Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Unstable self-image, in that they may drastically and rapidly change in the way they perceive their own likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, goals, and intrinsic value as a person Unstable relationships, in that individuals with this disorder rapidly, drastically, and often frequently change from seeing another person as nearly perfect, to seeing the other person as being worthlessness; unstable emotions ,affect, in that they experience marked, rapid changes in feelings; for example, severe anger, joy, euphoria, anxiety, including panic attacks and depression that are stress related, even if the stresses may be seen as minor or negligible to others; frequent efforts to avoid being abandoned, whether the abandonment is real or imagined. Significant impulsivity, in that the person with they act before thinking to the point that it is self-damaging; sexual behaviors, spending habits, eating habits, driving behaviors, or in the use of substances ; recurring suicidal behaviors, threats, or attempts ; chronic feelings of emptiness; inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty managing their anger when it occurs Transient, stress related paranoia or severe dissociation , having lapses in memory is often commonly found in Borderline Personality Disorder Posted by wena indlovu at 12:04 PM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Labels: bipolar disorde, bywena, discrimination, mental illness, personality disorders
People who show borderline behavior have unstable emotions, which lead to unstable relationships. They may have emotional outbursts or injure themselves. People who show histrionic behavior are over emotional and want to be the center of attention. They are often disorganized and lack inhibitions. People who are narcissistic think that they should have and think that they are entitled to whatever they want. They often act superior, self-important, and arrogant. They do not seem to care about others. People who show avoidant behavior are shy, inhibited, and very sensitive to rejection and how others look at them. This often leads to having not many social relationships and little support. People who show dependent behavior rely completely or almost completely on others to make decisions and for support. People who are obsessive-compulsive are constantly worried about cleanliness and keeping everything in order. They are perfectionists and do not want to compromise. In passive-aggressive behavior, people tend to resist authority or any demands placed on them by not taking any action, procrastinating. These people often criticize and resent others. People who show depressive behavior view life as always gloomy and miserable, with no hope of change in the future. These people often have low self-esteem and feel guilty. They often have major or clinical depression in later life. The causes of personality disorder is both early life experiences and genetic. Severe changes in personality may develop during later life because of the stresses experienced by older adults. Many older adults become overwhelmed by losses, medical problems, and stresses that build up over time. Especially people who are not able to cope well or do not have the personal, social, or financial resources to shield them from these stresses. Being admitted to a hospital or nursing home can be a particularly stressful event, because of the loss of familiar environment, personal items, privacy, and the control over one's schedule. Personality disorders can be diagnosed only by a psychiatrist. The diagnosis can be very difficult in older adults. It requires a detailed lifetime history. People with some types of personality disorders may be reluctant to speak openly with a psychiatrist. This means that mental health professionals often need to observe someone for a long time before being able to make a diagnosis. Separating personality disorders from underlying medical or psychological problems is also difficult. For example, major or clinical depression, psychosis, or other psychiatric problems can distort personality features. Brain damage or tumors can also lead to dramatic changes in personality.
In personality disorder, extreme, inflexible, and difficult personality traits become a part of someone's overall personality. Many older adults who appear to have troubling personality problems do not have a personality disorder. Some people just have trouble adapting to changes. An adjustment disorder develops when a healthy and well-adjusted person suddenly shows personality changes as a result of severe stress. Personality disorders may continue unchanged over time, or they may fluctuate in progress. Treatment for personality disorders includes many forms of psychotherapy, depending on the situation. Medication treatments are used, including medications for depression, anxiety, and psychoses. The best treatment approach is usually a combination of psychotherapy and drug treatment. Posted by wena indlovu at 11:18 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Links to this post Labels: bipolar disorde, bywena, discrimination, mental illness, personality disorders
Mood Disorders
The term Mood Disorder is the general name for illnesses where depression is a significant factor. Mood disorders are similar to normal reactions to everyday life, except in mood disorders the symptoms are more drastic and last for extended period, which may be as short as two weeks or as long as two years. A mood disorder is diagnosed when the symptoms interfere with normal day to day functioning or is chronic; early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. The different types of mood disorders are, bipolar disorders, also called manic-depressive disorders and unipolar disorders depressive disorders without a manic phase or rarely seen mania without depression. Bipolar Disorders are cycles of extreme mood swings. A cycle typically begins with the manic state where the individual experiences exaggerated feelings of happiness, energy, mental and physical activity, also known as highs. From there, the individual generally crashes into depression, in some cases a period of normalcy between episodes then, usually the depressed mood appears. Normal m periods also follow a cycle of mania. In some instances the person may cycle with depression preceding the manic phase of the illness. Bipolar I is the classic type of the disorder and is usually diagnosed when an individual has experienced at least one episode of intense mania followed by a period of severe depression. Bipolar II disorder is diagnosed when the patient has experienced a period of depression and at least one episode of a milder form of mania, termed hypomania. Cyclothymic disorder is less severe than bipolar II, and is distinguished by the irregularity in cycles of mania and depression. Mixed bipolar state is a rare type of bipolar disorder when an individual experiences episodes of mania and depression in a short time period or a cycle which has the symptoms of mania and depression together. Unipolar disorders are types of depressive illnesses that dont include a manic phase or a depressive phase.
