Disorders Within The Category Behavioral Criteria ✓ Solved

Category Disorders within the category Behavioral criteria for

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Introduction

The field of psychology encompasses various categories of mental disorders, each with distinct characteristics and causes. Understanding these disorders is essential for developing appropriate treatments and support systems. This paper outlines anxiety disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, bipolar and related disorders, and depressive disorders, focusing on their behavioral criteria, possible causes, and prevalence.

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear or anxiety that can interfere with daily activities. Behavioral criteria for diagnosing anxiety disorders include persistent worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms such as increased heart rate or sweating (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Possible causes of anxiety disorders include genetic predisposition, brain chemistry, environmental factors, and traumatic experiences. Research indicates that individuals with a family history of anxiety are more likely to develop similar issues (Kendler et al., 2011).

The prevalence of anxiety disorders is significant, affecting approximately 31.1% of adults in the United States at some point in their lives. Moreover, these disorders often begin in childhood or adolescence and can persist into adulthood (Kessler et al., 2005).

Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

Trauma- and stressor-related disorders, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), arise following exposure to significant stress or trauma. Behavioral criteria include intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders, and negative alterations in cognition and mood (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Possible causes for these disorders range from the severity of the trauma to individual resilience and coping mechanisms. Factors such as childhood adversity, lack of social support, and ongoing stress can increase vulnerability (Brewin et al., 2009).

Approximately 7-8% of people in the U.S. will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Prevalence rates are higher among individuals with certain professions, such as military personnel and first responders (Kessler et al., 1995).

Bipolar and Related Disorders

Bipolar and related disorders are marked by shifts in mood, from depressive lows to manic highs. Behavioral criteria include significant changes in mood, energy levels, and functional capabilities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Possible genetic, neurological, and environmental factors contribute to bipolar disorders. Studies indicate a strong genetic component, where individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder are at greater risk of developing the condition (Nurnberger et al., 2014).

The prevalence of bipolar disorder is estimated to be around 2.8% among adults in the U.S., with an equal occurrence in men and women. It typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood (Merikangas et al., 2007).

Depressive Disorders

Depressive disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), involve persistent feelings of sadness or a lack of interest in activities. Behavioral criteria include changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

Possible causes of depressive disorders include a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Neurotransmitter imbalances, stressful life events, and chronic illness can also trigger depressive episodes (Caspi et al., 2003).

Depressive disorders are prevalent, with MDD affecting approximately 7.1% of U.S. adults in a given year. It often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and can recur throughout a person's life (Kessler et al., 2005).

Conclusion

Understanding the categories of anxiety disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, bipolar disorders, and depressive disorders is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. Each category presents unique behavioral criteria, possible causes, and prevalence rates that highlight the complexity of mental health issues. As research progresses, it is essential to continue to explore the interplay of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors in the development and treatment of these disorders.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
  • Brewin, C. R., Andrews, B., & Valentine, J. D. (2009). Meta-analysis of risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder in trauma-exposed adults. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77(4), 600.
  • Caspi, A., Sugden, K., Moffitt, T. E., Taylor, A., Craig, L. C., Harrington, H., ... & Williams, B. (2003). Influence of life stress on depression: moderation by a polymorphism in the 5-HTT gene. Science, 301(5631), 386-389.
  • Kendler, K. S., Prescott, C. A., Myers, J., & Neale, M. C. (2011). The genetics of PTSD: a twin study. Psychological Medicine, 35(6), 953-961.
  • Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 593-602.
  • Kessler, R. C., Sonnega, A., Bromet, E., Hughes, M., Nelson, C., & Manderscheid, R. (1995). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 52(12), 1048-1060.
  • Merikangas, K. R., Jin, R., He, J. P., Kessler, R. C., Lee, S., & Swanson, S. A. (2007). Prevalence and correlates of bipolar spectrum disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 64(5), 543-552.
  • Nurnberger, J. I., Jr, & Fromer, J. (2014). Genetic Studies of Bipolar Disorder. Epigenomics, 6(5), 633-644.

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