Mental Disorders
By: Lisa Kim
Mental disorders usually do not leave a physical impairment so they can oftentimes be overlooked to the general public. We can’t simply look at someone and know whether they have ADHD, OCD, or Alzheimer’s. Thus it’s important to broaden our knowledge about mental disorders so we can help those who may not know they need help. In this article, we will discuss the causes and treatments of three mental disorders: dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, and histrionic personality disorder.
Dissociative identity disorder, commonly referred to as DID, is a mental disorder where one has two or more identities. Each alternative personality is called an “alter” and they have their own distinct traits; different clothing styles, taste buds, personal histories, gestures, and a way of speaking (Web MD). It is believed that DID is usually caused by some form of childhood trauma (sexual, physical, or verbal). In response to an extremely traumatic event, people with DID “dissociate” themselves from the situation by developing a separate identity to avoid experiencing the situation. As a result, this disorder can cause memory gaps, anxiety, depression, and hallucinations. Although there is no definite treatment to cure DID, it can be improved and maintained through psychotherapy. This focuses on recovering from their trauma, and trying to combine their separate identities into one. Patients may also take depression and anxiety medication to help cope with their symptoms.
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder where patients perceive reality abnormally which negatively affects their emotions and behavior. It most commonly develops during one’s late teens to early thirties but men are more susceptible to developing the disorder earlier than women (National Institute of Mental Health). Researchers believe a combination of one’s genetics, a stressful environment, and certain brain structures contribute to the development of schizophrenia. There are three categories of symptoms for schizophrenia: cognitive, negative, and psychotic. Cognitive symptoms include attention deficiency, negative symptoms include reduced motivation, enjoyment, and emotions, and psychotic symptoms include hallucinations and delusions. Similar to DID, there is no definite cure for schizophrenia but antipsychotic medications and psychosocial treatments can significantly reduce one’s symptoms.
People diagnosed with histrionic personality disorder have an abnormal desire to be noticed and in the center of attention. They tend to dress inappropriately and exaggerate to gain the attention of others, and if they cannot achieve this they tend to develop depression. Not only do they lack self esteem but they are also sensitive to criticism. Another common trait is not being able to make well thought out decisions because most of their decisions are motivated by immediate satisfaction. The disorder is also more prevalent in women than men (Cleveland Clinic).The main causes are a mix of genetics and one’s childhood environment. For example, one who has a family history of histrionics could have a higher chance of developing the disorder and a child who never learned what behaviors earn praise due to poor parenting could also have a higher chance of developing the disorder. Psychodynamic psychotherapy is the main treatment option that helps manage one’s self esteem levels and recognize one’s attention seeking behavior.
Psychiatry vs Psychology
By: Truc Le
- Job definition and responsibility:
Psychiatry is a medical specialty dealing with diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. Psychology is a scientific study of mind and behaviors.
The key difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist lies in medical authority. Psychiatrists use medication, psychotherapy, and other medical treatment to treat patients with mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders while psychologists concern the mind and human behaviors without the ability to prescribe medications. Therefore, psychologists often work in tandem with psychiatrists to refer patients for prescriptions.
- Clinical training and education:
Psychiatry students study biology and medicine. They take into account biological, psychological, and social/cultural perspectives. They attend medical school after graduation. They earn a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) with 11 – 16 years of study and residency.
Psychology students focus on cognition and human behavior. They go to medical training after graduation. They hold a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) with around 12 years of study and internship.
- Workplace:
Psychiatrists can work in private practice, clinics, general hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, university medical centers, courts and prisons, military settings, rehabilitation centers and community mental health centers, and research centers.
Psychologists work in private clinics, mental health clinics, physician hospitals, prisons, government agencies, schools, colleges, and universities, sports departments, business or non-profit organizations.
WORK CITED:
Psychiatry vs Psychology
Sree, Dhavala. “3 Differences Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist Everyone Should Know.” Icy Health, 10 Aug. 2021, icyhealth.com/3-differences-between-a-psychologist-and-a-psychiatrist-everyone-should-know.
“What Is Psychiatry?” American Psychiatric Association, http://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/what-is-psychiatry. Accessed 13 Aug. 2021.
Writers, Staff. “Differences Between Psychology and Psychiatry | Psychology.Org.” Psychology.Org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, 28 June 2021, http://www.psychology.org/resources/differences-between-psychology-and-psychiatry.
Mental Disorders
American Psychiatric Association. “What are Personality Disorders?” American Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/personality-disorders/what-are-personality-disorders. Accessed 11 August 2021.
Casarella, Jennifer. “Histrionic Personality Disorder.” WebMD, WebMD LLC, 27 September 2020, https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/histrionic-personality-disorder. Accessed 11 August 2021.
Cleveland Clinic. “Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder).” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9792-dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder. Accessed 11 August 2021.
Cleveland Clinic. “Histrionic Personality Disorder.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9743-histrionic-personality-disorder. Accessed 11 August 2021.
Mayo Clinic. “Schizophrenia.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/schizophrenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354443. Accessed 11 August 2021.
National Institute of Mental Health. “Schizophrenia.” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia. Accessed 10 August 2021.
WebMD. “Dissociative Identity Disorder (Multiple Personality Disorder).” WebMD, WebMD LLC, 22 January 2020, https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/dissociative-identity-disorder-multiple-personality-disorder. Accessed 10 August 2021.
Zimmerman, Mark. “Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD).” Merck Manual, Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp, May 2021, https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/personality-disorders/histrionic-personality-disorder-hpd. Accessed 11 August 2021.
Medical Wonders 