Pranavi Khandekar- SKG192E0182

UNDERSTANDING ABNORMALITY FINAL ASSIGNMENT

Q. Write short notes on- personality disorders, schizophrenia, mood disorders, basic
psychotherapy- 500 words on each.

A:

1. PERSIANLITY DISORDERS

WHAT ARE PERSONALITY DISORDERS?

Personality is essential in defining who we are as people. It entails a unique mix of

characteristics, including as attitudes, ideas, behaviours, and moods, as well as how we display
these characteristics in our interactions with others and the environment. Some aspects of a
person's personality are inherited, while others are developed by their life experiences. If
particular personality features become overly rigid and inflexible, a personality disorder might
result.

People with personality disorders have long-standing thinking and acting habits that are different
from what society considers normal. Their personality's rigidity can cause tremendous distress
and interfere with many aspects of life, including social and occupational functioning.

Personality disorders are associated with poor coping abilities and the inability to develop
healthy relationships.
Unlike persons with anxiety disorders, who are aware of their problem but unable to control it,
those with personality disorders are often unaware of their problem and do not believe they have
any control over it. People with personality disorders frequently do not seek treatment on their
own because they do not believe they have a disease.

TYPES OF PERSONALITY DISORDERS

(Suspicious):

Paranoid personality disorder. Paranoia is the hallmark of this disorder. People with paranoid
personality disorder have a constant mistrust and suspicion of others. They believe that others are
trying to demean, harm, or threaten them.

Schizoid personality disorder. People with this disorder are distant, detached, and indifferent to
social relationships. They generally are loners who prefer solitary activities and rarely express
strong emotion.
Schizotypal personality disorder. People with this disorder display unusual thinking and
behavior, as well as appearance. People with schizotypal personality disorder might have odd
beliefs and often are very superstitious.

(Emotional and impulsive):

Antisocial personality disorder. People with this disorder are sometimes called “sociopaths” or
“psychopaths.” This disorder is characterized by rash, irresponsible, and aggressive behavior,
which often is expressed by a disregard for others and an inability to abide by society’s rules.
People with this disorder often commit serious crimes and have a lack of remorse for their
actions.

Borderline personality disorder. This disorder is marked by unstable moods, poor self-image,

chaotic relationships, and impulsive behavior (such as sexual promiscuity, substance abuse, over-
spending, and reckless driving).

Histrionic personality disorder. People with this disorder are shallow and constantly seek
attention. They often are very dramatic, possibly even childish, and overly emotional.

Narcissistic personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by an exaggerated sense of

superiority, and a preoccupation with success and power. However, this preoccupation is fueled
by a fragile self-esteem. People with this disorder are very self-centered, tend to lack empathy,
and require constant attention and admiration.

(Anxious):

Avoidant personality disorder. People with this disorder tend to avoid social contacts. This
behavior is not the result of a desire to be alone but due to excessive concern over being
embarrassed or harshly judged. They often miss out on many valuable social experiences
because of their fear of being rejected.

Dependent personality disorder. This disorder is marked by dependency and submissiveness, a

need for constant reassurance, feelings of helplessness, and an inability to make decisions.
People with dependent personality disorder often become very close to another individual and
spend great effort trying to please that person. They tend to display passive and clinging
behavior, and have a fear of separation.

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. This disorder is characterized by a pattern of

perfectionism and inflexibility, control and orderliness, with a strong fear of making mistakes.
This fear often results in an inability to make decisions, difficulty finishing tasks, and a
preoccupation with details.

WHAT CAUSE PERSONALITY DISORDERS?

Personality disorders are among the least understood and recognized of the mental disorders.
Both genetics and environment are thought to play a role in the development of personality
disorders. A family history of mental illness appears to be linked to some personality disorders.
People with antisocial personality disorder, for example, are more likely to have family members
with the disorder, and a family history of depression may be a risk factor for borderline or
obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Despite the paucity of research on personality
disorders, no study has been able to demonstrate that a person is born with a personality disorder.

