Psychological Disorders and Treatment Techniques

Nature of Psychological Disorders

We generally have three main criteria used to give the judgment about
whether or not certain people have psychological problems :
abnormality, maladaptiveness, and personal distress.
A psychological disorder is a condition characterized by abnormal
thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This is the current working definition
of psychological disorder but We'll explore the definition from different
kinds of perspectives.
1. Historical Perspectives:
 Psychological disorders have been viewed differently throughout
history and in various ancient civilizations.For example, in ancient
Egypt, mental illness was believed Historical to be caused by
supernatural forces and treated with rituals and ceremonies.
 For example, in ancient Egypt, mental illness was believed
Historical to be caused by supernatural forces and treated with
rituals and ceremonies.
 In ancient Greece, Hippocrates proposed that mental disorders had
natural causes and should be treated through diet, rest, and
exercise.
 During the Middle Ages, psychological disorders were often
attributed to demonic possession, leading to harsh treatments like
exorcisms.
 The understanding and treatment of psychological disorders have
evolved over time, reflecting changes in societal beliefs and
Nature of Psychological Disorders
2. Contemporary Diagnostic Systems:
 In modern times, psychological disorders are
classified and diagnosed using standardized
systems such as the Diagnostic and Statistical
Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and the
International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).
 These diagnostic manuals provide criteria for
identifying different mental health conditions
based on symptoms, duration, and impairment in
functioning. The DSM-5, published by the American
Psychiatric Association, is widely used in the
United States, while the ICD-11, developed by the
World Health Organization, is used globally for
classifying diseases and health conditions.
Nature of Psychological Disorders
3. Stigma and Awareness:
 Stigma surrounding psychological disorders can
have negative consequences, including
discrimination, social isolation, and barriers to
seeking help.
 Efforts to reduce stigma and raise awareness about
mental health issues are crucial in promoting
understanding and support for individuals with
psychological disorders.
 Organizations, advocacy groups, and mental health
professionals work to educate the public, challenge
stereotypes, and promote acceptance and empathy
towards those living with mental illness.
Nature of Psychological Disorders
4. Cross-Cultural Perspective:
 The understanding and treatment of psychological
disorders vary across different cultures and
societies.
 Cultural beliefs, values, and practices influence how
mental health issues are perceived and addressed.
 Some cultures may stigmatize mental illness or
view it as a sign of weakness, while others may have
traditional healing practices that are integrated
with modern mental health interventions.
 It is important to consider cultural factors when
providing mental health care to ensure that
interventions are culturally sensitive and effective
in diverse populations.
 Researchers and practitioners strive to bridge
cultural differences and promote mental health
equity through culturally competent care and
Causes of psychological disorder
Mainly there are 2 broad classifications that explain about the
causes of psychological disorders. These are the biological
perspective and the psychological perspective.
1. Biological perspective: suggests that abnormal behavior/
psychological disorder arises from abnormalities in the brain
structure and functioning, genetic predispositions and imbalances
in neurotransmitters. For example disorders like schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder and some depressive disorders are said to have a
genetic component so individuals with a family history of these
disorders are at higher risk of developing them. Abnormalities in
brain structure can also contribute to the development of
psychological disorders for example the size or activity of a certain
brain regions have been linked to disorders such as anxiety,
schizophrenia and depression.
 Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the brain that
transmit signals between neurons. The imbalance of these
transmitters is also associated with different psychological
disorder such as low levels of serotonin and endorphins are
linked to depression.
 Hormonal imbalances in the brain may also give arise to
disorders since hormones play crucial role in regulating mood
and stress response in the body. For example the imbalance of
the hormone cortisol may lead to the development of anxiety
Causes of psychological disorder
2. The psychological perspective: This perspective comprises 3
categories. The psychoanalytic, learning and cognitive.

A. The psychoanalytic perspective is forwarded by Sigmund

Freud. According to him, the human mind consists 3 main forces;
the id(biological urge), the ego(the one that mediates between
the id and the super go) and the super ego(represents the
society’s value standards).

This perspective suggests that a psychological disorder
arises when the ego can’t mediate between the id and the
super ego.

B. The learning perspective: “you don’t see things the way they
are, you see things the way you are”, is the famous saying that
explain this theory well.

An individual perceives a reality based on his/her subjective
experience, this may also mean individuals may develop
maladaptive behaviours because of their subjective
experiences. It can be said this perspective is total opposite
of the first one.
Causes of psychological disorder

The learning perspective explains how environmental factors
and experiences contribute to the development of these
disorders.

