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 DELUSIONAL DISORDER
Delusional disorder
refers to a condition associated with one or more nonbizarre
delusions of thinking—such as expressing beliefs that occur in
real life such as being followed, being poisoned, being loved or
deceived, or having an illness, provided no other symptoms of
schizophrenia are exhibited.
Delusions may seem
believable at face value, and patients may appear normal as long as
an outsider does not touch upon their delusional themes. Themes of
delusions may fall into the following types: erotomanic type (patient
believes that a person, usually of higher social standing, is in
love with the individual); grandiose type (patient believes that he
has some great but unrecognized talent or insight, a special
identity, knowledge, power, self-worth, or special relationship with
someone famous or with God); jealous type (patient believes his
partner has been unfaithful); persecutory type (patient believes he
is being cheated, spied on, drugged, followed, slandered or somehow
mistreated); somatic type (patient believes he is experiencing
physical sensations or bodily dysfunctions—such as foul odors or
insects crawling on or under the skin—or is suffering from a general
medical condition or defect); mixed type (characteristics of more
than one of the above types, but no one theme dominates); or
unspecified type (patient's delusions do not fall in described
categories).
Symptoms
 Nonbizarre
delusions—delusional thoughts reflecting situations that
occur in real life—with duration of one month or longer
Other
symptoms of schizophrenia have never been met, except
tactile and olfactory delusions may be present if consistent
with delusional themes
Functioning
and behavior are not markedly impaired nor odd or bizarre
aside from delusions
Duration
of any mood symptoms accompanying delusional symptoms has
been brief in comparison to duration of delusions
Disorder
is not caused directly by use of substances or medical
condition
It will be good to
provide support and encourage the patient...
Ask
for help, now.
dependent personality DISORDER
Dependent personality
disorder is described as a pervasive and excessive need to be taken
care of that leads to a submissive and clinging behavior as well as
fears of separation. This pattern begins by early adulthood and is
present in a variety of contexts. The dependent and submissive
behaviors are designed to elicit care giving and arise from a self-perception
of being unable to function adequately without the help of others.
Individuals with dependent
personality disorder have great difficulty making everyday decisions
(such as what shirt to wear or whether to carry an umbrella) without
an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others. These
individuals tend to be passive and allow other people (often a
single other person) to take the initiative and assume
responsibility for most major areas of their lives. Adults with this
disorder typically depend on a parent or spouse to decide where they
should live, what kind of job they should have and which neighbors
to be friend with.
Symptoms
Inability
to make decisions
Passivity
Avoiding
personal responsibility
Avoiding
being alone
Devastation
or helplessness when relationships end
Unable
to meet ordinary demands of life
Preoccupied
with fears of being abandoned
Easily
hurt by criticism or disapproval
Psychotherapy is
useful in gradually helping people to make choices that affect their
own lives.
Ask
for help, now.
DISSOCIATIVE IDENTITY DISORDER
Dissociative Identity Disorder
(DID) is a severe condition in which two or more distinct identities,
or personality states, are present in -- and alternately take
control of -- an individual. The person also experiences memory loss
that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness. The
disturbance is not due to the direct psychological effects of a
substance or of a general medical condition, yet as this once-rare
disorder has become more common, the diagnosis has become
controversial.
The disturbance is not due to
the direct psychological effects of a substance or of a general
medical condition. Why some people develop DID is not entirely
understood, but they frequently report having experienced severe
physical and sexual abuse, especially during childhood. Though the
accuracy of such reports is disputed, they are often confirmed by
objective evidence. Individuals with DID may also have post-traumatic
symptoms (nightmares, flashbacks, and startle responses) or Post-traumatic
Stress Disorder.
Symptoms
The
individual experiences from 2 to more than 100 different
identities. Half of the recorded cases, however, report 10
or fewer
The
various personality states exhibit distinct histories,
behaviors and even physical characteristics
Transitions
from one identity to another are often triggered by
psychosocial stress
Frequent
gaps are found in memories of personal history, including
people, places, and events, for both the distant and recent
past. Different alters may remember different events, but
passive identities tend to have more limited memories than
hostile, controlling or protective identities
Symptoms
of depression or anxiety may be present
In
childhood, problem behavior and an inability to focus in
school are common
Self-mutilation
and suicidal and/or aggressive behavior may take place
Visual
or auditory hallucinations may occur
The
average time that elapses from the first symptom to diagnosis is six
to seven years
The primary treatment for
DID is long-term psychotherapy with the goal of deconstructing the
different personalities and uniting them into one. Ask
for help, now.
HISTRIONIC PERSONALITY DISORDER
Individuals with Histrionic
Personality Disorder exhibit excessive emotionalism--a tendency to
regard things in an emotional manner--and are attention seekers.
Behaviors may include constant seeking of approval or attention, self-dramatization,
theatricality, and striking self-centeredness or sexual seductiveness
in inappropriate situations, including social, occupational and
professional relationships beyond what is appropriate for the social
context. They may be lively and dramatic and initially charm new
acquaintances by their enthusiasm, apparent openness, or
flirtatiousness. They commandeer the role of "the life of the party".
Personal interests and conversation will be self-focused. They use
physical appearance to draw attention to themselves. Their style of
speech is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail. They may
do well with jobs that value and require imagination and creativity
but will probably have difficulty with tasks that demand logical or
analytical thinking.
Symptoms
Constantly
seeking reassurance or approval
Excessive
dramatics with exaggerated displays of emotion
Excessive
sensitivity to criticism or disapproval
Inappropriately
seductive appearance or behavior
Overly
concerned with physical appearance
Tendency
to believe that relationships are more intimate than they
actually are
Self-centeredness,
uncomfortable when not the center of attention
Low
tolerance for frustration or delayed gratification
Opinions
are easily influenced by other people, but difficult to back up with
details
Patients often seek
treatment for depression associated with dissolved romantic
relationships. Psychotherapy is of benefit... Ask
for help, now.
MORE ABOUT...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
DisorderAntisocial
Personality DisorderAvoidant
Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality DisorderIntermittent Explosive DisorderNarcissistic Personality Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderParanoid Personality DisorderSchizoid Personality Disorder
Compulsive GamblingKleptomaniaSchizophreniaSchizotypal Personality DisorderTourette's Syndrome
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