Types, Causes and Theories of the Psychiatric Disorders

Mankind has experienced a number of psychological disorders and diseases for a long period of time. Most of these diseases and disorders affect the normal functioning of the human body system especially the brain (Robins Regier, 1999). Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Types, Causes and Theories of the Psychiatric Disorders specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Their impacts can be manifested either through one’s behavior or mental symptoms. Psychiatric disorders can be defined as any behavioral or mental symptoms that make an individual very much distressed, paralyses the victims in one way or another and hence make them exposed to pain, disability, or even death (Salters-Pedneault, 2009). Such manifestations, however, must be experienced over a period of more than two weeks in order to be considered a psychiatric disorder. Mental symptoms such as grief following the loss of a close relative or friend cannot be considered psychiatric in nature. This essay seeks to discuss the psychological disorders and diseases which include; schizophrenia, depression, mania, anxiety disorder, and Tourette syndrome. The theories behind them will also be discussed. Schizophrenia is one of the common psychological disorders especially in the United States. It is a chronic, harsh, and a brain-paralyzing disorder. It is usually characterized by improper perception of what is otherwise real. The individual suffering from schizophrenia usually experiences auditory delusions, haphazard way of thinking and talking, and other forms of hallucinations (Salters-Pedneault, 2009). Moreover, the patient exhibits cognitive deficits, asocial tendencies, and flat affect. The manifestations of initial stages of schizophrenia commonly start at early adulthood. Notably, this disorder can only be diagnosed using the person’s personal experiences and overt behavior since its laboratory test is yet to be established. Many theories concerning schizophrenia have been proposed. Some of the factors associated with the development of schizophrenia include the individual’s genetic orientation and the environment that one is exposed to at the earlier stages of development (Robins Regier, 1999). Furthermore, neurobiology which concerns the study of the nervous system as well as the social and mental processes has been identified as playing a role in the development of schizophrenic conditions. The root causes of schizophrenia, however, have not been fully established but a sense of hope exists as far as its treatment is concerned. Current antipsychotic medications seek to eliminate the symptoms associated to the disorder and allow the patient to live a normal life in the society. Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Although the older types of anti-psychotics are still being used, most current ones w hich include clozapine are very effective in treating the acute symptoms (Salters-Pedneault, 2009). For persons who are genetically prone to schizophrenia, the use of some medicinal drugs or those meant for recreational purposes may also cause or enhance the rate of being schizophrenic. For instance, clozapine reduces the number of white blood cells in the body hence increasing the risk of infections. The side effects of using antipsychotic medication include improper vision, rashes on the skin, increased heartbeat, and can affect women’s monthly periods. Psychosocial modes of treatment have been devised to deal with those who have become resistant to antipsychotic medication (Robins Regier, 1999). Depression, on the other hand, is a psychological disorder that manifests itself both physically and emotionally over prolonged period of time (Salters-Pedneault, 2009). This disorder is characterized by a sense of guilt, worthless feelings and suicidal tendencies, loss of the ab ility to make decisions, and varying levels of poverty. Despite the many perspectives of looking at the disorder, depression has been clinically regarded as being caused by genetic, biological, and psychological factors. Stressful situations in life have been identified to play a role in the onset of depression among those who are genetically prone. Also, fluctuating levels of hormones contribute to the increased levels of neurotransmitters in the brain leading to the development of depressive symptoms. Psychiatrists have also established the role of structural psychological changes in the onset of major depression. Besides these western theories on depression, cultural perspectives also have their own way of explaining depression. Persons identified with depression can be treated although the diagnosis part is the most difficult since the symptoms can be confused with the normal illness. Research has established clinical depression as being mental in nature (Salters-Pedneault, 20 09). The two major approaches that can be used are psychotherapy and clinical medication. The use of antidepressants can simplify the use of the counseling approach. It is important to note that psychotherapeutic medications serve to relief symptoms but not curing depression. These medications may have some side effects though it depends on so many factors like the body size, age, sex of the patient, body chemical composition, diet, and habits like smoking. The mentioned factors determine the dosage given to the depressed. Some of the antidepressants include; tricyclic which is an antidepressant, and monoamine oxidase which act an inhibitor. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Types, Causes and Theories of the Psychiatric Disorders specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Recent antidepressants are commonly referred to as â€Å"selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors† (SSRIs). Some of the side effects of antidepres sants include; drowsiness, anxiety, heart problems, digestive problems, weight gain, muscle twitches, and general weakness (Robins Regier, 1999). The extents of these side effects greatly depend on the type of antidepressant used and the individual responses. The third disorder in our discussion is the manic disorder, currently referred to as bipolar disorder. Just like depression, it is a mood disorder and is uniquely characterized by some manic episodes. A manic episode involves the expression of euphoric states or ‘emotional highs’ by the patient (Torrey Knable, 2005). Manic depression possesses symptoms of major depression. Recent research has established that most theories point a strong conviction on the genetic orientation of the patient. The manic-depressive patient is fortunate since the disorder is easily treatable. â€Å"Mood stabilizers† are the commonly used medications and examples include, but not limited to; lithium, and anticonvulsants like cab amazepine, and valproate. All serve the purpose of stabilizing the moods of the patient. However, just