For example children mat learn maladaptive coping strategies
for stress or anxiety by observing how their parents respond
to challenging situations(observational learning), individuals
with post-traumatic-stress disorders(PTSD) may develop
anxiety or fear responses when they are exposed to certain
triggers such as loud noises, due to the traumatic event that
occurred in the past.

C. The cognitive perspective: this perspective focuses on how

thoughts, beliefs and cognitive processes contribute to the
development and maintenance of psychological disorders.

Self-defeating thoughts leads people to negative emotions and
self-destructive behaviors. You probably heard the saying
“inward always matters outward”, so this saying works
perfectly for this theory. If there is a disturbance in one’s
thinking way, it may be manifested in his/her behavior too.
Types of Psychological Disorders
1. Mood Disorders

A mood disorder is a mental health condition that primarily affects a person’s

emotional state or mood. It is characterized by experiencing long periods of
extreme happiness, extreme sadness, or both. Certain mood disorders involve other
persistent emotions, such as anger and irritability. It is also known as affective
disorders. Mood disorders can significantly interfere with a person’s daily life, but
most can be effectively managed with a combination of medication and talk therapy.

The symptoms of a mood disorder can vary depending on the specific type of
disorder. These symptoms can be overly intense and persistent, and significantly
impair the person’s capacity to function.Some general symptoms include:

1. Mood swings: dramatic shifts in emotional states, from extreme happiness to

extreme sadness.

2. Irritability or anger: persistent feelings of frustration or anger that may seem

disproportionate to the situation.

3. Depressed mood or hopelessness: persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or

hopelessness that interfere with daily activities.

4. Anxiety or tension: persistent feelings of worry or nervousness.

5. Sleep changes: sleeping too much or too little, or experiencing disruptions in

sleep patterns.

6. Activity level changes: significant increases or decreases in energy levels, or

fluctuations between the two.

7. Difficulty with thinking or memory: trouble focusing, making decisions, or

remembering things.
Types of Psychological Disorders
Here are some examples of mood disorders:

A. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)


aka clinical depression, is a mental disorder characterized by at least two
weeks of pervasive low mood, low self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure
in normally enjoyable activities.

B. Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a milder, but long-lasting (chronic) form of depression. It is also
called Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). It is characterized by a depressed
mood that lasts for at least two years (or one year for children and
adolescents).

C. Bipolar Disorder

formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes
extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and
lows (depression). Symptoms can cause unpredictable changes in mood and
behavior, resulting in significant distress and difficulty in life.

D. Cyclothymia

aka cyclothymic disorder, is a mental and behavioral disorder that involves
numerous periods of symptoms of depression and periods of symptoms of
elevated mood. These symptoms, however, are not sufficient to indicate a major
depressive episode or a manic episode. Symptoms must last for more than one
year in children and two years in adults.
Types of Psychological Disorders
2. Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorder is a type of mental health condition that causes constant

fear and worry. It is characterized by sudden feelings of worry, fear, and
restlessness. It is normal to have some anxiety, such as during an
examination or an interview. However, it is classified as an anxiety
disorder when the symptoms are recurrent and last for a longer time.

Symptoms of an anxiety disorder may include:

 Restlessness

 A sudden feeling of panic and fear

 Sleep-related problems- excessive sleep or sleeplessness

 Numbness and sweaty in the hands or feet

 Shortness of breath

 Increased heart rate

 Chest pain

 Sudden trembling

 Dizziness

 Avoidance of situations that may cause fear

 Obsessions and compulsions

Types of Psychological Disorders
Here are some examples of anxiety disorders:

A. Panic Disorder


Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks.
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no
real danger or apparent cause.

B. Agoraphobia


Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by a specific fear of particular places and situations that
the person feels anxious or panics, such as open spaces, crowded places, and places from which escape
seems difficult. Being in these situations may result in a panic attack. Those affected will go to great lengths
to avoid these situations. In severe cases, people may become completely unable to leave their homes.

C. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)


is a long-lasting mental health disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts
(obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviors (compulsions), or both. People with OCD have time-consuming
symptoms that can cause significant distress or interfere with daily life.

D. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)


Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have
experienced or witnessed a traumatic event or set of circumstances. This can be emotionally or physically
harmful or life-threatening and may affect mental, physical, social,and/or spiritual well-being. Examples
include natural disasters, accidents, rape/sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and bullying.

E. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)


Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition that causes persistent and excessive
worrying and anxiety about a number of areas that are difficult to control and interfere with day-to-day
activities.. It’s possible to develop GAD as a child or an adult. Living with GAD can be a long-term challenge.
In many cases, it occurs along with other anxiety or mood disorders.
Types of Psychological Disorders
3. Personality Disorders

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by enduring,

inflexible, and maladaptive patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience. These
patterns deviate markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture, are pervasive
and inflexible, have an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, are stable over time, and
lead to distress or impairment. Personality disorders are organized into three clusters
based on descriptive similarities:

 Cluster A: odd, eccentric thinking or behavior.

A. Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD)

Paranoid Personality Disorder (PPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a

longterm pattern of distrust and suspicion of others without adequate reason to be
suspicious.

People with PPD often believe that others are trying to demean, harm, or threaten them.
This disorder typically presents in young adulthood. People with PPD are not normally
grounded in reality, nor do they admit that they have negative feelings about other people.

B. Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizoid Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a lack of

interest in social relationships, a tendency towards a solitary lifestyle, and emotional
coldness. People with Schizoid personality disorder often prefer to keep to themselves, and
they generally have little desire for intimacy or strong relationships.

C. Schizotypal Personality Disorder

Schizotypal Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by an ingrained

pattern of thinking and behavior marked by unusual beliefs and fears, and difficulty with
forming and maintaining relationships. People with Schizotypal personality disorder often
Types of Psychological Disorders
 Cluster B: dramatic, overly emotional or unpredictable thinking or behavior.

A. Anti-social Personality Disorder (ASPD)


is a mental health condition characterized by an enduring pattern of behavior in which
individuals consistently disregard and violate the rights of others. Individuals with this
disorder may behave violently, recklessly, or impulsively, often with little regard for the
wants and needs of others.

B. Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)


is a mental health disorder that impacts the way someone thinks and feels about
themselves and others, causing problems functioning in everyday life. It includes self-
image issues, difficulty managing emotions and behavior, and a pattern of unstable
relationships.

C. Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)


is a mental health condition characterized by an overwhelming desire to be noticed and
dramatic behavior. People with this disorder are uncomfortable or feel unappreciated
when they are not the center of attention. Typical behaviors may include the constant
seeking of approval or attention, self-dramatization, and theatricality.

D. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)


is a mental health condition characterized by an unreasonably high sense of self-
importance, a need for excessive admiration, and fragile selfesteem. People with NPD
often have an inflated sense of their own worth and importance, and they require
constant attention and admiration. Behind this mask of extreme confidence, they are not
sure of their self-worth and are easily upset by the slightest criticism.
Types of Psychological Disorders
 Cluster C: anxious, fearful thinking or behavior.

A. Avoidant Personality Disorder


is a mental health condition characterized by excessive social anxiety,
inhibition, fear of intimacy, severe feelings of inadequacy and inferiority,
and an overreliance on avoidance of feared stimuli. Individuals with this
disorder often avoid social interaction for fear of being ridiculed,
humiliated, rejected, or disliked.

B. Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)


is a mental health condition characterized by an excessive need to be
taken care of by others. People with DPD often feel helpless, submissive,
and incapable of taking care of themselves. They may have trouble
making simple decisions without others’ reassurance. They may feel
uncomfortable or helpless when alone, because of their exaggerated
fears of being unable to care for themselves.

C. Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)


is a mental health condition characterized by an extensive preoccupation
with order, perfectionism, organization, and control. People with OCPD
often have rigid beliefs and specific ways of doing tasks, and they do not
allow for any flexibility. They are unable to compromise with others.
These behaviors and thought patterns interfere with completing tasks
and maintaining relationships.
Types of Psychological Disorders
4. Eating Disorders

Eating disorders are serious health conditions that affect both physical and mental
health. They involve problems of thinking about food, eating, weight, and shape,
and in eating behaviors. These disorders can cause serious health consequences
and may even result in death if left untreated. These disorders can harm the heart,
digestive system, bones, teeth, and mouth. They can lead to other diseases. They
are also linked with depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts and
behaviors. Eating disorders can manifest in various ways, and symptoms can vary
depending on the type of disorder.

Emotional and Behavioral Signs and Symptoms:


Preoccupation with weight loss, food, calories, and dieting.

