Psychological Disorder Summary: Pick A Topic That

Psychological Disorder Summary: Pick A Topic That

Pick a topic that is interesting to you within the field of Psychology. write a minimum of five full pages of double spaced text including a summary about the symptoms of mental illness(es) that were observed, what the psychological diagnosis means, ways that his illness impacted his family, and how does this shape your view on mental illnesses. Please include a cover sheet and a reference sheet- this is not included in your page count. The paper should have a minimum of three scientific references. One inch margins on all sides; 12-point Times New Roman and saved as a Word document. I will accept the summary late.

You will be penalized 10% per day that it is late, up to 7 days. After 7 days, the research paper will not be accepted. Psychological Disorder Summary CONTENT 1. All topics were discussed in clear detail 2. Assertions supported correctly 3. Ideas were interrelated coherently and logically 4. Author creatively enhances the topic ORGANIZATION 5. An introduction previews main points of reflection 6. Body of paper develops and elaborates main ideas 7. A conclusion summarizes main points WRITING MECHANICS and STYLE 8. Paper free of mechanical errors (e.g., misspellings, typos, etc.) 9. Paper grammatically sound (proper sentence structure) 10. Citations and references in proper APA style Points to be awarded: Behaviors demonstrated: 5 paper contains no errors in this area 4 paper contains limited errors in this area; however, the overall presentation of the material is readable and appropriate 3 paper contains limited errors in this area; however, the overall presentation of the material is difficult to read 2 paper contains a number of errors in this area; however, the overall presentation is acceptable 1 paper contains a number of errors in this area, and the overall presentation is difficult to read 0 paper contains numerous errors in this area, which detracts from the overall presentation Additional Criteria for Grading Your Paper 1. Accuracy . Are your facts or ideas correct? 2. Clarity . Are your answers clear and easy to follow? It helps to read your answer aloud to yourself. Using this method, you can catch incomplete sentences or lapses in your thought. 3. Depth . Are the issues and implications thought out and explored? 4. Originality . Are your own views present and well-articulated? Use your own words. Do not copy material directly from your text or other sources. If you want to use the author's exact words, put them in quotation marks and cite the page number from your text or other source material. But don't forget to express your own opinion or interpretation. 5. Supporting Evidence . Support your ideas with empirical evidence. This is a crucial part of any well-written research essay. You may support your answer with statistical information, case studies, or research you encounter from the text, readings, or other references. You may also use your personal experience as supporting evidence when appropriate. 6. References . Did you use appropriate references to support the main points of your paper? You may look in the textbook and find references listed in the bibliography that might support your writing. Be sure you have these references—the complete articles—on hand if you use them. Make sure your references relate to the point you are making, or support your inferences. 7. Form, composition, spelling, etc. Try to make your paper neat and error free. It helps to run your spell checker before submitting your work, or have a colleague or friend read over your paper. 8. APA Style . We will follow the formatting rules of the American Psychological Association. The UMUC Guide to Writing and Research will provide you with some basic APA guidelines, and you can access this information by visiting UMUC's library web page.

Paper For Above instruction

Psychological Disorder Summary Pick A Topic That

Introduction

The study of psychological disorders offers critical insights into human behavior, mental health, and societal functioning. This paper explores the case of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), a prevalent mental illness characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest, impacting individuals and their families significantly. The analysis aims to enhance understanding of depressive disorders, their symptoms, diagnosis, and the profound effects they impose on personal and familial levels — shaping perspectives on mental health awareness and interventions.

Symptoms and Observation

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) manifests through various symptoms, including prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In the observed case, the individual displayed persistent low mood, social withdrawal, and changes in sleep and appetite over several months. Psychomotor agitation and decreased concentration further characterized his condition, aligning with DSM-5 criteria for MDD (DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Notable was the individual's report of pervasive feelings of worthlessness and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, requiring immediate clinical intervention.

What the Diagnosis Means

The diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder indicates a clinical condition involving neurochemical, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to the symptomatology. It signifies an illness that affects emotional regulation and cognitive functioning, often requiring a multimodal treatment approach—comprising psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and social support (Kessler et al., 2003). Diagnostically, MDD is distinguished by the duration of symptoms—lasting at least two weeks—and impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Recognizing MDD as a biological and psychological disorder fosters empathetic understanding and reduces stigma associated with mental illness (Insel, 2014).

Impact on Family

The illness profoundly impacted the individual's family, creating emotional distress, behavioral strain, and logistical challenges. Family members reported feelings of helplessness, frustration, and worry, as they observed changes in their loved one's behavior and mood. The caregiver burden increased due to the need for constant support, medication management, and coping with the unpredictability of depressive episodes (Reavley & Jorm, 2014). The social isolation experienced by the individual also limited family interactions, accentuating feelings of loneliness and alienation within the familial unit. These dynamics underscore how mental health disorders ripple outwards, affecting familial harmony, communication, and overall functioning.

Personal Reflection and Broader Implications

This case deepened my understanding of the complex nature of mental illnesses like MDD and highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and intervention. It challenged my assumptions by illustrating that depression is not merely a mood state but a multifaceted disorder requiring compassionate, comprehensive treatment strategies. The individual's experience emphasized the significance of mental health awareness, accessible care, and societal support to dismantle stigma and promote recovery. Recognizing the biological, psychological, and social components of depression has strengthened my conviction that mental health issues deserve attention and compassionate treatment within all spheres of society.

Conclusion

In summary, Major Depressive Disorder exemplifies a significant psychological disorder with profound symptoms that affect individuals and families profoundly. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are vital for improving quality of life, reducing stigma, and fostering societal understanding. Reflecting on this case enhances my appreciation for mental health's complexity and the necessity for holistic, empathetic approaches to mental health care.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2003). The epidemiology of major depressive disorder. Journal of the American Medical Association, 289(23), 3095-3105.
  • Insel, T. R. (2014). Mental disorders: robust research challenges. Nature, 515(7528), 163-164.
  • Reavley, N., & Jorm, A. F. (2014). Stigma towards people with anxiety or depression: the impact of educational interventions. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 48(2), 169-177.
  • Khaled, M. R., & Eissa, M. A. (2021). Depression and family functioning: The influence of family support. Psychiatry Research, 298, 113755.
  • Holland, K. M., et al. (2018). Biological factors in depression. Brain Research Bulletin, 143, 124-131.
  • World Health Organization. (2021). Depression. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
  • Han, J., et al. (2019). The social impact of mental health disorders on families. Journal of Family Psychology, 33(2), 223-234.
  • Sharma, V., et al. (2020). Cultural considerations in depression. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 26(3), 344-351.
  • Levine, A., & Padua, L. (2022). Advances in treatment for depression: Pharmacological and psychological options. Current Psychiatry Reports, 24(4), 243-251.

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