posted March 05, 2010 03:29 PM         

PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

This is a list of psychiatric disorders that share symptoms with neurodivergent conditions.

For example: left-right confusion,disorganization, problems with eye contact, speech disturbances, and memory problems symptoms that schizophrenia shares with neurodivergent conditions. Half of schizophrenics have history of delays in speech and motor skills like neurodivergents. There is no telling how many schizophrenics are actually neurodivergents.

In the book, THE BIPOLAR CHILD by Demetri Paplos, oversensitivity to environmental influences was listed as one of the very common symptoms/traits of bipolar children. Learning disabilities was listed as one of the common symptoms/traits of bipolar children. They also listed Aspergers Syndrome as one of the medical conditions that tends to be misdiagnosed as bipolar.

It's common for many neurodivergents to have feelings of inadequacy. Feelings of insecurity and low self esteem may lead them to be very shy, not socialize with others, and be hypersensitive to criticism. They might feel dumb and/or ugly. Many of them tend to have feelings of confusion and uncertainty about who they are.They may believe that they need to depend on people to help them with certain things that they have difficulty with. They can appear to be a bit odd and unusual to others. Many of them tend to have emotional melt downs that is connected to being highly emotional and ultrasensitive. They may act out lot,having problems regulating their emotions and behavior. They can appear to be unstable. Many of them have problems with social skills due to problems with language processing,understanding emotional/social cues,and/or coordination. Overall, they are very complexed and hard to pin down. This can lead to them as being diagnosed as having certain psychiatric disorders.

MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
Major depressive disorder (also known as clinical depression, major depression, unipolar depression, or unipolar disorder) is a mental disorder characterized by an all-encompassing low mood accompanied by low self-esteem, and loss of interest or pleasure in normally enjoyable activities. The term "major depressive disorder" was selected by the American Psychiatric Association to designate this symptom cluster as a mood disorder in the 1980 version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) classification, and has become widely used since. The general term depression is often used to denote the disorder, but as it can also be used in reference to other types of psychological depression, more precise terminology is preferred for the disorder in clinical and research use. Major depression is a disabling condition which adversely affects a person's family, work or school life, sleeping and eating habits, and general health. In the United States, approximately 3.4% of people with major depression commit suicide, and up to 60% of people who commit suicide have depression or another mood disorder. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_depressive_disorder

DYSTHYMIA
Dysthymia (pronounced /dɪsˈθaɪmiə/) is a chronic mood disorder that falls within the depression spectrum, the opposite of hyperthymia. It is considered a chronic depression, but with less severity than major depressive disorder. This disorder tends to be a chronic, long-lasting illness.

Dysthymia is a type of low-grade depression. Harvard Health Publications states that, "the Greek word dysthymia means 'bad state of mind' or 'ill humor'. As one of the two chief forms of clinical depression, it usually has fewer or less serious symptoms than major depression but lasts longer." Harvard Health Publications also says, "at least three-quarters of patients with dysthymia also have a chronic physical illness or another psychiatric disorder such as one of the anxiety disorders, drug addiction, or alcoholism".The Primary Care Journal says that dysthymia "affects approximately 3% of the population and is associated with significant functional impairment".[citation needed] Harvard Health Publications says: "The rate of depression in the families of people with dysthymia is as high as 50% for the early-onset form of the disorder. Most people with dysthymia can't tell for sure when they first became depressed". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysthymia

BIPOLAR DISORDER
Bipolar disorder or manic–depressive disorder (also referred to as bipolar affective disorder or manic depression) is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated mood. These moods are clinically referred to as mania or, if milder, hypomania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes or symptoms, or mixed episodes in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. These episodes are usually separated by periods of "normal" mood, but in some individuals, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, known as rapid cycling. Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. The disorder has been subdivided into bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymia, and other types, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced; the range is often described as the bipolar spectrum.

