ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY ESSAY 2

1. In your own personal observation and experience lately about the pandemic of Covid-
19, what do you think would be some possible psychological disorders or at least its
manifestations that can emerge in some people? Give at least 3 possible psychological
disorders and explain why each disorder or its symptoms are likely to manifest during
these times.

According to my own observation, I noticed some possible psychological problems that

might emerge in some people nowadays. One of them is the adjustment disorder, specifically,
with mixed disturbance of emotion and conduct. Since most of us are required to limit our
normal well-being - like social distancing, staying at home, etc. Many of us find it difficult to
comply with the new rules, leading to frustration of some people because they cannot do what
they want and might lead to feelings of hopelessness, and also, anxiety.

Also, this pandemic situation might lead some people to anxiety disorder. Many people
are anxious that they might get infected by the virus, and also anxious about their family’s health
situation. Thus, those people who have a low standard of living probably might have this
psychological problem because, before the pandemic occurs, they are already having a problem
with their daily expenses, how about now that this pandemic occurs? They might start to feel
distress about their current situation.

Lastly, it might cause Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Since cleanliness is the most

advisable for us to do, there are people who take it too seriously, to the point that they
excessively wash their hands or compulsively use alcohol whenever they interact with other
people or with other things in their surroundings. Their anxiety about getting sick makes them
obsessed with cleaning themselves.

2. In your own personal experience, what did you observe or think as helpful for others in
addressing the symptoms or difficulties (refer to your answer in #1) triggered by the
pandemic. Identify 3 helpful points and explain briefly why you think they were helpful
to others or to you.

In addressing the three problems or difficulties that might emerge during this pandemic, I
think it would be helpful for us if; first, try creating an indoor hobby that might be beneficial for
you and for the family - like cooking, baking, dancing, etc. In this way, it will help us to connect
ourselves again with our family, and even with ourselves. It will also distract us from the urge to
go outside and enjoy the life inside our house. However, not all people are capable of doing
those things, hence, they might still do indoor activities like expressing creativity through arts.
 The second one is to avoid too much checking the news. This kind of action will only
severe the anxiety and might also continue the feelings of hopelessness. Instead, try distracting
ourselves without the help of gadgets or the internet, like reading books, playing with pets, make
time for a devotion with God, do some yoga or exercises, etc. Still, we need to be kept informed
but don’t do it too much.

And lastly, for the obsessive-compulsive disorder, try creating a journal where they will
be able to monitor their thoughts and behaviors. In that way, they will be able to distract
themselves and might also give them time to be creative and productive.

3. One category of psychological disorder is Personality Disorder. Why is it called

"Personality"? What does personality imply in relation to this disorder? Using one
type of personality disorder, explain your answer.

In psychology, when we say “personality”, it refers to the combination of characteristics

or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character. When we start having a problem with
the development of our personality, and it starts causing a problem with other people and even
with ourselves, it leads to a disorder and it is called the Personality Disorder ─ a deeply
ingrained pattern of behavior of a specified kind that differs from the norms of generally
accepted behavior, typically apparent by the time of adolescence, and causing long-term
difficulties in personal relationships or in functioning in society.

One example of personality disorder is the Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). It is

characterized by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for adulation, and lack of empathy. The
problem in this type of personality disorder is that the patients who are suffering this kind of
disorder have difficulty regulating self-esteem, they need praise and affiliations with special
people or institutions; they also tend to devalue other people so that they can maintain a sense of
superiority, making them different from the acceptable behavior of the norms and also causing
them to have difficulties in making a personal relationship with others.

4. What is the similarity and difference between Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa? Would
both have the same treatment? Why?

Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa are both kinds of eating disorders. However, the
difference between them is that bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge
eating followed by some form of inappropriate compensatory behavior such as purging (self-
induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse), fasting, or driven exercise. While anorexia
nervosa, it is characterized by a relentless pursuit of thinness, a morbid fear of obesity, a
distorted body image, and restriction of intake relative to requirements, leading to a significantly
low body weight.

These two eating disorders don't have the same treatment because they have different
effects in our behavior and in our body. In Bulimia Nervosa, the treatments would be through
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and SSRIs. While
Anorexia Nervosa would be treated through nutrition supplementation, psychological therapy
─like CBT, and for children and adolescents, family-based treatment, and also sometimes 2nd-
generation antipsychotics.

5. In diseases affecting mostly the elderly, Alzheimer’s Disease is popularly identified.

How do you differentiate Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia? Are they the same? How
are they related?

Often, many people are making a mistake between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
They thought that these two diseases are the same but they are not. Alzheimer’s disease is a
progressive disease of the brain that slowly causes impairment in memory and cognitive
function. It is also the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is a chronic, global, usually
irreversible deterioration of cognition or the term applied to a group of symptoms that negatively
impact memory.