Withdrawal from previously pleasurable activities, becoming more isolated
and secretive.

Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance.

Extreme mood swings.

Physical Signs and Symptoms:


Noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up and down.

Stomach cramps, other non-specific gastrointestinal complaints.

Sleep problems & Difficulties concentrating.

Muscle weakness & Impaired immune functioning
Treatment techniques of psychological disorders
Some individuals with psychological disorders may require
treatment to cope. These treatment techniques are mainly of 4
types.

1. Psychotherapy: also known as talk therapy/counseling.

Communicating with a trained mental health professional to
address psychological issues. There are different types of
psychotherapy based on different theory and methods. These
are: -Cognitive behavioral therapy(CBT): helps individuals to
identify and challenge negative thoughts. It teaches practical
skills that help people to cope anxiety and depression.

-Psychodynamic therapy: this therapy focuses on exploring

unconscious thoughts and emotions that may influence the
current behavior of individuals. It’s good for personality
disorders.

-Humanistic-existential therapy: emphasizes on individuals

subjective experiences of the world and unique perspective on
life. The therapist provide a supportive, non-judgmental
environment in which the individuals their thoughts, feelings
and experiences and come to deeper understanding of
themselves and their world. It’s good for existential crises
such as bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Treatment techniques of psychological disorders
2. Pharmacotherapy: using drugs and medications to treat
mental health problems. The medications provided affect
brain chemicals.
 For example Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors(SSIRIs) work by increasing serotonin in the
brain, it’s involved in mood regulation.
 Antipsychotic drugs, on the other hand, work by blocking
the action of dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter that
is associated with psychosis.
 The drugs prescribed for an individual may also come up
with side-effects such as nausea, sexual dysfunction,
weight gain, diabetes and others.
 Therefore, it is important that mental health professionals
to carefully monitor patients who are taking these drugs to
ensure that they are effective and the side effects are
managed appropriately.
 Treatment techniques of psychological disorders
3. Alternative and complementary therapy: These techniques are uses alongside the
traditional medical treatment and as a substitute for conventional medicine. But
although some approaches are regarded as alternative, they can’t substitute the
traditional medicine fully. Hence it’s theoretical to say they are substitutes, in fact all of
them are complementary. According to the national institutes of health there are 5
main categories of CAM. These are:

A. Mind body therapies: use the mind to influence the body. Meditation, aroma therapy,
pet therapy, yoga and others.

B. Energy therapies: work on the concept of the body has its own energy field that
radiates energy and if that energy is blocked, disorders arise. Bio-field and bio
electromagnetic based therapies.

C. Manipulative and body based: based on the belief the body is a self healing organism
and physical manipulation can help restore balance and promote healing. Chiropractic,
osteopathy. Misalignments of the spine cause psychological disorder.

D. Biomedical therapies: reduction of symptoms associated with psychological disorders

by noticing the symptoms of the psychological disorders.

E. Whole medical systems: refers to the complete system that include well defined
explanation of disease, diagnosis and its therapy. These are:

 Ayurveda:- from India, the body is doing well when there is equilibrium between the 3
life forces.

 Homeopathy:- from Germany. “like destroys like”. A substance that harms the body
when used in large extent will heal the body when used in trace amount.

 Naturopathy:- from Europe. Uses natural therapies such as herbs, fresh air, water.

 Traditional Chinese:- originate from china. The bodies natural forces Yin and Yang
 Treatment techniques of psychological disorders
4. Community support and rehabilitation: they play crucial role in helping
individuals with psychological disorders in fastening their recovery and
promote holistic well being.

A. Community support are initiatives destined to prove social, emotional

and practical assistance so as to aid the patients feel belongingness in the
society.

 These initiatives maybe peer support programs: individuals who have

passed through the same challenges mentor them. Housing initiatives:
provide housing programs aiming to promote their independence and
community integration and recreational and leisure programs: Focus on
social engagement such as hobby groups, yoga and art classes.

A. Rehabilitation: multi-disciplinary approach that help individuals regain

or enhance their functional abilities which was declined as a result of
psychological disorders. Two main techniques are: Cognitive
rehabilitation: to increase attention, memory and cognitive processes.
Beneficial for OCD, PTSD, ADHD.

 Social skills training: help individuals to improve intra personal and

communication skills. Beneficial for individuals with Autism spectrum
disorder, social anxiety and schizophrenia.