...Regarding the Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnostic Criteria Although definitions of mental illness have changed over time, many problems still exist within the world of mental health. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, used to diagnose mental illnesses, is not perfect. Borderline Personality Disorder is one of many disorders addressed within this manual, and problems exist within the diagnosis of this disorder too. As it currently stands, the DSM diagnostic criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder is not sufficient because of issues with under diagnosis, potential misclassification, stigma and gender bias. Before discussing if the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual...
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...Symptoms and Diagnosing of Autism Spectrum Disorder Stephanie R. South University of Cincinnati Abstract This paper explores the symptoms and how to accurately diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism is classified as a psychological condition that starts in adolescence. Psychology classes, specifically an introductory course, briefly cover this condition and its diagnosis. This paper will provide a great knowledge and understanding of diagnosing Autism. There are many symptoms and signs exhibited in children diagnosed with Autism. There is no clear answer for why or how this disorder occurs, making it hard to properly diagnose those afflicted. It is extremely important for the child’s caregiver to be proactive and seek out medical expertise at the onset of behavioral issues in their child. Diagnosing the child at a younger age can ensure proper treatment and interventions for him/her. I have chosen to write my paper on the symptoms and diagnosing of Autism. This disorder is mysterious, but also fascinating. Being a mother, I worry all the time about new and strange afflictions that are attacking our children. To be proactive in our children’s lives, we must be knowledgeable and observant for the early warning signs or symptoms. Throughout the research process of preparing my paper, I have gained a greater comprehension of this disorder and the first indicators that has prepared me to act promptly for the sake of my children. In the last decade, Autism has gained...
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...ST. PAUL’S UNIVERSITY DEPT: COURSE: UNIT CODE: UNIT NAME: REG. NO: FULL NAMES: LECTURER: SUBMISSION DATE: Introduction It is right to say that autism is a disability and wrong to say that it is a mental disorder. However much people may think that autism appears to be a mental disorder, it is not. Autism occurs when there is a problem in the central nervous system. Autism is only a mental deficiency. Some autism victims clearly communicate and interact with the rest of the community while others need a lifetime of specialist support. It is a spectrum condition which means that while all people with autism share certain difficulties, their condition affect them in different ways. Autism victims experience over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, touch, tastes, smells, light or colors. People with autism are more likely than the general population to have accompanying problems such as dyslexia (difficulty with reading, spelling and/or writing), dyspraxia (severe difficulty with tasks requiring fine motor skills such as drawing or writing) and digestive problems. They are also vulnerable to developing mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. Causes of Autism Autism can be caused by a variety of physical factors all of which affect brain development. The abnormal blood vessels functioning in the body causes ineffectual oxidation throughout the nervous system and this causes autism. Genetics is another cause for autism. Evidence suggests that genetic factors generate...
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...AUTISTIC SPECTRUM 1 Autistic Spectrum Disorder Clinton T. Ashe Professor: Dr. Janice Spagenburg February18, 2013 AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2 Autism Spectrum Disorders Autism is a disorder that use to affect an estimated 3.4 out of every 1,000 children ages 3-10. And now research suggests that autism now affects 1 out of 110 children. These types of Disorders can cause disruption in families and unfulfilled lives for many children who have this disorder. Autism Spectrum Disorders range from a severe form which is called autistic disorder to a mild form known as Asperger syndrome. The risk for this disorder is higher for males than females. In 1942 while working at John Hopkins Hospital, Dr. Leo Kanner conducted a study with a group of 11 children and at the end of the study introduced the label of “early infantile autism” into the English language. During that same time frame and half way around the world, Dr. Hans Asperger described a lesser form of the disorder that became known as “asperger syndrome”. These two disorders have been described and are currently listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as two out of five pervasive developmental disorders and are often referred to as autism spectrum disorders...
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...Eating, Substance Abuse, Sex, and Personality Disorders Psychology 410 07/21/2012 Professor Christa Banton University of Phoenix Disorders There exist various types of psychological disorders that impact the lives of individuals in society; these entail substance abuse and eating disorders. Individuals might undergo with gender and sexual disorders along with impulse control and personality disorders: the disorder sees the person become isolated and hold back from members of society. The realm of psychology has established these disorders and engendered treatments. Eating disorders entail a substantive trouble with food. A number of individuals dangerously overdo it with food whereas others decline to eat. The disorder instigates a fracas in the individual’s eating patterns and may perturb the individual’s usual life routine. Eating disorders are highly complex and in spite of scientific research to comprehend them, the behavioral, biological, and social foundations of these illnesses stay unknown (2009). The disorders implicated are Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia, and Obesity. The subject with anorexia nervosa declines to eat, having a blurred view of their bodies, believing they are fat. Bulimia is a multifaceted disorder that entails the individual consuming large amounts of food and then regurgitating the contents of their stomach. The subjected plagued by the disorder dreads gaining weight and will undergo extreme...