Data from the United States on lifetime prevalence varies, but indicates a rate of around 1% for Bipolar I, 0.5–1% for Bipolar II or cyclothymia, and 2–5% for subthreshold cases meeting some, but not all, criteria. The onset of full symptoms generally occurs in late adolescence or young adulthood. Diagnosis is based on the person's self-reported experiences, as well as observed behavior. Episodes of abnormality are associated with distress and disruption, and an elevated risk of suicide, especially during depressive episodes. In some cases it can be a devastating long-lasting disorder; in others it has also been associated with creativity, goal striving and positive achievements; there is significant evidence to suggest that many people with creative talents have also suffered from some form of bipolar disorder (for more information, see list of people affected by bipolar disorder). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bipolar_disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (DSM-IV code 300.02) is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things that is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering GAD typically anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, money, death, family problems, friend problems, relationship problems or work difficulties. They often exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue, fidgeting, headaches, nausea, numbness in hands and feet, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, bouts of difficulty breathing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, insomnia, hot flashes, and rashes. These symptoms must be consistent and on-going, persisting at least 6 months, for a formal diagnosis of GAD to be introduced. Approximately 6.8 million American adults experience GAD. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generalized_anxiety_disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder (SAD, SAnD) (DSM-IV 300.23), also called social phobia (SP),[is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear in social situations, causing considerable distress and impaired ability to function in at least some parts of daily life. The diagnosis can be of a specific disorder (when only some particular situations are feared) or a generalized disorder. Generalized social anxiety disorder typically involves a persistent, intense, chronic fear of being judged by others and of being embarrassed, humiliated, or critized by one's own actions. These fears can be triggered by perceived or actual scrutiny from others. While the fear of social interaction may be recognized by the person as excessive or unreasonable, overcoming it can be quite difficult. About 13.3 percent of the general population may meet criteria for social anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, according to the highest survey estimate, with the male:female ratio being 2:3

Physical symptoms often accompanying social anxiety disorder include excessive blushing, sweating (hyperhidrosis), trembling, palpitations, nausea, and stammering. Panic attacks may also occur under intense fear and discomfort. An early diagnosis may help minimize the symptoms and the development of additional problems, such as depression.

Some sufferers may use alcohol or other drugs to reduce fears and inhibitions at social events. It is very common for sufferers of social phobia to self-medicate in this fashion, especially if they are undiagnosed, untreated, or both. This can lead to alcoholism or other kinds of substance abuse. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_anxiety_disorder

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce anxiety, by repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety, or by combinations of such thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions). The symptoms of this anxiety disorder range from repetitive hand-washing and extensive hoarding to preoccupation with sexual, religious, or aggressive impulses. These symptoms can be alienating and time-consuming, and often cause severe emotional and economic loss. The acts of those who have OCD may appear paranoid and come across to others as psychotic. However, except in some severe cases, OCD sufferers generally recognize their thoughts and subsequent actions as irrational, and they may become further distressed by this realization.

OCD is the fourth most common mental disorder and is diagnosed nearly as often as asthma and diabetes mellitus.[1] In the United States, one in 50 adults has OCD.[2] The phrase "obsessive–compulsive" has become part of the English lexicon, and is often used in an informal or caricatured manner to describe someone who is meticulous, perfectionistic, absorbed in a cause, or otherwise fixated on something or someone.[3] Although these signs may be present in OCD, a person who exhibits them does not necessarily have OCD, and may instead have obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) or some other condition, such as an autism spectrum disorder. The symptoms of OCD can range from difficulty with odd numbers to nervous habits such as opening a door and closing it a certain number of times before one leaves it either open or shut. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive%E2%80%93compulsive_disorder

SCHIZOPHRENIA
Schizophrenia (pronounced /ˌskɪtsɵˈfrɛniə/ or /ˌskɪtsɵˈfriːniə/), from the Greek roots skhizein (σχίζειν, "to split") and phrēn, phren- (φρήν, φρεν-; "mind") is a mental disorder characterized by abnormalities in the perception or expression of reality. It most commonly manifests as auditory hallucinations, paranoid or bizarre delusions, or disorganized speech and thinking with significant social or occupational dysfunction. Onset of symptoms typically occurs in young adulthood, with around 0.4–0.6% of the population affected. Diagnosis is based on the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behavior. No laboratory test for schizophrenia currently exists.