like other terminal illnesses, manic-depressive disorder remains with the patient forever and can be managed through constant medication (Torrey Knable, 2005). Due to improved research into the treatment of bipolar disorders, there are fewer side effects although it greatly depends on individual reaction to the medication. Most of the side effects, if any, are similar to those of depression discussed above. Moreover, anxiety disorder refers to the extreme and excessive levels of fear and worry about day to day life without any apparent reason (Salters-Pedneault, 2009). Such fears can be prolonged over a period of six months which can only get worse if not diagnosed and treated in good time. Anxiety disorders comprises of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). These varied types of anxiety disorders have one thing in common; they all involve irrational fear and dread. Medication is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders although sometimes psychotherapeutic measures can be effective. In most instances, anxiety may co-exist with other conditions and illness and this calls for proper diagnosis by the psychiatrist. Medication, just like the treatment of the above disorders, will serve to put the anxiety disorder under control but not curing it. Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The common medication include; antidepressants, beta-blockers, and anti-anxiety drugs. SSRIs are the newest in the medical field (Salters-Pedneault, 2009). Psychotherapy is also the second alternative when it comes to the treatment of anxiety disorders. The side effects from taking the medication are as explained earlier in the case of depression disorder. The last disorder is the Tourette syndrome which is characterized by both physical (tics) and oral speech problems. It is unique in that its manifestation occurs during early childhood (Walkup, Mink Hollenbeck, 2006). Tourette’s disorder is believed to be a genetic and mental disorder and is also influenced by the surrounding though its real cause is yet to be established. Surprisingly, this disorder has no genuine medication unless strictly recommended by a psychiatrist. Psychotherapy is the only best approach for handling persons with Tourette which involves counseling and giving assurances. In the case of children, tak ing them to school will help alleviate the disorder. The essay has attempted to discuss the various psychological disorders/diseases. Although the disorders are numerous, the paper has evaluated schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, and Tourette syndrome. The drugs used for treating them as well as the side effects of the medication where applicable have been discussed. References Robins, L.N, Regier DA, eds. (1999). Psychiatric Disorders in America: the Epidemiologic Perspective Area Study. New York: The Free Press. Salters-Pedneault, K. (2009). Psychiatric Disorders. American Medical Journal, 7 (12), 9-67. Torrey, E. F. Knable, M. B. (2005). Manic-depressive illness: a guide on bipolar treatment. Basic Books. Walkup, J. T, Mink, J. W, Hollenbeck, P. J. (2006). Tourette syndrome. Lippincott Williams Wilkins. This essay on Types, Causes and Theories of the Psychiatric Disorders was written and submitted by user Landyn Dale to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Sample Essay For Masters in Health Administration Admission

Sample Essay For Masters in Health Administration AdmissionA sample essay for masters in health administration admission is something that will be used by the admissions office of a university. This is because it is the most effective way to help the applicant understand what kind of people the school is looking for. While there are so many schools to choose from, this one should be able to serve its purpose well. Since it is used by a lot of schools, the sample should not only be helpful but also insightful so that the applicant will feel as if he or she has understood the general principles behind this kind of job.The purpose of the essay is to give the student an idea of how things work in the whole school board. While the facts and figures may be different in different places, they will usually have something in common since they can be general assumptions. This is something that is important for students who intend to work in a school. They must know the expectations of the peop le who are making this kind of employment.The example may not be specific to the entire school board but it is designed to help the student understand how the administration works. It should also include some of the most common policies. The tone should be reflective of the actual workplace as well as how the students work. It should be an essay that can be taken as the basic requirements for the applicants to come up with the best master's in health administration admission essay that they can write.Since the samples of a sample essay are meant to be used by admission offices, it can serve as a good practice to the applicant. However, they should still work hard on getting the right kind of information. For example, it is necessary to include a reference on the form. This must contain a piece of paper that is hand-written and can be further filled out at a later time.Students should use the sample essay for masters in health administration admission as their reference on how to do things when writing a master's thesis. With the various resources available, the information contained in the essay should be precise enough to offer the applicant real insights. It should also not be too personal and should tell about the applicant's own experiences and issues. In fact, it is a part of the application process.The format of these exams is much different from that of the test paper that is given in the examination essays. As much as possible, the essays should be written with confidence. The applicant should also be careful in describing the things that he or she has done or experienced while studying. The details should be straight to the point.These samples of a sample essay can serve as some kind of guideline for the student. It is important to have a general concept of what one needs to bring to a campus. One of the main things is the kind of results expected of the student. By knowing what kinds of things will be expected of them, the applicant will be better pr epared to face the admissions interview that will surely come after he or she receives a Master's degree in health administration admission.Essays for the exam will be helpful for the students as well as the applicants. The students should know what they should include in the essays and how they should go about making sure that they can deliver the exact kind of result that they need. With the samples, the applicants can also be ready to face the admissions interview so that they can pass the requirement that they need for graduation.