Caitlin Dickinson
Mr. Bucko
AP Psychology
3 September 2014 Major Depression Disorder
Symptoms:
● Decreased Energy
● Lack of concentration, decision making skills, and memory
● Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
● Insomnia
● Pessimism
● Loss of interest in activities or hobbies that once brought happiness
● Overeating or appetite loss
● Thoughts of suicide
Many people who suffer from depression also experience anxiety and alcohol or substance abuse dependency. Depression can also cooccur with PTSD, ADHD, pain, and cardiovascular disease. Kelly has been acting differently lately. She hasn’t been able to sleep, and it’s been worrying her family and friends. She has no interest in going out anymore and refused to sign back up for softball. It seems like she is giving up on everything she used to enjoy. Her parents have noticed that she has been losing weight as well, but she hasn’t been exercising. They assume she hasn’t been eating regularly. Her attitude has changed for the worse, and nothing has been cheering her up. Treatment:
● Cognitive Behavioral Therapy addresses dysfunctional emotions, thinking processes, and behavior patterns in order to set goals for the patient.
● Antidepressant medication may be prescribed, but alone will not cure someone’s depression. In conjunction with therapy, medication may improve the patients wellbeing, but side effects have to be accounted for as well. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most common medications prescribed because of the mild side effects. Bipolar Disorder
Manic Phase Symptoms:
● Euphoria
● Rapid thinking
● Increased physical activity
● Poor judgement and behavior
● Decreased need for sleep
● Increased sex drive
● Easily distracted
● Delusions or break from reality
● Inflated selfesteem
Depression Phase Symptoms:
● Frequent absences or poor performance at work or school
● Sleep problems
● Guilt, sadness, hopelessness
● Chronic pain
● Low appetite
● Fatigue
Sub Disorders
● Bipolar I Disorder: Most severe form of Bipolar. This includes frequent mood swings.
Manic episodes can be severe and dangerous.
● Bipolar II Disorder: Capable of carrying on with your normal routine with some changing in normal functioning. Hypomania occurs with Bipolar II, as well as periods of depression lasting longer than hypomanic periods.
● Cyclothymia: This is the mild form of Bipolar. Hypomania and depression are disruptive, but more manageable compared to the other sub disorders. The highs and lows are not as extreme. Charlie has been avoiding his friends. He does not sleep, does not go to school, and does not do much but ponder on his own self worth. Just a month ago in summer, he was his usual outgoing self, and his friends don’t understand what has changed in him. He used to go to parties and drink, he even managed to get a girlfriend since his confidence was through the roof. Charlie seems to be the exact opposite of what he was like a month ago. Treatment:
● Hospitalization may be necessary if the disorder has led to dangerous actions, such as suicide attempt. (Psychotic actions)
● Medications will be used to balance emotions initially. Medications include Lithium,
Antidepressants, Symbyax, and others.
● Family and group therapy are used to treat bipolar disorder. This allows for better communication within the family, and connection to others going through the same thing. It helps to establish relationships and stability. Schizophrenia
Symptoms:
● Withdrawal from family and friends
● Delusions
● Hallucinations
● Extreme disorganization
● Abnormal motor behavior
● No eye contact, monotone speaking, lack of emotion
● Trouble sleeping
● Lack of motivation
● Depression
Subtypes
● Paranoid: This is the most common type of schizophrenia. It includes prominent hallucinations and delusions as well as thoughts of conspiracy. On the other hand of this hardship, those who suffer
