It would seem from media reports that Jared Loughner suffers from serious mental problems. What else could prompt a young, intelligent man to open fire on a group of strangers gathered on a street corner to talk to their Congresswoman? What else but insanity or extreme circumstances would lead to such violence?

Whether Loughner has experienced symptoms of mental illness is not for me to say. But I can say that people with mental health conditions are no more likely to commit acts of violence than anyone else. Having such a condition is poles apart from being insanely violent. Only a few people with a specific type of mental disorder are prone to violent behavior.



Look around -- and even at yourself. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in four people age 18 and older experiences symptoms of a diagnosable mental disorder each year. Each year. This year 20 percent of us will face a major depressive episode, the common cold of brain disorders. Others of us may suffer from symptoms of anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or other mental health conditions.



But we all live on a continuum of mental wellness, and our place on that continuum varies from time to time.



Nearly everyone with a mental health condition can live productive, fulfilling lives, given effective treatment, good self-care and support. When mental illness goes undiagnosed and untreated, however, it can lead to prolonged sadness, anger and low self-esteem. It can take the joy out of work and blind us to the beauty and love around us. It can make it difficult to sustain loving relationships, earn a living, or maintain overall good health. In rare instances, it can break down internal barriers to committing destructive acts.



We could avoid so much suffering if only we would recognize that it is not unusual to experience mental health symptoms. Furthermore, it is a sign of wellness and strength to seek help with these symptoms.



To learn more about mental difficulties, log onto http://www.mha.org and scroll down to the column titled "educate." If you think you or someone you love might be struggling, talk to a mental health professional. A professional can provide proven ways to live a happy, healthy life.



Also, help ensure that services are available to those who struggle, especially during this harsh economic time when stress is on the rise. Let your state representatives know we need true mental-health parity, which treats mental disorders as any other health problem. Tell them that, while it is important to cut the state budget, there are additional paths to fiscal responsibility. We have a moral responsibility to those for whom public services make the difference between an enjoyable, productive life and a life of wasted potential. Do it today. Budget decisions are being made right now.



When it comes to mental health, we are in this together.



Schambow is president of Mental Health America of Dubuque County. She receives e-mail at info@mhadbq.org.

Abnormal Psychology

7/6/2010

Posted by admin as Uncategorized
Abnormal psychology is the study of thoughts and behavior that deviate from the norm. This usually refers to
mental disorders that distort the way people think and act. The field primarily consists of psychologists who
research abnormal psychology, and counselors and psychiatrists who treat the conditions that arise from it. The
standard manual for abnormal psychology is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) which is released by the
American Psychiatric Association. Our Office desk chairs are available in a variety of finishes to mix along with your workplace environment, and most can be combined with matching workplace chairs and workplace storage models which might remodel a uninteresting workplace right into a vivid, inspiring work space. Currently, the DSM is in its 4th edition (DSM-IV).
Currently the DSM-IV is what's used to make a diagnosis of mental illness in a patient. The patient is assessed
on 5 axes. Axis I is for clinical syndromes the patient has like schizophrenia or generalized anxiety disorder.
This is the main diagnosis. Axis II is for developmental and personality disorders that affected or currently
affect the life of the patient pervasively. Examples are mental retardation and antisocial personality
disorder. Axis III is for physical medical conditions the patient has that might worsen the symptoms of the
disorder, like diabetes or HIV. Axis IV is for psychosocial and environmental factors that might contribute,
like abuse or divorce. Axis V is for the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) which rates the functioning of
the patient on a scale of 0 to 100, 0 being the most impaired.
Sometimes the DSM is controversial and its validity is questioned. Critics have found fault with some of the
disorders listed to begin with. For example, prior to DSM III homosexuality was considered a mental illness and
currently transsexualism is listed as Gender Identity Disorder (GID). Other issues are the nature of the DSM's
categorizations. The criteria might not distinguish certain disorders from others sufficiently and patients
might not always fall so neatly into the criteria. A diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) requires the
presence of a major depressive episode lasting 2 weeks, and a patient who experienced an episode 1 day less
than 2 weeks would not qualify, but it would likely be fallible to conclude that this patient wasn't suffering
from depression.
There's no doubt that abnormal psychology is a valid field—no one can deny that mental illness exists, but
defining the nature of abnormal psychology is a challenge that isn't always adequately met. This foundation gives billet metal help for Ergonomic office chairs. However,
abnormal psychology is also a dynamic field that continues to progress, discovering new perspectives on the
recognition and treatment of mental illness over time. The DSM-V is due sometime in the future, and DSM-VI or
possibly a different manual entirely after that.
Taken from  http://www.cei2007.org/uncategorized/abnormal-psychology.html

Why???

My Signs And Symptoms Of My Mental Illnesses






Bipolar Disorder

Common signs and symptoms of mania include:

• Feeling unusually “high” and optimistic OR extremely irritable

• Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs about one’s abilities or powers

• Sleeping very little, but feeling extremely energetic

• Talking so rapidly that others can’t keep up

• Racing thoughts; jumping quickly from one idea to the next

• Highly distractible, unable to concentrate

• Impaired judgment and impulsiveness

• Acting recklessly without thinking about the consequences

• Delusions and hallucinations (in severe cases)

Common symptoms of bipolar depression include:

• Feeling hopeless, sad, or empty.

