Psychological Disorders
Psychological disorders encompass abnormalities or dysfunctions in behavior, thoughts, and emotions, deviating from societal norms and persistently distressing an individual. Left untreated, they impede daily activities and degrade life quality. Although psychological disorders frequently intersect with mental disorders, their distinction, though subtle, is crucial to grasp. Notably, all mental disorders are behavioral disorders, yet not all behavioral disorders qualify as mental illnesses.
Common physiological disorder types comprise mood disorders like anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, personality disorders including antisocial personality disorder, sexual disorders, and psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Some psychological disorders, such as depression and borderline personality disorder, are more prevalent in women, while others, like intermittent explosive disorder and substance abuse, are more widespread among men.
Causative Factors:
The primary cause of psychological disorders remains unknown, but several contributing factors, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, are recognized. Genetic makeup implies a higher risk for individuals with a family history of physiological disorders. Environmental and psychological factors, like traumatic childhood experiences and heightened stress levels, also act as triggers. Chemical imbalances in the brain may disrupt neuroreceptor and nerve functioning, resulting in conditions like depression and anxiety.
Indicators and Symptoms of Psychological Disorders:
Symptoms vary across disorders, yet mood and behavioral symptoms dominate most psychological disorders. Common symptoms encompass heightened irritability, aggression, substance abuse, social withdrawal, erratic behavior, denial, hallucinations, and anxiety. Severe cases, marked by suicidal thoughts and panic attacks, can be life-threatening, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
At-Risk Individuals for Psychological Disorders:
Several factors elevate the risk of developing psychological disorders, including childhood abuse and neglect, family history, prenatal exposure to harmful substances like alcohol and drugs, chronic medical conditions such as cancer, low birth weight, exposure to traumatic events, and substance abuse.
Treatment Approach:
In initial stages, those experiencing psychological disorder symptoms often deny the issue and hesitate to seek medical aid. The initial step involves acknowledging the problem and then pursuing treatment. Treatment options encompass medications like antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and antipsychotic drugs. Various therapy types are also employed, with psychotherapy being most common. Psychotherapy facilitates behavioral change, skill development, and enhanced thinking processes.
References
Guineau, M.G., Ikani, N., Rinck, M., Collard, R.M., Van Eijndhoven, P., Tendolkar, I., Schene, A.H., Becker, E.S. and Vrijsen, J.N., 2023. Anhedonia as a transdiagnostic symptom across psychological disorders: A network approach. Psychological Medicine, 53(9), pp.3908-3919.
Johnson, W.B. and Johnson, W.L., 2023. The minister’s guide to psychological disorders and treatments. Taylor & Francis.
Lucas, V.J., Burke, S., Selby, A. and Johnson, N.A., 2023. The effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for patients with concurrent hand and psychological disorders. Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), 48(1), pp.27-32.
Miller, B.T., Scheman, J., Petro, C.C., Beffa, L.R.A., Prabhu, A.S., Rosen, M.J. and Krpata, D.M., 2023. Psychological disorders in patients with chronic postoperative inguinal pain. Hernia, 27(1), pp.35-40.