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...Anxiety, Mood, Dissociative, Somatoform Disorders The DSM-IV-TR offers diagnostic categories and classifications for the use of identifying and diagnosing mental disorders (Hansell & Damour, 2008). In this paper are the sections of anxiety disorders, mood and affective disorders, dissociative disorders, and somatoform disorders. The likely categorizations and signs beneath these groupings will be covered. As well as, one disorder out of all categories—general anxiety disorder, cyclothymic disorder, depersonalization disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder will be analyzed. Anxiety Disorders The primary distinction between fear and anxiety is that fear is directed at a specific stimuli; whereas, anxiety is more a general feeling of apprehension about the future (Hansell & Damour, 2008). The precise disorders that can shoot from too much anxiety are: acute stress disorder, agoraphobia, anxiety disorders due to a medical condition, general anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder with and without agoraphobia, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), specific phobia, social phobia, and substance-induced anxiety disorder (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Panic and anxiety are regular reactions but when these feelings are sensed in the nonexistence of a underlying agent psychological dysfunction can be the ended outcome, for instance what occurs in the path of generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Those who suffer from GAD, “…experience...
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...higher than for men, though men were still more likely to become addicted to drugs and alcohol than women (Westermeyer, & Boedicker, 2000; & Stein and Cyr, 1997). Recent literatures proved that though both men and women are equally vulnerable for substance addiction there is a clear difference among men and women substance users. A large number of researches suggest that women differ from men in a number of areas relating to alcohol and drug use the gender differences are reflected not only biologically but also in psychosocial dimensions too. The gender difference manifest from etiology of substance abuse to biopsychosocial consequences of substance abuse and also the treatment of substance abuse. Epidemiological...
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...The Influence of Affective Empathy and Autism Spectrum Traits on Empathic Accuracy Marije aan het Rot*, Koen Hogenelst Department of Psychology and School of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands Abstract Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by interpersonal deficits and has been associated with limited cognitive empathy, which includes perspective taking, theory of mind, and empathic accuracy (EA). The capacity for affective empathy may also be impaired. In the present study we aimed to determine if EA in normally developing individuals with varying levels of autism spectrum traits is moderated by trait affective empathy. Fifty male and fifty female participants (‘perceivers’) completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient and the Balanced Emotional Empathy Scale to assess autism spectrum traits and trait affective empathy, respectively. EA was assessed using a Dutch-language version of a previously developed task and involved rating the feelings of others (‘targets’) verbally recounting autobiographical emotional events. Targets varied in trait emotional expressivity, assessed using the Berkeley Expressivity Questionnaire. Perceivers with more autism spectrum traits performed worse on the EA task, particularly when their trait affective empathy was relatively low. Interpersonal deficits in autism spectrum disorder may be partially explained by low cognitive empathy. Further, they might be aggravated by a limited capacity...
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...Autism Autism is one in a group of very many developmental problems called autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Within the first three years of a child’s life a doctor will be able to tell if a child is autistic by running special test to look at their communication, language and social skills. I chose to research autism due to the fact that it is so popular and interested me more than the other topics. Autism can be found in males and females of all ages rather it is a small case or large case simple things a child does can place them on the autism spectrum. In January of 2010 the national autistic society announced that the ratio of autistic kids between boys and girls is one to four. There are many interesting facts and characteristics of autism that the people of this day and age should be aware of because you never know when a child you interact with on daily bases may be autistic. The severity of autism in a child can vary from very serious to just a minor case, but all autism disorders affect a child’s ability to communicate, talk and their social skills. It can also make them act in unusual ways. They might flap their hands, say certain words over and over, have temper tantrums, or play with only one particular toy. Most kids with autism do not like a change in their regular routine; they like to stay on a repetitive schedule that does not involve different interactions with different people or different actions they have to take to compete the routine. They...
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...Violence in South Africa and its impact on mental health Introduction According to the World Health Organization in the World Report on Violence and Health, violence is defined as “the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened as actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation”. (Krug E, Dahlberg L, Mercy J. et al.2002). The definition is further, divided into three categories, according to who has committed the violent act. There is self-directed violence, where one intends in harming one`s self in acts of suicide resulting in death or parasuicide where death does not occur....
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... The Anxiety Disorder and Affective Disorders; Dissociative Disorders; Somatoform Disorders they will offer diagnosed categories and classifications for the use of diagnose and the treatments of mental disorders. General Anxiety disorder primarily is the well known as the feeling of apprehension about the future and are more manageable than other anxiety disorders. Excessive disorders are categorized as and or described as acute stress disorder,(GAD) general anxiety disorder, (OCD)obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorders with or without agoraphobia, agoraphobia, anxiety disorders due to medical condition, (PTS) post traumatic stress disorder, social phobia disorder, specific phobia disorder and substance-induced disorder. The fears of anxiety are normal until such time as they are felt to have harm on one’s self their mental and physical well being then one should seek the advice of a professional. Most people that have GAD will have the sense of being tense or agitated some of the time and can be controlled with meditation or exercise or a relaxation technique. Pervasive worrying in this group of individuals can lead to being irritable, insomnia, achy muscles, depression and general distress (Behave Net, 1997-2010). One may find that it is hard to control all those feelings and would eventually have to seek the help of a physician to have relief. Individuals that suffer from GAD there is no evidence that gender is affected between...
