Mental Disorders

Mental Disorders

Introduction

Discuss the DSM classification for the disorder, including a discussion of the specific criteria as described in the DSM-IV. The section of mood disorders in the DSM-IV comprises of disorders whose dominant feature is the disturbance in mood. This section is divided into three parts and explains mood episodes such as the major depressive episode in the major depressive order, and these are included separately in the section as well to make it convenient to diagnose these mood disorders (Andrews et. al, 2010). The absence or presence of the mood episodes forms the criteria set for majority of the mood disorders. DSM-IV also includes the specifiers which elaborate the newest episodes or the course of recurring episodes (LeBeau et. al, 2010).

Major Depressive Disorder is classified by one or more than one Major Depressive Episodes, which include at least 2 weeks of having a depressive mood or experiencing a loss of interest. Apart from that, they also include at least four various symptoms of depression.

Bipolar disorder is classified as a disorder where one or more episodes of manic occur and individuals who suffer from various major depressive episodes also suffer from episodes of bipolar disorder (Breggin, 2008). The symptoms of the disorder include sleep deprivation and the patients depict symptoms that are usually seen in maniacs. Apart from that, in bipolar disorder, people go through states of mood that are elevated in an abnormal way, and this extends to such an extent that the sufferers are unable to perform their daily life activities properly.

Manic episodes outline the basis of bipolar disorders and include periods where patient feels elevated or irritated mood, and the mood lasts for a number of days (Corey, 2013). These people might not feel the need to sleep and might experience excessive energy. These people might also exhibit signs of pressured speech or have thoughts that are experienced as racing.

Historical content

In the past, there were fewer classifications and categories of disorders and even the specific phobia was called simple phobia in the DSM-III and DSM-III-R (LeBeau et. al, 2010). The DSM had started out as a praiseworthy idea and helped greatly in increasing the reliability and authenticity of psychiatric diagnoses. The DSM-IV achieved much popularity and success and is not treated at the definitive authority on diagnoses related to psychiatric illnesses (Anand & Malhi, 2011).

Various researches have been conducted in the past and they have helped in highlighting the basic features which describe the characteristics of those who have depressive and bipolar disorders (Clinton & Ohlschlager, 2009). Individuals who suffer from a depressive disorder often feel tearful, irritated, have feelings of anxiety, experience excessive worry about their physical health and constantly complain about pain in different areas of body. Sometimes, these individuals also suffer from panic attacks that are similar to the ones which occur in panic disorder (Gold, 2008).

Many different characteristics of people having bipolar disorder were identified after carrying out empirical research. Individuals who suffer from this disorder are likely ...