Psy101h Week 11 Assignment Page 1 Worksheet Psychological Di ✓ Solved

Psy101h Week 11 Assignmentpage 1worksheet Psychological Disordersa

Complete the reading assignment and the interactive lesson before attempting this assignment. Select a psychological disorder you would like to research. Conduct research from three (3) sources on that disorder, including external research, and include them on an APA formatted Reference page. Summarize the disorder, including symptoms and behaviors. Discuss the most appropriate treatment(s) for the disorder. The paper should be a minimum of 500 words, double-spaced, in 12 pt Times New Roman font, with 1-inch margins, and free of spelling and grammar errors. Submit the paper via Blackboard with the proper filename: PSY101H_wk11_assn_jsmith_mmddyyyy.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction to Psychological Disorders

Psychological disorders, also known as mental disorders or mental illnesses, encompass a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior. These disorders can significantly impair an individual's daily functioning and overall quality of life. Understanding the symptoms, behaviors, and treatment options for various psychological disorders is crucial for mental health professionals and individuals alike.

Selected Disorder: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major Depressive Disorder, commonly called depression, is a mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. It affects how an individual feels, thinks, and behaves, often leading to emotional and physical problems. Depression is one of the most prevalent mental health disorders worldwide, impacting millions of individuals regardless of age, gender, or cultural background.

Symptoms and Behaviors of Major Depressive Disorder

Individuals with MDD often experience a variety of symptoms that can vary in severity and duration. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
  • Lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed (anhedonia)
  • Significant weight loss or gain, or changes in appetite
  • Insomnia or hypersomnia (excessive sleeping)
  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Difficulties concentrating, making decisions, or thinking clearly
  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

The presence of these symptoms often leads to noticeable changes in daily functioning, including social withdrawal, decreased productivity, and deteriorating physical health. Diagnosing MDD requires a clinical assessment based on criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition).

Appropriate Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder

Effective treatment options for MDD include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, alternative treatments such as Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT). The most common approaches are:

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatment for depression. CBT helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to their depressive symptoms. Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is also effective, focusing on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning.

Medication

Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and other classes, are prescribed to balance brain chemicals that influence mood. These medications often complement psychotherapeutic approaches.

Lifestyle and Alternative Interventions

Regular physical activity, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can help alleviate symptoms. Light therapy and mindfulness-based practices like meditation may also be beneficial adjuncts to traditional treatments.

Conclusion

Major Depressive Disorder is a complex mental health condition affecting millions globally. Understanding its symptoms and behaviors is essential for early detection and intervention. Combining psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications offers the most effective approach to managing depression and improving quality of life.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., Hollon, S. D., Van Straten, A., & Cristea, I. A. (2019). The effects of psychotherapies for major depression in adults on remission, recovery and improvement: a meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 259, 262–273.
  • Kirtane, A., & Patel, H. (2020). Pharmacological management of depression. The Medical Journal of Australia, 212(8), 383–388.
  • Nicholson, A. A., & Williams, J. M. G. (2022). Lifestyle interventions for depression. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 83(2), 20-25.
  • Rush, A. J., Trivedi, M. H., Wisniewski, S. R., Nierenberg, A. A., Stewart, J. W., Warden, D., & Fava, M. (2006). Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: A STAR*D report. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(11), 1905–1917.
  • National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Depression. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
  • Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Mental health and depression. Harvard Medical School.
  • World Health Organization. (2022). Depression. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
  • Mann, J. J., & Apps, M. (2017). Understanding depression: Biological and psychological aspects. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 13, 67–94.
  • Fava, M., & Kendler, K. (2019). Pharmacotherapy of depression: A changing landscape. JAMA Psychiatry, 76(12), 1254–1255.

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