Unit 1473: Psychological Disorders and Therapeutic Approaches

1. Introduction to Psychological Disorders

• Definition of psychological disorders
• Categories of psychological disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Mood disorders
  • Psychotic disorders
  • Personality disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Trauma- and stressor-related disorders
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Substance-related and addictive disorders
• Common symptoms and general effects on individuals

2. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

• Purpose and history of the DSM
• Structure and organization of the DSM
• Role of the DSM in clinical diagnosis
• Diagnostic criteria and classification system
• Limitations and criticisms of the DSM

3. Anxiety Disorders

• Overview of anxiety disorders
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
• Panic Disorder: symptoms, triggers, management
• Phobias: specific, social, and agoraphobia
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): symptoms, compulsions, therapeutic options

4. Mood Disorders

• Definition and significance
• Major Depressive Disorder: symptoms, causes, treatments
• Bipolar Disorder: types, mood episodes, management
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): characteristics, causes, interventions

5. Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

• Introduction to psychotic disorders
• Schizophrenia: positive and negative symptoms, cognitive impairments
• Schizoaffective Disorder: symptoms and differentiation
• Potential causes and risk factors
• Treatment approaches: medication and psychosocial interventions

6. Personality Disorders

• Definition and classification
• Borderline Personality Disorder: characteristics, emotional regulation issues
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: traits and interpersonal effects
• Antisocial Personality Disorder: behavioral patterns and implications
• Impact on individuals and relationships

7. Eating Disorders

• Overview and significance
• Anorexia Nervosa: symptoms, risk factors, treatment
• Bulimia Nervosa: binge-purge cycle, health consequences, therapy
• Binge-Eating Disorder: characteristics, causes, interventions

8. Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders

• Disorders related to traumatic experiences
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): symptoms, causes, treatments
• Acute Stress Disorder: differentiation from PTSD
• Adjustment Disorders: types and management

9. Neurodevelopmental Disorders

• Overview of neurodevelopmental disorders
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): symptoms, diagnosis, interventions
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): presentation and management
• Intellectual Disability: definition, assessment, support strategies

10. Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders

• Definition and scope
• Substance Use Disorders: alcoholism, drug addiction
• Behavioral Addictions: gambling disorder
• Impact on physical and mental health
• Treatment options: detoxification, therapy, support groups

11. Therapeutic Approaches for Psychological Disorders

• Overview of treatment modalities
• Psychotherapy: types and applications
• Medication: antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): principles and effectiveness
• Alternative treatments: mindfulness, art therapy, and others
• Importance of individualized treatment plans