What are Personality Disorders?

 What are Personality Disorders?

Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions that involve long-lasting, inflexible patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving. These patterns cause significant distress or problems in a person's life, and they can make it difficult to function at work, school, or in relationships.

Personality disorders are not caused by a single event, but rather by a combination of factors, including genetics, environment, and early childhood experiences. They are often diagnosed in adolescence or early adulthood, but they can develop at any age.

Three clusters of personality disorders

The symptoms of personality disorders can vary widely, but some common signs include:

• Problems with self-image or self-esteem
• Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships
• Extreme emotional reactions
• Unrealistic or inflexible expectations of others
• Impaired impulse control
• Difficulty coping with stress

If you think you or someone you know may have a personality disorder, it is important to seek professional help. There are effective treatments available, such as psychotherapy and medication.

How are Personality Disorders Treated?

The treatment for personality disorders typically involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy can help people with personality disorders to understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to develop healthier coping mechanisms. Medication can help to manage some of the symptoms of personality disorders, such as anxiety or depression.

The specific type of psychotherapy that is most effective for personality disorders varies depending on the individual. Some common types of psychotherapy include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT helps people to identify and change their negative thoughts and behaviors.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT teaches people skills to manage their emotions and relationships.
• Schema therapy: Schema therapy helps people to identify and change their core beliefs and schemas, which are negative patterns of thinking and feeling that contribute to personality disorders.
• Medication is not always necessary for the treatment of personality disorders, but it can be helpful in some cases. The specific type of medication that is prescribed will depend on the individual's symptoms.

 Some common medications used to treat personality disorders include:

• Antidepressants: Antidepressants can help to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics can help to manage symptoms of delusions and hallucinations.
• Mood stabilizers: Mood stabilizers can help to manage symptoms of mood swings.

Living with a Personality Disorder

Living with a personality disorder can be challenging, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many people who are living with personality disorders and who are able to lead fulfilling lives.

If you have a personality disorder, it is important to seek professional help. With treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a full and productive life.

Here are some tips for living with a personality disorder:

• Educate yourself about your disorder. The more you know about your disorder, the better equipped you will be to manage it.
• Find a therapist who specializes in personality disorders. A therapist can help you to understand your disorder and develop coping mechanisms.
• Join a support group. Talking to others who have personality disorders can be helpful and supportive.
• Take care of yourself. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly.
• Don't give up. Living with a personality disorder can be challenging, but it is important to remember that you are not alone and that there is help available.

References

Hooley, Jill, M. et al. Abnormal Psychology. Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf, (18th Edition). Pearson Education (US), 2019.

Huntington's Disease: A Degenerative Brain Disorder

 Huntington's Disease: A Degenerative Brain Disorder

Huntington's disease is a rare, inherited neurodegenerative disorder that affects about 1 in every 10,000 people. It is caused by a mutation in the Huntingtin gene, which is located on chromosome 4. This mutation leads to the production of an abnormal protein that damages brain cells.

The symptoms of Huntington's disease usually begin in midlife, between the ages of 30 and 50. The first symptoms are often subtle and may include mood changes, personality changes, and difficulty with thinking and concentration. As the disease progresses, people with Huntington's disease develop involuntary movements (chorea), cognitive decline, and dementia.

There is currently no cure for Huntington's disease. Treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life. Medications can be used to treat the chorea and other movement disorders. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can help to improve mobility and function. Speech therapy can help to improve communication.

Genetic testing is available for people who are at risk of developing Huntington's disease. This testing can be done before symptoms appear, but it is a personal decision whether or not to get tested.

If you are considering genetic testing for Huntington's disease, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. You should also talk to a genetic counselor, who can help you understand the results of the test and make decisions about your future. Here are some additional things to know about Huntington's disease:

• The disease is progressive, meaning that the symptoms get worse over time.
• There is no cure for Huntington's disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms.
• The disease is inherited, so people with a family history of Huntington's disease are at increased risk of developing the disease.
• The average life expectancy for people with Huntington's disease is 10 to 20 years after the onset of symptoms.

If you are concerned about Huntington's disease, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and discuss your options.

What would I do if I was in this situation?

If I was in the situation of knowing that I had a 50% chance of developing Huntington's disease, I would carefully consider whether or not to get genetic testing. There are many factors to consider, such as my age, my family history, and my personal beliefs. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get tested is a personal one.

If I did decide to get tested, I would want to do it with the support of a genetic counselor. A genetic counselor can help me understand the risks and benefits of testing, and they can help me make the decision that is right for me.

I would also want to be prepared for the possibility of a positive test result. If I tested positive for Huntington's disease, I would need to start planning for the future. I would need to think about how I would tell my family and friends, and I would need to make decisions about my care.

It is a difficult decision, but I believe that it is important to have all the information available to me so that I can make the best decision for myself and my family.

Resources

 Hooley, Jill, M. et al. Abnormal Psychology. Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf, (18th Edition).   Pearson Education (US), 2019.     

What is Cyclothymic Disorder?

 What is Cyclothymic Disorder?

Cyclothymic disorder is a type of mood disorder that is characterized by periods of hypomania (elevated mood) and depression. The mood swings in cyclothymic disorder are not as severe as those seen in bipolar disorder, but they can still have a significant impact on a person's life.

The symptoms of hypomania in cyclothymic disorder include:

• Increased energy and activity
• Increased talkativeness
• Racing thoughts
• Decreased need for sleep
• Increased self-esteem
• Increased distractibility
• Impulsive or risky behavior

The symptoms of depression in cyclothymic disorder include:

1. Sadness
2. Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
3. Fatigue
4. Difficulty concentrating
5. Changes in appetite or weight
6. Sleep problems
7. Thoughts of death or suicide

To be diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder, a person must experience at least two years of mood swings that meet the criteria for hypomania and depression. The mood swings must also cause significant distress or impairment in a person's life.

Cyclothymic disorder is often treated with medication and/or therapy. Medications that are used to treat cyclothymic disorder include mood stabilizers, such as lithium and lamotrigine. Therapy can help people with cyclothymic disorder learn how to manage their mood swings and improve their coping skills.

People with cyclothymic disorder are at an increased risk of developing full-blown bipolar disorder. If you are experiencing symptoms of cyclothymic disorder, it is important to see a doctor or mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment.

References

 Hooley, Jill, M. et al. Abnormal Psychology. Available from: VitalSource Bookshelf, (18th      Edition). Pearson Education (US), 2019.