• Irritability

• Inability to experience pleasure

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Physical and mental sluggishness • Appetite or weight changes

• Sleep problems

• Concentration and memory problems

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Signs and symptoms of a mixed episode

A mixed episode of bipolar disorder features symptoms of both mania or hypomania and depression. Common signs of a mixed episode include depression combined with agitation, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, distractibility, and racing thoughts. This combination of high energy and low mood makes for a particularly high risk of suicide.

Borderline Personality Disorder

A person with this disorder will also often exhibit impulsive behaviors and have a majority of the following symptoms:

• Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment

• A pattern of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships characterized by alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation

• Identity disturbance, such as a significant and persistent unstable self-image or sense of self

• Impulsivity in at least two areas that are potentially self-damaging (e.g., spending, sex, substance abuse, reckless driving, binge eating)

• Recurrent suicidal behavior, gestures, or threats, or self-mutilating behavior

• Emotional instability due to significant reactivity of mood (e.g., intense episodic dysphoria, irritability, or anxiety usually lasting a few hours and only rarely more than a few days)

• Chronic feelings of emptiness

• Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger (e.g., frequent displays of temper, constant anger, recurrent physical fights)

• Transient, stress-related paranoid thoughts or severe dissociative symptoms

Symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder

Dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive fear that leads to "clinging behavior" and usually manifests itself by early adulthood. It includes a majority of the following symptoms:

• Has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others

• Needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life

• Has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval

• Has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own (because of a lack of self-confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy)

• Goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant

• Feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself

• Urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends

• Is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself or herself

What is the worst thing you can do?

With all of your mental disabilities, with all of your problems...you have children that you love very much and you know that no matter where you go, you will still have the help that you need for yourself to get better.  But the number one question is..."What is the worst thing you can do?"  I have this predicament that includes staying where my kids are exposed  to me and my crazy inabilities to stay sane, and even though one of these children are starting to get psychotic ideations and mental problems, she needs me more now than ever.  And another one that falls apart every time i threaten to leave, she is afraid that i will leave and and never come back.  So what is the best/worst thing you can do in a case like this?

Bipolar disorder

Overview


Bipolar disorder involves periods of excitability (mania) alternating with periods of depression. The "mood swings" between mania and depression can be very abrupt.

Symptoms

The manic phase may last from days to months and can include the following symptoms:



•Agitation or irritation

•Elevated mood

◦Hyperactivity

◦Increased energy

◦Lack of self-control

◦Racing thoughts

•Inflated self-esteem (delusions of grandeur, false beliefs in special abilities)

•Little need for sleep

•Over-involvement in activities

•Poor temper control

•Reckless behavior

◦Binge eating, drinking, and/or drug use

◦Impaired judgment

◦Sexual promiscuity

◦Spending sprees

•Tendency to be easily distracted

These symptoms of mania are seen with bipolar disorder I. In people with bipolar disorder II, hypomanic episodes involve similar symptoms that are less intense.
WHICH I IN FACT FIT THIS DESCRIPTION: I HAVE BIPOLAR II


The depressed phase of both types of bipolar disorder involves very serious symptoms of major depression:



•Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

•Eating disturbances

◦Loss of appetite and weight loss

◦Overeating and weight gain

•Fatigue or listlessness

•Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and/or guilt

•Loss of self-esteem

•Persistent sadness

•Persistent thoughts of death

•Sleep disturbances

◦Excessive sleepiness

◦Inability to sleep

•Suicidal thoughts

•Withdrawal from activities that were once enjoyed

•Withdrawal from friends

There is a high risk of suicide with bipolar disorder. While in either phase, patients may abuse alcohol or other substances, which can worsen the symptoms.



Sometimes there is an overlap between the two phases. Manic and depressive symptoms may occur simultaneously or in quick succession in what is called a mixed state.

Treatment

For the manic phase of bipolar disorder, antipsychotic medications, lithium, and mood stabilizers are typically used. For the depressive phase, antidepressants are sometimes used, with or without the manic phase treatment.



There is very little long-term evidence suggesting that any medication has great success in the maintenance phase. However, in studies that followed patients for 2 years, lithium and some antipsychotics were found to be moderately successful.



Antipsychotic drugs can help a person who has lost touch with reality. Anti-anxiety drugs, such as benzodiazepines, may also help. The patient may need to stay in a hospital until his or her mood has stabilized and symptoms are under control.



Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to treat bipolar disorder. ECT is a psychiatric treatment that uses an electrical current to cause a brief seizure of the central nervous system while the patient is under anesthesia. Studies have repeatedly found that ECT is the most effective treatment for depression that is not relieved with medications.



Getting enough sleep helps keep a stable mood in some patients. Psychotherapy may be a useful option during the depressive phase. Joining a support group may be particularly helpful for bipolar disorder patients and their loved ones.

Causes

Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally. It usually appears between ages 15 - 25. The exact cause is unknown, but it occurs more often in relatives of people with bipolar disorder.



