Text Box: Mental Disorders & Symptoms

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Text Box: Eating Disorder—Anorexia Factitious Disorder Hypochondriasis Obsessive Compulsive Panic Attacks PDD (childhood) Psychosis PTSD Schizo-Affective Schizophrenia Sexual Disorder

   The disorders listed here (a partial list from hundreds of disorders) are diagnosed based upon commonly referred to criteria.  The criteria are found in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic & Statistical Manual (DSM-IV TR) 2.  The DSM-IV TR is the leading professionally researched, developed and endorsed medical collection of universally recognized disorders. 

   Accordingly, the information found on this page regarding symptoms of mental disorders comes from the DSM-IV TR.  The symptoms listed are paraphrased, and include dominant features—rule out variables are not included here.  None of the symptoms listed address the possibility that professional interpretations might vary among different mental health practitioners and among practice specialists.

   The DSM-IV TR contains family patterns, onset, cultural factors, rule out considerations, prevalence, gender differences, age differences, and symptomology. 

It also addresses medically induced disorders.  The DSM-IV TR provides other factors to consider in diagnosis.  It is important to consider that not all professionals use the PIE Perspective in their assessment approach, a comprehensive view in accurate diagnosis.

   Diagnosis is commonly made during a subjective assessment process—that is, interpretations are made based upon the perspectives and beliefs of the professional doing the assessment.  Subjective beliefs are usually rooted in what is known as practice wisdom, and when assessment occurs with the use of psychometric instruments, practice wisdom can be less subjective.

   The Department of Health and Human Services reports that about 44 million people a year experience a mental disorder1.  Research indicates that one in every five children experience mental disorders.

   If you believe you (or someone you love) is experiencing symptoms of a mental disorder remember that a diagnosis can only be made by a licensed mental health professional—and some offer free initial consultations.

 

► Craving—a strong drive to use.

► Frequent / Recurrent Use—throughout the day, in the morning, etc.

► Withdrawal (after use)—sleep disturbance, anxiety, tremors, sweats, shakes.

► Tolerance— Increased amounts are needed to get intoxicated.

► Use continues—in spite of negative consequences.

► Unable to maintain limits—uses more than what was planned or agreed.

► Activities central to use—they are centered around being able to use.

► Isolation—form activities or hobbies that no longer involve use.

Bi-Polar I Disorder

Alcoholism

Anxiety Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder

Bi-Polar II Disorder

Depression

Disorders Introduced Here

Alcoholism

Anxiety Disorder

The symptoms listed are linked to Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

 

► Excessive anxiety or worry—more days than not (at least 6 months).

► Inability to Control the Worry—it is difficult for the person to stop.

► Anxiety / Worry linked to at least three of: 

     Restlessness  or “edgy,” easily fatigued, inability to concentrated

     (or going blank), irritability, muscle tension, or sleep disturbance.

► Anxiety / worry significantly limits a person’s ability to function, day to day.

 

NOTE: phobias have specific other symptoms that are not listed here.

Six or more of #1 or #2:

► #1: Fails to give attention to details, difficulty sustaining attention, doesn’t listen when spoken to, fails to complete tasks, inability to organize, avoids structured tasks, loses things, easily distracted, or forgetful.

► #2: Fidgets or squirms, unable to stay seated, runs/climbs excessively, inability to engage in activities quietly, acts as if “driven by a motor,” talks excessively, blurts out / interrupts often, inability to take turns, or intrudes on others.

► Above symptoms existed prior to age seven.

► Above symptoms are present in two or more settings.

► Symptoms impair social, academic or occupational functioning.

► The symptoms are not better accounted for by another disorder.

Bi-Polar disorder is complex.  The symptoms listed are incomplete and limited due to the variations in a Bi-Polar I disorder. 

 

► Manic Episodes Exist:

     Persistent elevated/irritable mood lasting at least 1 week

► During the mood disturbance three or more of:

     Inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, talkative, flighty ideas,

     easily distracted, intense goal-directed actions, excessive involvement

     in pleasurable (yet risky) behaviors (shopping sprees, poor

     investments, sexual acting out).

► Causes significant impairment in social/academic/occupational functioning and may require hospitalization.

Bi-Polar II

Depression

Drug Dependency

Bulimia
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