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...One issue related to classification and diagnosis is reliability. Reliability is the consistency of a measuring instrument such as DSM (diagnostic and statistical manual) that is used when diagnosing schizophrenia. Reliability can be measured in terms of whether two independent assessors give similar scores (inter-rater reliability). High reliability indicated by high positive correlation. Inter-rater reliability has been assessed for diagnoses of schizophrenia and found to be relatively low. This was especially true for early versions of DSM but it was hoped later versions of DSM would prove more reliable. However more recent versions continued to produce low inter rater reliability scores. Whaley (2001) found small +.11 correlation between different raters. Differences in cultural interpretations also pose a threat to the reliability of the diagnosis of schizophrenia. Research study by Copeland et al (1971) gave a description of a patient showing clinical characteristics of schizophrenia to US and UK psychiatrists. Of the US psychiatrists, 69% diagnosed schizophrenia. Whereas only 2% of UK psychiatrists gave same diagnosis. Suggests that the diagnostic criteria had quite a different meaning in different cultures and therefore not reliable when used in different cultural settings. Reliability is also an issue for diagnosis. This was raised by Rosenhan (1973) who claimed that situational factors were more important in determining the ultimate diagnosis of schizophrenia, rather...
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...Diagnosis: Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents and Adults Code: 302.85 (F64.1) INTRODUCTION Jasmin “Jas” is a 19 year old girl. Jasmin was born on March 20, 1995 in Buliaw 1, Cotabato City. Her parents name was Mr. Michael and Mrs. Meriam. Jasmin’s mother is an Overseas Filipino Worker in Kuwait and her father is a businessman. Jasmin is the eldest among the four (4) siblings. She took her elementary education in Agape, Elementary School, Cotabato City. Her secondary education in Kabacan National High School and she is now pursuing her tertiary education in University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, North Cotabato. When Jasmin was still a kid, her parents decided to divorce because of some reasons. Jasmin’s father left home and find another wife. Also, Jasmin’s mother find another man and both Jasmin’s mother and step father live together with Jasmin and with their new 3 children. Two boys and a girl. Suddenly, Jasmin’s mother and step father decided to separate and have their own home together with their new children. Jasmin was left to Telican, Jasmin’s grandmother. Few years after, Jasmin’s mother, Meriam decided to go to abroad specifically in Kuwait. Because of the absence of parent’s guidance, Jasmin felt so sad and she thought that she was left alone. But despite of this, Jasmin was so thankful that Telican, her grandmother loves Jasmin very much. Since kindergarten, Jasmin felt the incongruence between what she feels inside about her gender and the assigned gender to her...
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...disfluency as a form of social communication. The disfluencies focused upon were: ‘uh’, ‘um’, ‘hmm’, ‘oh’, laughter and silences. The Autism Spectrum Disorder is partially defined by a lack of social awareness. The Autism Quotient (AQ) test is used for determining where any individual lies on the continuum from typical development (TD) to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study used the AQ as a measure of meta-cognitive awareness. TD students at the University of Edinburgh (N=50) undertook both a written AQ test and a verbal general knowledge test. Disfluency use during the general knowledge test was analyzed and compared to: utterance length, question answer confidence ratings, gender and AQ scores. All modeled disfluencies were found to increase with utterance length, which has been related to cognitive load (Oviatt, 1995; Shriberg, 1996). The use of ‘um’, laughter, and silence increased during moments of uncertainty, as shown by the individual confidence ratings. However, this does not distinguish whether participants were intentionally communicating uncertainty or whether it was accidental. Conversely, the use of ‘uh’ increased with confidence, insinuating a distinction between the uses of ‘uh’ and ‘um’ consistent with findings by Clark and Fox Tree (2002). Laughter was predicted significantly by uncertainty and gender (more common in females) consistent with Provine (1996), who theorized laughter as a social buffer rather than a communication tool. The most...
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...Psychological Disorder Paper Erica Vazquez PSY 450 University of Phoenix Abstract This paper will examine the psychological disorder Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and the relationship it has between human development and socialization as well as how human development and socialization affect people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Psychological Disorder Paper The U.S. National Library of Medicine describes Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as, “ an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions), or behaviors that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions).” Essentially, the obsessions are the spontaneous and tedious contemplations, while the compulsions are the actions that result from the disorder. Even though OCD is exhibited as recurrent and persistent thoughts and impulses, would it be just to consider every type of compulsive behavior or obsessive thought as OCD? (Shiraev &Levy, 2010) According to Shiraev & Levy, “ Specific repetitive behavior – praying, for example –– should be judged in accordance with the norms of the individual’s culture and should clearly interfere with social role functioning to be diagnosed as OCD (DSM-IV, P. 420) “ (2010, p. 231). With this in mind a more concrete explanation of the relationship between OCD and human development and socialization. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) OCD affects...
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