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A psychological disorder diagnios and treatment Assignment: Diagnosis and Treatment Student: Theresa Gaskin January 23, 2011 BEH/225 KAHRNA WASHINGTON Assignment: Diagnosis and Treatment of Mood Disorders A psychological disorder that has been relevant force at certain times in my life came in the way of depression, which is known as a mood disorder. Life experiences have been the cause for many to battle with depression, often not recognized or prompting self-medicating. The first effect of depression for most is the denial of this disorder, once addressed and diagnosed; treatment can bring about amazing results.
Depression is a very common disorder suffered by millions of people which doesn’t have age discrimination. From the adolescent that doesn’t fit in amongst its peers to those in the twilight of their lives, depression can be a disorder that will overwhelm your life. Normal depression is a condition that everyone may experience at one way or another in their lives, because of different life events. The loss of a love one, a job or the everyday hardships of life can cause depression, but in many instances the symptoms and affects are temporary.
Only when depression is serious, lasting, and well beyond the typical reaction to a stressful life event is it classified as a mood disorder (Morris & Maisto, 2005). Clinical depression is the more serious form of depression could be caused by chemical imbalance in the brain called neurotransmitters. Depending on other factors which may include your environment, your physical condition and any psychological issues of your life, in combination may determine the development of depression. Sometimes the strength of your coping mechanism can sometimes deter the feelings of depression.
In the diagnosis of depression there isn’t a certain laboratory test that can be used to diagnose depression. When depression is diagnosed it is based on the reported symptoms of the patient along with their personal and family medical history. There are several medical conditions which also cause depression symptoms, such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies, female hormonal changes and thyroid conditions. The first signs of depression may present themselves as persistent sadness loss of interest in activities once pleasurable; changes may occur in appetite or body weight as well as sleeping routines.
Other symptoms such as fatigue loss of energy; guilt feelings; and difficulty focusing; along with actual thoughts of suicide can be deemed to more serious. Going through these symptoms may have you attributing them to everything, except depression when you self-diagnose. Through my own personal experience it took a while for me to address my condition of depression. Treatment for depression depends on the severity of the condition, in the more severe depressions such as bipolar depression, medication is prescribed, but not necessary the only option.
Medications such as antidepressant don’t cure depression but are prescribe to enable the patient to deal with certain symptoms. There are several different types of antidepressant medications available, with produce different types of side effects. When the doctor prescribes medications for depression, he will inform you of the possible side effects in detail, he will also stress importance of proper dosage. Some drugs given for depression have been known to cause the patient to adverse reactions, such as irritability, suicidal tendencies and personality changes.
Often a patient will have to try a couple different medications in order to find the one best suited. Some of the different medications used are classified under different chemical structures and different forms of depression. Examples of couple of types of medications are the Tricyclic antidepressants for the more severe depressions, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) address the atypical type of symptoms such as panic attacks, phobias and problems in regards to sleep. The newer medications continuous try to resolve the problem of side effects and negative response to those who are need of medication for their condition.
Some of the newer medications are conversational, especially in the treatment of children. Known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, (SSRIs) come in the medications that are used often in the treatment of depression symptoms. There many different (SSRIs) medications including, Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil, the more well-known medications These SSRI antidepressant directly affect one specific neurotransmitter, serotonin, but all are chemically different in structure. More recently the FDA has approved two antidepressants which have fewer side effects they are venlafaxine (Effexor) and nefazodone (Serzone).
The medication bupropion (Wellbutrin) which widely use is not recognize as the same chemical structure of other antidepressants is more effective on norepinephrine and dopamine than on serotonin. Even though as noted earlier, medications don’t cure depression and are used mainly to address and control the symptoms of depression. Another important phase of depression treatment is Psychotherapy, which help the patient in many important ways. I found psychotherapy very beneficial in the treatment of depression for me.
The counseling phase is the supportive mechanism needed to enable the patient to release the internal toxic feelings that are causing the depression. It is important to be open and honest with your doctor, and through cognitive therapy the patient is able to realize the difference with the major and minor problems in their lives that may be adding to their depress state. Lifestyle changes, problem solving and recognizing the stressful elements in your life are address in your counseling sessions. Much of the ime being able to eliminate some of the minor stresses of your life, can open the door to fully focus on the major elements of your depression. Focusing on life management skills, problem solving and communication skills are encouraged. Building an external support system outside of you therapist office is extremely important, that was one of the hardest things for me to accomplish. The stamina of allowing those around me to know that I was under treatment for depression for a while outweighs my need for an external support system.
But when I did eventually open the door for that support system and became less about what others would think and more about my well-being and healing. In today’s society depression is more accepted as a medical condition and not just a mental condition. According to The National Institute of Mental Health,” Depressive disorders affect approximately 18. 8 million American adults or about 9. 5% of the U. S. population age 18 and older in a given year. This includes major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder”. (Murray & Fortinberry, 2005)
Children and adolescents can also suffer from depression but in many cases it very difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are very different from adults. Therefore, depression in children and adolescents is often misdiagnosing which may lead to more acute psychological problems and medical conditions. The matter of fact of depression is the diagnosis and treatment leads to a brighter life. Recognizing, addressing and seeking help for the disorder of depression is important part of the healing process, this is a fact I can attest to whole heartily.
References: Morris, C. G. , & Maisto, A. A. (2005). Psychology: An Introduction, Personality, Twelfth Edition. Retrieved January 21, 2010 from University of Phoenix, Axia College, BEH/225 Murray B. & Fortinberry A. (Updated, 2005). Uplift Program, Depression Facts and Stats Retrieved January 21, 2010 from http://www. upliftprogram. com/depression Psychology Information Online, (2003). Treatment for Depression, Psychotherapy and Medication, Retrieved January 21, 2010 from http://www. psychologyinfo. com/depression