Psychological disorders, also known as mental disorders, have been widely misunderstood throughout history. In the past, people with these disorders were often wrongly believed to be possessed by demons or accused of practicing witchcraft. Tragically, many suffered severe consequences such as being burned at the stake, tortured, or socially rejected. This isolation was especially painful because it meant they lacked basic necessities such as food and fresh air (Morris and Maisto, 2002). Thankfully, efforts to improve the treatment and support for individuals with mental disorders have been significant since medieval times.
Extensive research has been conducted on the causes and potential treatments for mental disorders, as well as advancements in facilities. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, three models or theories were developed to explain the nature, origins, and management of mental illnesses: the Biological Model, Cognitive-Behavioral Model, and Psychoanalytic Model (Morris and Maisto, 2002). Despite revisions over time, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has published a book that identifies and outlines different mental disorders.
The book covers a range of disorders including childhood, sexual, anxiety, and schizophrenic disorders. It also discusses dissociative, personality, mood, and psychosomatic and somatoform disorders. The text provides descriptions and examples of each disorder along with explanations of their symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches (Morris and Maisto, 2002). Childhood disorders are typically identified and diagnosed during infancy, childhood or adolescence when the symptoms become evident (Morris and Maisto, 2002).
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is a childhood disorder characterized by symptoms such as the inability to concentrate and be still. Children with AD/HD are often fidgety and constantly feel the need to be moving. The causes of AD/HD are not fully understood, but it is believed that abnormalities in the central nervous system or genetic inheritance may play a role. The most commonly used treatment for these disorders involves psycho-stimulant drugs, which aim to enhance the child’s concentration abilities.
Using html tags does not have a negative impact on a child’s energy or speed, as stated by Morris and Maisto (2002). In fact, it can actually reduce hyperactivity and improve the child’s ability to focus. It is important to distinguish between schizophrenic disorders and multiple personality disorders, as these conditions can result in severe consequences like psychotic behavior, hallucinations, and delusions. People with schizophrenia often struggle to differentiate between what is real and what is imaginary, which may potentially lead to self-harm or harm towards others (Morris and Maisto, 2002).
Paranoid schizophrenia is a type of disorder where individuals exhibit complex delusions and extreme distrust towards others and their environment. According to Morris and Maisto (2002), people with this condition may believe they are someone like Napoleon or the Virgin Mary, or they may strongly assert that Russian spies armed with laser guns are constantly pursuing them because of a significant secret they possess (p. 515). It is believed that biological factors contribute to the development of schizophrenic disorders, possibly caused by excessive release of dopamine in the central nervous system.
Other suggested causes of schizophrenic disorders include brain pathology and the development of irregularities in cortical cells, which may occur during pregnancy. The treatment for these disorders involves using drugs that aim to decrease dopamine levels in the brain and block dopamine receptors (Morris and Maisto, 2002). In contrast, personality disorders are characterized by an individual’s inability to adapt or exhibit flexibility in their thinking and behavior.
There are different types of personality disorders, including those displayed by unconventional individuals and cold-blooded killers such as serial killers. One specific disorder is paranoid personality disorder, which presents as a persistent mistrust and continuous suspicion towards others. Individuals with this disorder often view themselves as logical and impartial; however, they actually exhibit argumentative, dishonest, secretive behavior and find it difficult to take responsibility for their actions (Morris and Maisto, 2002).
Both family and community factors can influence personality disorders. If a child feels rejected or unwanted by a family member(s), they may display disruptive behavior, such as breaking rules and regulations at school or in the community (Morris and Maisto, 2002). There are three primary groups for categorizing sexual disorders: paraphilias, sexual dysfunction, and gender identity disorders. Paraphilias disorder involves seeking sexual arousal through the use of unconventional objects.
Gender identity disorders encompass individuals who wish to transition from one sex to another, particularly females seeking to become males. Conversely, sexual dysfunction pertains to challenges or impairments in sexual functioning, like erectile disorders that impede a man’s capability to attain and maintain an erection. This disorder can arise from psychological or organic factors. Sildenafil citrate is commonly employed in the treatment of erectile disorders, as it is a constituent present in the widely known medication Viagra.
Dissociative disorders, like dissociative amnesia, result in the detachment of various elements of consciousness such as memory and identity. Dissociative amnesia is distinguished by memory loss due to trauma or overwhelming experiences. Some individuals may permanently lose memories related to certain dates or specific events (Morris and Maisto, 2002). Psychosomatic disorders are physical illnesses primarily caused by anxiety and stress.
Somatoform disorders, such as somatization disorder, are physical illnesses with no known cause. Psychosomatic disorders like stress-induced tension headaches fall under this category. The treatment for these disorders focuses on employing relaxation techniques to alleviate muscle tension and reduce stress levels. A distinct symptom of somatization disorder includes recurring symptoms like dizziness, back pain, and paralysis. Even after multiple visits to doctors, the root cause of these symptoms remains unidentified (Morris and Maisto, 2002).
Experts have been puzzled by the causes of somatoform disorders, as stated by Morris and Maisto (2002). Research indicates that some cases classified as somatoform disorders could be physical illnesses that were disregarded or misidentified. A deeper examination revealed that specific instances of “conversion disorder” were in fact unnoticed neurological conditions such as epilepsy or multiple sclerosis (p. 503). Conversely, mood disorders are mental disorders distinguished by alterations in mood.
Depression manifests as a mood disorder with symptoms that include reduced interest, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and intense sadness. Its severity can range from mild to severe, wherein the latter may result in disruptions in appetite and sleep patterns, and possibly even suicidal tendencies. The root causes of mood disorders involve psychological factors like distorted thinking patterns, biological factors primarily linked to genetics, and social factors encompassing challenges in interpersonal relationships.
According to Morris and Maisto (2002), mood disorders can be treated with counseling or anti-depressant drugs, while anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive worry, fear, and anxiety. One specific example of an anxiety disorder is social phobia, where individuals feel fear and embarrassment in social situations like public speaking or dining out. Morris and Maisto also suggest that certain phobias may stem from past experiences that triggered fear and anxiety, while others could have a genetic origin.
