Discussion: Disorder Analysis

This week we will cover three major types of psychological disorders: anxiety, stress, and depressive. These disorders are most commonly discussed in the media and make up the majority of mental disorders in the United States. It is likely you have experience with one of these disorders yourself, or know a close friend or family member who does. In this week’s Discussion, you will expand your understanding of these mental health disorders, their development, and their treatment.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Review the Learning Resources on the various disorders. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2016). PTSD: National Center for PTSD. Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/)Pay special attention to those articles that pertain to your specific prompt.

1.Compare and contrast the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with dissociative identify disorder (DID), including the role of dissociative experiences. After closely examining the research as to why some people develop PTSD and others do not, offer at least three potential ideas for prevention (be creative and innovative, while clearly highlighting your understanding of the factors—the ideas do not necessarily have to be practical!). Conclude with a statement of your position on the usefulness of psychological debriefing and why you think it may be useful (or not).

Assignment: Coping With Mood

As you have dug into reading about psychological disorders this week, you may have found yourself reviewing the symptoms and noting, “Hey! I think I have depression…no, wait, I have PTSD…no, I have GAD…wait, I think I have them all!!” It is likely each of us can relate to struggling with a symptom or two of a disorder, yet most will not reach the criteria for a mental health diagnosis. For example, many of us can relate to struggling with feelings of worry and having “the blues.” More importantly, the coping strategies we develop play a major role in the impact of these symptoms on daily living. Despite the severity of symptoms, whether experiencing sadness or clinical depression, there are a variety of strategies that can be used to improve mood.

To prepare for this Assignment:

Consider a time when you or a friend may have struggled with one or several symptoms of either depression or anxiety. Review the Learning Resources regarding these disorders, focusing on distinguishing characteristics of clinical depression or anxiety and how it differs from feelings of sadness or worry.

Andrew, L.B. (2016). Depression and suicide. Retrieved from https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/805459-overview

The Anxiety Network. (2016). Retrieved from http://www.anxietynetwork.com/

The Assignment (2- to 3-page paper):

• Describe the symptoms experienced by either you or a friend and how they did or did not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of clinical depression or anxiety.
• Offer a paragraph clearly differentiating between feelings of sadness and clinical depression, or feelings of worry and clinical anxiety.
• Regardless of whether the symptoms met the criteria for a diagnosis of clinical depression or anxiety, research at least two strategies for combating symptoms of depression or anxiety. Utilize only peer-reviewed journals for your research.
• Share how your chosen strategies could also be utilized as preventative or protective strategies to implement the next time you encounter worry or sadness.
• Be sure to share at least one of these ideas in the Spark for next week. In sharing your idea, please take care to protect your or your friend’s personal privacy.