Unipolar mood disorders are divided into separate illnesses including Major Depression, Atypical Depression, Psychotic Depression, and Dysthymia. They differ from bipolar states because the highs or manias that bipolar patients experience are not present. Major Depression is the most common form of a Unipolar mood disorder. It is the most severe type of depression. Although major depression can be caused by a traumatic event, it may also evolve over many years. In addition, some individuals develop major depression with no external cause. A single episode may last from six months to a year. Atypical Depression is a common type of major depression. While the individual experiences the same depressive symptoms as one with clinical depression, this type of mood disorder is temporarily lifted by positive events. Psychotic Depression is a severe mood disorder that is characterized by hallucinations and delusions. The hallucinations may be either visual or auditory. Along with hallucinations, the individual experiences the symptoms associated with other types of depression. Many individuals are aware that they are hallucinating, but unable to prevent their delusions. Dysthymia is a primary mood disorder that may be life long. Many individuals who have dysthymia go through life dissatisfied, pessimistic, frightened, and feeling guilty without a reason. They are unaware of the lighter side of life and live with feelings of misery. Sadness is a normal response to many life situations such as loss of a significant person in their lives or other type of stressor. When the sadness lasts for an abnormal length of time it is time to seek help. Most people can recover from a mood disorder with treatment with medication or therapy. People with a mood disorder can find relief from the emotional rollercoaster that they find themselves on. Posted by wena indlovu at 7:01 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Links to this post Labels: bipolar disorde, bywena, discrimination, mental illness, personality disorders
Although bipolar disorder more common in young adults, it can appear in young children. Some experts believe it is rare; others think that it occurs frequently. If your child is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a second opinion before starting a treatment plan is strongly recommended. Diagnosing Bipolar disorder in young children is difficult; many of the symptoms are similar to those of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or just normal childhood behavior. The major problem is that the medication used for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are stimulants, which can trigger in mania in children with bipolar disorder. Young children in a manic phase are more irritable than adults psychotic symptoms, with hallucinations can be present. During a depressive episode, the common symptom is of physical symptoms, like aches and pains.
One of the most drastic differences is that bipolar disorder in children is that they cycle much more quickly; called rapid cycling in adults. While manic and depressive periods may be separated by weeks, months, or years in adults, they can happen within a single day in child. Bipolar disorder is an illness of brain which is also referred as manic-depressive illness. Bipolar disorder in children can be recognized by the swings in their mood which are frequent and unusual. Some times they will be in a high mood and hyperactive which is termed as mania. Some times they exhibit a mood of sadness without any reason and their performance in their regular activities are not enjoyed as usual. This situation is called depression. Bipolar disorder in children and teens cannot be compared with the bipolar disorder in adults as both show different symptoms of the disease. Adults who suffer bipolar disorder have symptoms of mood swing episodes that are distinct and the episodes of depression and mania may last longer. The mood swings are faster and more frequent in children. Children and teens with this disease can be known by the excessive spending of money, use of alcohol or drugs. Bipolar children are unable to acquire knowledge by the use of reasoning, intuition, or perception. They are poor performers academically. They are irregular in attending classes. Researchers are still studying Bipolar disorder in children however; effective medication and treatment has been not been determined yet. The treatment is a team work which needs involvement of doctor, parents and the children with bipolar disorder. Often psychotherapy can relieve the bipolar disorder symptoms and the doctor may recommend the type of therapy needed. The child needs support and therapy can help them to connect with their feelings and gives them a place to communicate the emotional turmoil that they are experiencing.
