Psychological Disorders

There are many psychological disorders that people may experience in life, ranging from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder to common phobias.

Diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders is an objective procedure that involves prior research as well as experience on the part of the health care provider. Knowledge of psychological disorders has been compiled into a large and comprehensive manual called the, 'DSM-IV,' which is used by health care providers today.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) is published by the American Psychiatric Association. The book contains all of the known mental health and psychological disorders affecting both adults and children. The DSM-IV lists the names and symptoms of psychological disorders, as well as potential causes, treatments, statistics and research that is being pursued related to these disorders.

The DSM-IV is sometimes referred to as the, 'Psychiatrists Bible,' because it enhances the understanding of persons with these disorders, their treatment options, and even third party insurance payers. Psychological disorders in the DSM-IV are both classified and explained. Within the DSM-IV there are five, 'Axes,' that cover psychological disorders.

Axis 1: Presents Clinical Syndromes, also known as the diagnosis of the psychological disorder.

Axis 2: Presents Developmental Disorders and Personality Disorders. Developmental disorders typically occur in childhood, and can affect physical, intellectual, and emotional development (e.g., autism, Down's syndrome). Personality disorders have long lasting symptoms that affect one's interaction in the world.

Axis 3: Presents Physical Conditions, such as brain injuries or physical impairments. Some psychological disorders spring from physical aspects, others have unknown causes.

Axis 4: Presents Severity of Psychosocial Stressors, including events in the patient's life; deaths, divorces, traumas, celebrations, new beginnings, etc. Lifestyle affects most psychological disorders.

Axis 5: Presents Highest Level of Functioning - describes how well the person functions at present and within the last year, with the psychological disorder.

The DSM-IV is not necessarily used or involved in the diagnostic process or treatment of every psychological disorder. Reference to and us of the DSM-IV depends on the Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Counselor. Whether or not the DSM-IV was used in the diagnostic process, it is important to get objective support regarding any psychological condition or disorder.

Counseling and Psychological Disorders

There has been an amount of social stigma associated with counseling and psychological disorders, or psychological disorders in general, causing unnecessary burden an people with disabilities, their family members and friends. The counseling process can be trying enough without dealing with any stigmas associated with it. Insurance companies may not cover counseling easily as well.

Overcoming these hurdles related to seeing a psychologist, psychiatrist or a counselor can be extremely valuable to a person as a whole; not just their emotions and mind. A person's physical health is intrinsically connected to their mind and soul; dealing with your mental well-being inevitably benefits your overall health. As with any physical disease, a psychological disorder can affect any person at any time in their life; it does not matter how happy, wealthy, or seemingly well-adjusted they may be.

Types of Psychological Disorders

There are a number of different psychological disorders that may affect a person. These disorders may be organized into different groups by type of disorder. The different types of disorders include Anxiety Disorders, Childhood Disorders, Eating Disorders, Mood Disorders, Cognitive Disorders, Personality Disorders, Schizophrenia & Other Psychotic Disorders, and Substance-Related Disorders.

Anxiety Disorders

* Acute Stress Disorder

* Panic Disorder

* Agoraphobia without History of Panic Disorder

* Social Phobia

* Specific Phobia (formerly Simple Phobia)

* Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

* Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

* Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Childhood Disorders

* Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

* Asperger's Disorder

* Autistic Disorder

* Conduct Disorder

* Oppositional Defiant Disorder

* Separation Anxiety Disorder

* Tourette's Disorder

Eating Disorders

* Anorexia Nervosa

* Bulimia Nervosa

Mood Disorders

* Major Depressive Disorder

* Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)

* Cyclothymic Disorder

* Dysthymic Disorder

Cognitive Disorders (Delirium, Dementia, Amnestic Disorders)

* Delirium

* Multi-Infarct Dementia

* Dementia Associated With Alcoholism

* Dementia of the Alzheimer Type

* Dementia

Personality Disorders

* Paranoid Personality Disorder

* Schizoid Personality Disorder

* Schizotypal Personality Disorder

* Antisocial Personality Disorder

* Borderline Personality Disorder

* Histrionic Personality Disorder

* Narcissistic Personality Disorder

* Avoidant Personality Disorder

* Dependent Personality Disorder

* Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

Schizophrenia & Other Psychotic Disorders

* Schizophrenia

* Delusional Disorder

* Brief Psychotic Disorder

* Schizophreniform Disorder

* Schizoaffective Disorder

* Shared Psychotic Disorder

Substance-Related Disorders

* Alcohol Dependence

* Amphetamine Dependence

* Cannabis Dependence

* Cocaine Dependence

* Hallucinogen Dependence

* Inhalant Dependence

* Nicotine Dependence

* Opioid Dependence

* Phencyclidine Dependence

* Sedative Dependence

Further Information Regarding Psychological Disorders

Borderline Personality Disorder - Facts and Information
The experience of BPD can be distressing, not only for the person with the disorder, but for the people around them. Persons with BPD have a difficult time controlling their emotions and many times are in a state of upheaval. Childhood experiences or a brain dysfunction are potential reasons why.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - Facts and Treatment
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a form of anxiety disorder
that may happen once a person has experienced a traumatic event,
something that the person perceives to be horrible or frightening and that they have witnessed or has occurred to them. During the event, the person believes their life or the lives of other are in danger. They may feel frightened, or feel they have no control over the event.

Trauma Reflects Our Psychological Well-Being
A new study by psychologists at the University at Buffalo and the F. W. Olin College of Engineering finds that in the aftermath of national trauma, the ability to make sense out of what happened has implications for individual well-being and that the kinds of stories people tell about the incident predict very different psychological outcomes for them.

Psychological and Emotional Health
What does psychological and emotional health mean? It is feeling that all is well with your world, that you are able to cope with whatever life brings your way, that you have direction, purpose and meaning in your life and that you are feeling fulfilled. It means that you have the courage and emotional strength to overcome self doubt, fear and concern for what others might think.