Psychological Disorders - Essay Example

-1Running head: PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS Psychological Disorders You're The purpose of this essay was to give an idea into how different psychological disorders place an adverse element into a persons normally productive life. The author gives details of different symptoms of the disorders, as well as possible treatments that might be used for specific psychological disorders. Ultimately, good examples will be given in this research, in regards to the disorders, and the signs, symptoms, signals, affects on the individual, diagnosis, and the possible prognosis of each.

Psychological Disorders A major depressive disorder affects a number of people every year. Psychological disorders are known to be harmful, and dysfuntional when they are labeled to be behaviors such as, atypical, disturbing, maladaptive, and unjustifiable (Myers 2006, pg.522). Although there is medical treatment available for many of these psychological problems, the reaction to the treatment varies from person to person. In that regard it can not be wholly stated that these diseases, in themselves (such as major depression), can be effectively treated by prescribed drugs at all times.

When a specialist makes a claim that such a disorder is not a psychological problem, it creates an adversity on those who struggle with the illness themselves and, it makes many feel as if they are being compromised when trying to stress how the disorder has impacted their lives to a medical practitioner or psychiatrist. However, it can be understood why a statement such as this would be made because it has taken the medical world nearly twenty years to realize that a major depressive disorder is a severe psychological problem.

Beforehand, the attitude did exist that it wasn't that serious and that it could be medically treated in an efficient manner with prescribed drugs to alter the pattern of the illness (Field et al, 2000, pg.71). Nevertheless, from the past to the present, it is well known in the medical world now, that a claim that states anyone with this disorder can be treated medically weakens the ability of many doctors to treat the problem itself because it forms doubts in the minds of the people who suffer with a depressive disorder, or any psychological disorder for that matter, on how well of a treatment program they will receive.

Furthermore it places a negative path in the line of duty for doctors because the patients question whether or not their doctors are really listening to their complaints, and will give them the help they need to function in a socially cognitive way within the confounds of a society. Through the writing of David G. Myers (2006), the relevance of understanding the impact that any psychological disorder can place on an individual is emphasized and detailed throughout a historical context. In present times, mental health workers understand that there are two sides to depression, one that equivocates simple sadness and will be overcome, and the other side being equivalent to a full-blown psychological disorder.

Those with depression that don't even have the energy to get up out of bed indeed have a psychological disorder (Myers 2006, pg.522). Whether a psychological problem can be treated medically or not, is up to the patients doctor to decide by communicating with the patient and listening to all of their symptoms that they point out. By doing this, it gives strength to those in the medical world who focus on assisting people to stay mentally healthy, and maintain a strong cognitive perception of themselves and how their body is reacting to the stresses found in the enviornment.

As was stated, each individual person is going to react differently to any form of a psychological disorder, and that is what doctors in the psychiatric field of medicine need to stay keenly focused on. There are a number of psychological disorders that create a sense of confusion and cause those around an individual to see that their behavior is indeed not normal. Obsessive Compulsive behavior is one of these disorders. Alice, the classmate depicted in the outline shows clear signs of having this psychological problem.

She is compelled to repeatedly wash her hands even when they are not dirty. Mary, another one of the classmates now appears to have a phobia of going outdoors, she will not leave her house. In both Mary's case and Alice's, their problem seems clear cut and to the point, and in this regard they would both do well in undergoing psychotherapy and perhaps some form of an alternative therapy as well to help them break away from the paranoia (by Mary), and the habitualness of routine (by Alice) (Myers 2006, pg.528). In conclusion, there are many societal factors that have to be weighed, as well as psychological analysis that has to be done in order to accurately pinpoint a certain disorder and provide treatment for it.

The best thing a mental health care doctor can do is listen to their patients and thoroughly communicate with them. This is the essential key in helping someone find a resolution to a psychological disorder and have the ability to live a socially well and productive life. ReferencesField, Tiffany & Hayes, Adele & Johnson, Sheri & McCabe, Phillip & Schneiderman, Neil. (2000). Interpersonal Factors in an Emerging Developmental Model of Depression. Stress, Coping, and Depression. Lawrence Erlbaum & AssociatesMyers, David. (2006). The History and Scope of Psychology.

Exploring Psychology: Sixth Edition Modules. Worth Publications 1-10Myers, David (2006). Introduction to Psychological Disorders. Exploring Psychology: Sixth Edition Modules. Worth Publications 522-528