Posted by wena indlovu at 4:19 PM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Links to this post Labels: bipolar disorde, bywena, discrimination, mental illness, personality disorders
sweating. Children with Attention deficient disorder generally have problems paying attention or concentrating; can't seem to follow directions; they are easily bored and/frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive and are hyperactive. Children with these disorders tend to defy rules and often are disruptive in structured environments, such as school. Development disorders in children and they are often confused in their thinking and generally have problems understanding the world around them. Eating disorders involve intense emotions and attitudes, as well as unusual behaviors associated with weight. Disorders that affect behavior related to using the bathroom. Children with learning disorders have problems remembering and using the information learned and their thoughts and ideas. Mood disorders are persistent feelings of sadness and/ rapidly changing moods, and include depression and bipolar disorder. Schizophrenia is a disorder involves distorted perceptions and thoughts. Tics, these disorders cause a person to perform repeated, sudden, involuntary and often meaningless movements and sounds, called tics. Some of these disorders, such as anxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders and schizophrenia, can occur in adults as well as children. Others begin in childhood only, although they can continue into adulthood.. Symptoms vary depending on the type of mental illness, but some of the general symptoms are the abuse of drugs/or alcohol; inability to cope with daily problems and activities; changes in sleeping/or eating habits; excessive complaints of physical ailments; defying authority, skipping school, stealing or damaging property; fear of gaining weight; lasting negative moods, often accompanied by poor appetite and thoughts of death; outbursts of anger; changes in school poor grades despite strong effort; loss of interest in friends and activities they usually enjoyed; an increase in time spent alone; excessive worrying or anxiety; hyperactivity; nightmares or night terrors; disobedience or aggressive behavior; abnormal temper tantrums; hearing voices or seeing things that are not there hallucinations. The exact cause of most mental disorders is not known, but research suggests that a combination of factors, including heredity, biology, psychological trauma and environmental stress may be involved. Genetics have a part in mental illnesses and tend to run in families, which means the risk of developing a mental disorder may be passed on from parents to their children. Some mental disorders have been linked to chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters help nerve cells in the brain. If these chemicals are out of balance, messages in the brain may not connect, leading to symptoms. Defects in or injury to certain areas of the brain also have been linked to some mental illnesses. Some mental illnesses may be triggered by psychological trauma; severe emotional, physical or sexual abuse; the loss of a parent. Stressful or traumatic events can trigger a mental illness in a person with who is vulnerable, and can cause a mental disorder. Mental illnesses are not limited to adults. Children can also be afflicted and often the symptoms are overlooked or mistaken for other problems. The aid of a qualified doctor is the only way to find out the nature of the problem.
Posted by wena indlovu at 2:19 PM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Links to this post Labels: bipolar disorde, bywena, discrimination, mental illness, personality disorders
mind, caring, and helpful support. The discrimination is just a unfair as avoiding a person with a medical disorder, like cancer, because you fear catching the disease. People with a mental illness are a part of our society and are entitled to their basic human rights as are all of us citizens. Posted by wena indlovu at 10:07 AM 0 comments Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to Facebook Links to this post Labels: bipolar disorde, bywena, discrimination, mental illness, personality disorders
Some common misconceptions about mental illness are: young people and children dont suffer from mental disorders; it is estimated that more than 6 million young people in America suffer from a mental health disorder that severely disrupts their ability to function at home, in school, or in their community. People who need psychiatric care should be locked away in institutions; most people can lead productive lives within their communities with a support, programs, and medications. A person who has had a mental illness can never be normal; people with mental illnesses can recover and resume normal activities. The mentally ill are dangerous; the majority of people with mental illnesses are not violent. In the cases when violence does occur, the incidence usually results from a feeling being threatened or excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs. People with mental illnesses can work low-level jobs but arent suited for really important or responsible positions; people with mental illnesses, like everyone else, have the potential to work at any level depending on their own abilities, experience and motivation. Stigma can disappear with education, understanding, and compassion. Share your experience with mental illness. Convey to others that having a mental illness is nothing to be embarrassed about. Help people with mental illness reenter society. Supporting their efforts to obtain housing and jobs is vital. Clarify the false
statements about mental illness or people with mental illnesses. Many people have wrong and damaging ideas. Facts and information can help change both their ideas and actions.