Psychological Disorders: Anxiety, OCD, Mood Disorders, and Schizophrenia

15.3 Anxiety, Obsessive-Compulsive, and Depressive Disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by excessive fear, worry, or nervousness that interferes with daily functioning.

• Definition: Anxiety disorders involve persistent and excessive anxiety and fear.

• Types: Includes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

• Symptoms: Restlessness, rapid heartbeat, sweating, difficulty concentrating, and avoidance behaviors.

• Example: Specific phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a particular object or situation (e.g., spiders, heights).

Working the Scientific Literacy Model: Specific Phobias

• Scientific Literacy Model: This model encourages critical evaluation of research on the causes and treatments of specific phobias.

• Etiology: Phobias may develop through classical conditioning, observational learning, or genetic predisposition.

• Treatment: Exposure therapy is commonly used to reduce phobic responses.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

• Obsessions: Persistent, distressing thoughts, images, or urges.

• Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors (e.g., hand washing, checking) or mental acts performed to alleviate obsessions.

• Example: A person may repeatedly check if doors are locked to prevent harm.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are psychological conditions that primarily affect a person's emotional state, leading to periods of extreme sadness or elevated mood.

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and other symptoms lasting at least two weeks.

• Bipolar Disorder: Alternating periods of depression and mania (elevated mood, increased activity).

• Symptoms: Changes in sleep, appetite, energy, and concentration.

• Example: A person with bipolar disorder may experience weeks of depression followed by a period of high energy and impulsive behavior.

Module 15.3 Summary

• Anxiety, OCD, and mood disorders are common psychological disorders with significant impact on daily life.

• Effective treatments include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and lifestyle changes.

• Understanding the etiology and symptoms is essential for diagnosis and intervention.

15.4 Schizophrenia

Symptoms and Types of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by disruptions in thought, perception, emotion, and behavior.

• Positive Symptoms: Hallucinations (false sensory perceptions), delusions (false beliefs), disorganized speech and behavior.

• Negative Symptoms: Reduced emotional expression, lack of motivation, social withdrawal.

• Cognitive Symptoms: Impaired attention, memory, and executive functioning.

• Types: Historically classified as paranoid, disorganized, catatonic, undifferentiated, and residual (classification now less emphasized).

• Example: A person may hear voices that are not present (auditory hallucinations).

Explaining Schizophrenia

The causes of schizophrenia are complex and involve genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors.

• Genetic Factors: Family and twin studies show a strong hereditary component.

• Neurobiological Factors: Abnormalities in dopamine neurotransmission, brain structure changes (e.g., enlarged ventricles).

• Environmental Factors: Prenatal exposure to infections, malnutrition, and psychosocial stressors.

• Example: Individuals with a family history of schizophrenia are at higher risk.

Working the Scientific Literacy Model: Prenatal Risk Factors for the Development of Schizophrenia

• Scientific Literacy Model: Evaluates evidence for prenatal influences on schizophrenia risk.

• Prenatal Risk Factors: Maternal infections, malnutrition, and stress during pregnancy can increase risk.

• Application: Public health interventions targeting maternal health may reduce incidence.