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 DepressionNeed 5 of the 9 symptoms1. Persistent depressed mood for most of day2. Loss of interest or pleasure in all or most activities3. Significant weight loss or gain due to changes in appetite4. Sleeping more or less than usual5. Speeding up or slowing down of physical and emotional

reactions6. Fatigue or loss of energy7. Feelings of worthlessness or unfounded guilt8. Reduced ability to concentrate or make meaningful

decisions9. 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