The predisposition to acquire a personality disorder, like many other mental diseases, may be
inherited rather than the disorder itself. When something gets in the way of the development of a
healthy personality, the condition occurs.
Personality disorders might emerge as a result of a stressful event or excessive stress. A person
who was mistreated or neglected as a child, for example, may develop a personality disorder as a
means of coping with the pain, fear, and anxiety in his or her environment. One thing is certain:
personality problems become more prevalent over time. A personality problem does not strike a
person out of the blue.

2. SCHIZOPHRENIA

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally.

Schizophrenia may result in some combination of hallucinations, delusions, and extremely
disordered thinking and behavior that impairs daily functioning, and can be disabling. People
with schizophrenia require lifelong treatment. 

Symptoms
Schizophrenia involves a range of problems with thinking (cognition), behavior and emotions.
Signs and symptoms may vary, but usually involve delusions, hallucinations or disorganized
speech, and reflect an impaired ability to function. Symptoms may include:
• Delusions. These are false beliefs that are not based in reality. For example, you think
that you're being harmed or harassed; certain gestures or comments are directed at you; you have
exceptional ability or fame; another person is in love with you; or a major catastrophe is about to
occur. Delusions occur in most people with schizophrenia.
• Hallucinations. These usually involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist. Yet for
the person with schizophrenia, they have the full force and impact of a normal experience.
Hallucinations can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is the most common hallucination.
• Disorganized thinking (speech). Disorganized thinking is inferred from disorganized
speech. Effective communication can be impaired, and answers to questions may be partially or
completely unrelated. Rarely, speech may include putting together meaningless words that can't
be understood, sometimes known as word salad.
• Extremely disorganized or abnormal motor behavior. This may show in a number of
ways, from childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation. Behavior isn't focused on a goal, so it's
hard to do tasks. Behavior can include resistance to instructions, inappropriate or bizarre posture,
a complete lack of response, or useless and excessive movement.
• Negative symptoms. This refers to reduced or lack of ability to function normally. For
example, the person may neglect personal hygiene or appear to lack emotion (doesn't make eye
contact, doesn't change facial expressions or speaks in a monotone). Also, the person may lose
interest in everyday activities, socially withdraw or lack the ability to experience pleasure.
Symptoms can vary in type and severity over time, with periods of worsening and remission of
symptoms. Some symptoms may always be present.

In men, schizophrenia symptoms typically start in the early to mid-20s. In women, symptoms
typically begin in the late 20s. It's uncommon for children to be diagnosed with schizophrenia
and rare for those older than age 45.

3. MOOD DISORDERS

A mood disorder is a mental health problem that primarily affects a person’s emotional state. It is
a disorder in which a person experiences long periods of extreme happiness, extreme sadness, or
both.

It is normal for someone’s mood to change, depending on the situation. However, to be

diagnosed with a mood disorder, symptoms must be present for several weeks or longer. Mood
disorders can cause changes in your behavior and can affect your ability to deal with routine
activities, such as work or school.

Two of the most common mood disorders are depression and bipolar disorder. This article will
review these disorders and some of their many subtypes.

Depression (major or clinical depression). Depression is a common mental disorder. Grief or

sadness is a typical response to a traumatic life event or crisis, such as the death of a spouse or
family member, loss of a job, or a major illness. However, when the depression continues to be
present even when stressful events are over or there is no apparent cause, physicians would then
classify the depression as clinical or major depression. For a person to be diagnosed with clinical
depression, symptoms must last for at least two weeks.

There are several different types of depression. Symptoms may vary depending on the form of
the disorder.

