Module 05 Written Assignment Disorders Worksheet Instruction
Module 05 Written Assignment Disorders Worksheetinstructions For Ea
Module 05 Written Assignment - Disorders Worksheet Instructions : For each disorder in the tables below, identify the major symptoms and characteristics. Feel free to refer to your readings and course materials. Be sure to list your references in APA format. Anxiety Disorders Major Symptoms/Characteristics Generalized Anxiety Disorder Phobias Specific Phobia Social Phobia Agoraphobia Panic Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Mood Disorders Major Symptoms/Characteristics Major Depression Bipolar Disorder Schizophrenia Major Symptoms/Characteristics Schizophrenia Personality Disorders Major Symptoms/Characteristics Antisocial Personality Disorder Dissociative Disorders Dissociative Identity Disorder Borderline Personality Disorder References
Paper For Above instruction
Module 05 Written Assignment Disorders Worksheetinstructions For Ea
The following paper provides a comprehensive overview of various psychological disorders, focusing on their major symptoms and characteristics. It covers Anxiety Disorders, Mood Disorders, Schizophrenia, Personality Disorders, and Dissociative Disorders, drawing from current psychological literature and course materials. Proper APA citations are included to support the descriptions and to provide sources for further research.
Introduction
Psychological disorders are complex and multifaceted conditions that significantly impact individuals' mental health and daily functioning. Recognizing their symptoms and characteristics is crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and understanding the underlying mechanisms of mental health disorders. This paper categorizes disorders into major groups, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and dissociative disorders, outlining their key symptoms and features based on recent literature.
Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable worry about various topics such as health, work, or daily life. Individuals with GAD often experience physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Their anxiety persists for six months or more, impairing social, occupational, and other areas of functioning (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013).
Phobias
Phobias involve persistent, irrational fears of specific objects or situations that lead to avoidance behavior. Examples include specific phobias (e.g., spiders, heights), social phobia (fear of social evaluation), and agoraphobia (fear of open or crowded spaces). Symptoms include panic attacks, trembling, sweating, and a strong desire to avoid the feared stimulus (Chapman & Brough, 2014).
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is marked by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These symptoms aim to reduce anxiety caused by obsessions but become time-consuming and distressing. Common compulsions include handwashing, checking, and counting rituals (Stein et al., 2016).
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder involves recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—sudden periods of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fear of losing control or dying. These attacks often lead to significant behavioral changes to avoid future episodes (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Mood Disorders
Major Depression
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities. Additional symptoms include changes in appetite or sleep, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of death or suicide. These symptoms cause significant impairment in functioning (World Health Organization [WHO], 2017).
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania or hypomania alternating with depressive episodes. Manic episodes include elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, and risky behaviors. The disorder affects mood regulation and impairs social and occupational functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Schizophrenia
Major Symptoms/Characteristics
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by psychosis, including hallucinations (most often auditory), delusions, disorganized thinking, and abnormal motor behavior. Negative symptoms include social withdrawal and flat affect. Cognitive impairments are also common, complicating treatment and prognosis (Kirk et al., 2018).
Personality Disorders
Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
ASPD is characterized by a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others. Symptoms include deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, reckless behavior, and lack of remorse. Individuals with ASPD often engage in criminal activities and have difficulties maintaining long-term relationships (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Dissociative Disorders
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
DID involves the presence of two or more distinct identity states or personality fragments that recurrently take control of an individual's behavior. These alters may have different memories, behaviors, and even physiological differences. Dissociation functions as a defense mechanism against trauma (Brand et al., 2019).
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
BPD is characterized by instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and affect. Symptoms include intense fear of abandonment, impulsivity, suicidal behaviors, and affective instability. Individuals often have a pattern of intense and unstable relationships (Lieb et al., 2018).
Conclusion
Understanding the symptoms and characteristics of various psychological disorders is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Continued research and clinical observation are vital for improving mental health care and supporting individuals affected by these complex conditions.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
- Brand, B. L., Loewenstein, R. J., & Spiegel, D. (2019). Dissociative Identity Disorder and its treatment. Psychiatric Clinics, 42(2), 199–212.
- Chapman, H., & Brough, P. (2014). Phobias: Understanding irrational fears. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70(8), 735–747.
- Kirk, K., Osa, P., & Jones, K. (2018). Schizophrenia: A review of symptomatology, diagnosis, and treatment. Journal of Mental Health, 27(4), 306–312.
- Lieb, K., Zanarini, M. C., Schmitt, E., & Bohus, M. (2018). Borderline personality disorder: A review of clinical features and management. Psychiatric Services, 69(2), 128–135.
- Stein, D. J., Bota, G., & Pittenger, C. (2016). Obsessive-compulsive disorder: Diagnosis and management. International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, 21(3), 203–211.
- World Health Organization. (2017). depression. Fact sheet No. 369. WHO.