Disorders - Characteristics Of Disorders

Question 0

What is a phobia?

Answer 0

A definite, persistent fear of a particular object or situation. The stimulus induces an immediate response similar to a panic attack, including physical and mental responses. The person with a phobia realises that their fear is irrational, the response far outweighs the realistic consequences.

Question 1

What type of anxiety disorder is being looked at?

Answer 1

Phobia

Question 2

How does DSM-IV classify a phobia?

Answer 2

• a persistent fear that is excessive or unreasonable
• exposure to stimulus provokes immediate anxiety response
• recognises that the fear is excessive
• phobic situation is avoided
• phobia disrupts the persons life
• lasted more than 6 months in people under 18 years of age

Question 3

How does ICD-10 classify a phobia?

Answer 3

• psychological or autonomic symptoms must be primary manifestations of anxiety and not secondary to other symptoms such as delusion
• anxiety must be restricted to the presence of the particular phobic object or situation
• the phobic situation is avoided wherever possible

Question 4

What type of affective disorder is being looked at?

Answer 4

Depression

Question 5

What is depression?

Answer 5

Common symptoms are reduced concentration, lack of self-esteem, pessimism, disturbed sleeping and eating habits, and sometimes ideas of self harm. A general loss of interest and increased tiredness are typical symptoms and patients may complain of ‘feeling nothing’. Sometimes in children, irritability rather than a sad mood is seen.

Question 6

How does DSM-IV classify depression?

Answer 6

Five or more of the following symptoms:
- insomnia most nights
- fidgeting or lethargy
- tiredness
- feelings or worthlessness or guilt
- less ability to concentrate
- recurrent thoughts of death
These symptoms are not caused by medication or situations such as recent bereavement and they are enough to hinder the person from important day-to-day activities.

Question 7

How does ICD-10 classify depression?

Answer 7

• depressed mood
• loss of interest and enjoyment
• reduced energy
• marked tiredness after only slight effort
• reduced concentration and attention
• reduced self-esteem and self-confidence
• ideas of guilt and unworthiness
• bleak and pessimistic view of the future
• ideas or acts of self-harm or suicide
• disturbed sleep
• reduced appetite

Question 8

What type of psychotic disorder is being looked at?

Answer 8

Schizophrenia

Question 9

What is schizophrenia?

Answer 9

Positive symptoms: delusions, auditory hallucinations (hearing voices) and thought disorder (underlying problem with a conscious thought that has an effect on a persons language).
Negative symptoms: loss of emotional responses, inability to feel pleasure when nice things happen, and a lack of motivation.
There is often a disorganised aspect to a persons behaviour, shown in chaotic speech or actions.

Question 10

How does DCM-IV classify schizophrenia?

Answer 10

Two or more of the following:
- delusions
- hallucinations
- disorganised speech
- disorganised behaviour
- negative symptoms
Plus:
- social occupational dysfunction
- at least 6 months duration
- no other explanation can be found, such as medication or developmental disorders

Question 11

How does ICD-10 classify schizophrenia?

Answer 11

• thought echo, thought insertion or withdrawal, and broadcasting
• delusions of control
• hallucinatory voices
• persistent delusions
• persistent hallucinations
• incoherence or irrelevant speech
• catatonic behaviour
• negative symptoms such as marked apathy