continued study of the complex inner workings of the human brain may someday find a cure for mental illness.

Reference Page Entry
Mayo clinic staff . (2014). Mayo Clinic.
Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/basics/definition/con-20021077

Reference Page Entry
National alliance on mental illness. (2014).
Retrieved from: http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=schizophrenia9

Reference Page Entry
Pinel, P.J. (2011). Biopsychology (8th ed.).
Retrieved from: University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.