Bipolar disorder results from disturbances in the areas of the brain that regulate mood.



There are two primary types of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder I have had at least one fully manic episode with periods of major depression. In the past, bipolar disorder I was called manic depression.



People with bipolar disorder II seldom experience full-fledged mania. Instead they experience periods of hypomania (elevated levels of energy and impulsiveness that are not as extreme as the symptoms of mania). These hypomanic periods alternate with episodes of major depression.



A mild form of bipolar disorder called cyclothymia involves periods of hypomania and mild depression, with less severe mood swings. People with bipolar disorder II or cyclothymia may be misdiagnosed as having depression alone.

Tests & diagnosis

A diagnosis of bipolar disorder involves consideration of many factors. The health care provider may do some or all of the following:



•Ask about your family medical history, particularly whether anyone has or had bipolar disorder

•Ask about your recent mood swings and for how long you've experienced them

•Observe your behavior and mood

•Perform a thorough examination to identify or rule out physical causes for the symptoms

•Request laboratory tests to check for thyroid problems or drug levels

•Speak with your family members to discuss their observations about your behavior

•Take a medical history, including any medical problems you have and any medications you take

Note: Use of recreational drugs may be responsible for some symptoms, though this does not rule out bipolar affective disorder. Drug abuse may itself be a symptom of bipolar disorder.

Prognosis

Mood-stabilizing medication can help control the symptoms of bipolar disorder. However, patients often need help and support to take medicine properly and to ensure that any episodes of mania and depression are treated as early as possible.



Some people stop taking the medication as soon as they feel better or because they want to experience the productivity and creativity associated with mania. Although these early manic states may feel good, discontinuing medication may have very negative consequences.



Suicide is a very real risk during both mania and depression. Suicidal thoughts, ideas, and gestures in people with bipolar affective disorder require immediate emergency attention.

Complications

Stopping or improperly taking medication can cause your symptoms to come back, and lead to the following complications:



•Alcohol and/or drug abuse as a strategy to "self-medicate"

•Personal relationships, work, and finances suffer

•Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

This illness is challenging to treat. Patients and their friends and family must be aware of the risks of neglecting to treat bipolar disorder.

When to contact a doctor

Call your health provider or an emergency number right way if:



•You are having thoughts of death or suicide

•You are experiencing severe symptoms of depression or mania

•You have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and your symptoms have returned or you are having any new symptoms

Dependent Personality Disorder

Overview


Dependent personality disorder is a long-term (chronic) condition in which people depend too much on others to meet their emotional and physical needs.

Symptoms

People with this disorder do not trust their own ability to make decisions. They may be devastated by separation and loss. They may go to great lengths, even suffering abuse, to stay in a relationship.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for this disorder. Psychotherapy may be useful in gradually helping the person make more independent choices in life. Medication may also be helpful in treating any other underlying conditions.

Causes

Dependent personality disorder usually begins in childhood. However, the cause of this disorder is unknown. It is one of the most common personality disorders, and is equally common in men and women.

Tests & diagnosis

A person with dependent personality disorder may:

https://health.google.com/health/ref/Dependent+personality+disorder

•Have difficulty making decisions without reassurance from others

•Have problems expressing disagreements with others

•Avoid personal responsibility

•Avoid being alone

•Feel devastated or helpless when relationships end

•Be unable to meet ordinary demands of life

•Become preoccupied with fears of being abandoned

•Be easily hurt by criticism or disapproval

•Be extremely passive in relations with other people

Prognosis

Improvements are usually seen only with long-term therapy.

Complications

•Depression

•Alcohol or drug abuse

•May be susceptible to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

When to contact a doctor

Call for an appointment with your health care provider or a mental health professional if you or your adolescent has symptoms of dependent personality disorder.

What happens when everything that could possibly go wrong, go wrong?  A fucked up chick!  That's what!  I acted like a total dick, for the lack of a better term!  But none to say the least, was I nice. 

I was a total ass!

No one should have gone through what I had made them go through.  I was doing nothing but throwing

shit, punching walls, and making my hand look like hamburger meat.  I was cussing and shooting all kinds of names at everyone and everything.  I'm not proud in the least.  I know at least one of my kids heard what it was that I was saying.  I feel bad, but there is nothing I can do about it now.

I sometimes feel as if no one is there for me, no one there for me to talk to.  I have friends, I have family...I have my love.  But sometimes it's just not enough.  I have a feeling of loneliness.  A feeling that I am unwanted.  Most people do not understand my problems, my issues, my fears.  It's hard for me to live from day to day, trying my hardest to live a normal life.

Call me a bitch, for that is what I am.  I have my issues, and yet I am misunderstood.  People take me for grated, and yet, I just don't care.  I am someone who has literally become "numb" in my everyday life.  I have kids that yes, they take me for granted, and yes, they walk all over me.  But these are my children and I love them very much.

My children mean the world to me.  They are my pride and joy.  I try not to say anything about anyone in front of my kids.  I do not want them to pick up on my sorry issues.  I may be a bitch to the world, but I want to protect my children from the world.