Download Section 5: Somatoform Disorders

Section 5: Somatoform Disorders
Somatoform Disorders
• Somatization –
expression of
psychological
distress through
physical symptoms
• Not intentionally
faking illnesses
Conversion Disorder
• Experience a change in
or loss of physical
functioning in a major
part of the body
• No medical explanation
Hypochondriasis
• Unhealthy fear of
having a serious
disease
• Become absorbed by
minor physical
symptoms &
sensations
• Maintain belief even
when reassured by
doctors
Explaining Somatoform Disorders
• Psychoanalytic Theory – repress emotions
associated with forbidden urges and express
them instead physically
• Behavior Theory – symptoms serve as a
reinforcer if they successfully allow a person
to escape from anxiety
• Recent thoughts – convert psychological stress
into actual medical problems
• Possible genetic factors
Section 6: Mood Disorders
Celebrities with Depression
Mood Disorders
• Mood changes that
are inappropriate or
inconsistent with the
situations to which
one is responding
• Very common
A Few Facts on Depression
• Annual economic impact of adult depression
is estimated at $83 billion in lost productivity
• Over the past 50 years, men of all ages have
killed themselves at 4 or more times the rate
of women
• Men often find other coping methods than
seeking help (drinking)
• Women 3x more likely to attempt suicide
• Men 4x more likely to die from suicide
Major Depression
• Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness,
guilt, great sadness
• Multiple symptoms that last at least 2 weeks
• Exhibit symptoms nearly every day
• Requires immediate attention – 15% of severely
depressed commit suicide
• Women more likely to be diagnosed
– Why?
Symptoms of Depression
Need 5 of the 9 symptoms
1. Persistent depressed mood for most of day
2. Loss of interest or pleasure in all or most activities
3. Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in
appetite
4. Sleeping more or less than usual
5. Speeding up or slowing down of physical and emotional
reactions
6. Fatigue or loss of energy
7. Feelings of worthlessness or unfounded guilt
8. Reduced ability to concentrate or make meaningful
decisions
9. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Bipolar Disorder
Manic Phase
• Inflated self-esteem
• Racing thoughts
• Difficulty concentrating
• extreme excitement
characterized by
hyperactivity and chaotic
behavior
• Sometimes accompanied by
delusions or hallucinations
Depressive Phase
• Lethargy, despair,
unresponsive
• Similar behavior as someone
with major depression
___________________________
• Some have long intervals of
normal behavior in between
• Others rarely exhibit normal
behavior
Explaining Mood Disorders
• Chemical imbalances in neurotransmitters
• Treat with anti-depressant drugs
– Paxil
– Zoloft
– Prozac
• No accepted test to show imbalance
• Not clear why this happens
• Psychotherapy helps