 Postpartum depression (peripartum depression) - This type of depression occurs

during pregnancy or after delivery
 Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) - This is a chronic form of depression that
can last for at least two years. Symptoms may occasionally lessen in severity during this
time.
 Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - This is another type of depression that occurs
during certain seasons of the year. It typically starts in the late autumn or early winter and
lasts until spring or summer. Less commonly, SAD episodes may also begin during the
late spring or summer. Symptoms of winter seasonal affective disorder may resemble
those of a major depression. They tend to disappear or lessen during spring and summer.
 Psychotic depression - This is a type of severe depression combined with psychotic
episodes, such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that others do not) or delusions
 (having fixed but false beliefs). The episodes may be upsetting or disturbing and often
have a theme.
 Depression related to a medical condition, medication, or substance abuse

Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive disorder). Bipolar disorder is defined by swings in mood

from periods of depression to mania. When someone experiences a low mood, symptoms may
resemble those of a clinical depression. Depressive episodes alternate with manic episodes or
mania. During a manic episode, a person may feel elated or can also feel irritable or have
increased levels of activity.

There are four basic types of bipolar disorder.

 Bipolar I - This is the most severe form. Manic episodes last at least seven days or may
be severe enough to require hospitalization. Depressive episodes will also occur, often
lasting for at least two weeks. Sometimes symptoms of both mania and depression are
present at the same time.
 Bipolar II disorder - This disorder causes cycles of depression similar to those of
bipolar I. A person with this illness also experiences hypomania, which is a less severe
form of mania. Hypomanic periods are not as intense or disruptive as manic episodes.
Someone with bipolar II disorder is usually able to handle daily responsibilities and does
not require hospitalization.
 Cyclothymia disorder (cyclothymia) - This type of bipolar disorder has sometimes been
defined as a milder form of bipolar disorder. People with cyclothymia experience
continuous irregular mood swings – from mild to moderate emotional “highs” to mild to
moderate “lows” – for extended periods of time. In addition, changes in mood can occur
quickly and at any time. There are only short periods of normal mood. For an adult to be
diagnosed with cyclothymic, symptoms have to be experienced for at least 2 years. For
children and adolescents, the, symptoms must persist for at least one year.
 “Other” or “unspecified” bipolar disorder - Symptoms of this type of bipolar disorder
do not meet the criteria for one of the other types but people still have significant,
abnormal changes in mood.

Other mood disorders

 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder - This type of mood disorder occurs seven to 10 days
before menstruation and goes away within a few days of the start of the menstrual period.
Researchers believe this disorder is brought about by the hormonal changes related to the
menstrual cycle. Symptoms may include anger, irritability, tension, decreased interest in
usual activities, and sleep problems.
 Intermittent explosive disorder - This is a lesser-known mood disorder marked by
episodes of unwarranted anger. It is commonly referred to as “flying into a rage for no
reason.” In an individual with intermittent explosive disorder, the behavioral outbursts
are out of proportion to the situation.

4. BASIC PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a
psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider. During psychotherapy, you learn about
your condition and your moods, feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy helps you learn
how to take control of your life and respond to challenging situations with healthy coping skills.

There are many types of psychotherapy, each with its own approach. The type of psychotherapy
that's right for you depends on your individual situation. Psychotherapy is also known as talk
therapy, counseling, psychosocial therapy or, simply, therapy.

Psychotherapy can be helpful in treating most mental health problems, including:

 Anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias, panic disorder

or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

 Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder

 Addictions, such as alcoholism, drug dependence or compulsive gambling

 Eating disorders, such as anorexia or bulimia

 Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or dependent personality

disorder

 Schizophrenia or other disorders that cause detachment from reality (psychotic disorders)

Not everyone who benefits from psychotherapy is diagnosed with a mental illness.
Psychotherapy can help with a number of life's stresses and conflicts that can affect anyone. For
example, it may help you:

 Resolve conflicts with your partner or someone else in your life

 Relieve anxiety or stress due to work or other situations

 Cope with major life changes, such as divorce, the death of a loved one or the loss of a
job

 Learn to manage unhealthy reactions, such as road rage or passive-aggressive behavior

 Come to terms with an ongoing or serious physical health problem, such as diabetes,

cancer or long-term (chronic) pain

 Recover from physical or sexual abuse or witnessing violence

  Cope with sexual problems, whether they're due to a physical or psychological cause

 Sleep better, if you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep (insomnia)

References:

Class recordings and material

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9636-personality-disorders-overview