Studies suggest that genetics, early environment, neurobiology, psychological and social processes are important contributory factors; some recreational and prescription drugs appear to cause or worsen symptoms. Current psychiatric research is focused on the role of neurobiology, but no single organic cause has been found. As a result of the many possible combinations of symptoms, there is debate about whether the diagnosis represents a single disorder or a number of discrete syndromes. Despite its etymology, schizophrenia is not the same as dissociative identity disorder, previously known as multiple personality disorder or split personality, with which it has been erroneously confused. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizophrenia

ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY DISORDER
Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD or APD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual as "...a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others that begins in childhood or early adolescence and continues into adulthood."

The individual must be age 18 or older, as well as have a documented history of a conduct disorder before the age of 15. People having antisocial personality disorder are sometimes referred to as "sociopaths" and "psychopaths", although some researchers believe that these terms are not synonymous with ASPD. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antisocial_personality_disorder

AVOIDANT PERSONALITY DISORDER
Avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) (or anxious personality disorder is a personality disorder recognized in the DSM-IV TR handbook in a person over the age of eighteen years as characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, extreme sensitivity to negative evaluation, and avoidance of social interaction.

People with AvPD often consider themselves to be socially inept or personally unappealing, and avoid social interaction for fear of being ridiculed, humiliated, rejected, or disliked.

AvPD is usually first noticed in early adulthood, and is associated with perceived or actual rejection by parents or peers during childhood. Whether the feeling of rejection is due to the extreme interpersonal monitoring attributed to people with the disorder is still disputed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avoidant_personality_disorder

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
Obsessive–compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a personality disorder which involves an obsession with perfection, rules, and organization. People with OCPD may feel anxious when they perceive that things are not right. This can lead to routines and rules for ways of doing things, whether for themselves or their families. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anankastic_personality_disorder

DEPENDENT PERSONALITY DISORDER
Dependent personality disorder (DPD), formerly known as asthenic personality disorder, is a personality disorder that is characterized by a pervasive psychological dependence on other people. The difference between a 'dependent personality' and a 'dependent personality disorder' is somewhat subjective, which makes diagnosis sensitive to cultural influences such as gender role expectations. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dependent_personality_disorder

BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a personality disorder defined in DSM-IV and described as a prolonged disturbance of personality function in a person (generally over the age of eighteen years, although it is also found in adolescents), characterized by depth and variability of moods. The disorder typically involves unusual levels of instability in mood; black and white thinking, or splitting; chaotic and unstable interpersonal relationships, self-image, identity, and behavior; as well as a disturbance in the individual's sense of self. In extreme cases, this disturbance in the sense of self can lead to periods of dissociation.
These disturbances can have a pervasive negative impact on many or all of the psychosocial facets of life. This includes difficulties maintaining relationships in work, home, and social settings. Self-harming is a marked symptom and even acts of attempted (or complete) suicide are possible, especially without proper care and effective therapy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borderline_personality_disorder

PARANOID PERSONALITY DISORDER
Paranoid personality disorder is a psychiatric diagnosis characterized by paranoia and a pervasive, long-standing suspiciousness and generalized mistrust of others.

Those with the condition are hypersensitive, are easily slighted, and habitually relate to the world by vigilant scanning of the environment for clues or suggestions to validate their prejudicial ideas or biases. They tend to be guarded and suspicious and have quite constricted emotional lives. Their incapacity for meaningful emotional involvement and the general pattern of isolated withdrawal often lend a quality of schizoid isolation to their life experience. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoid_personality_disorder

HISTRIONIC PERSONALITY DISORDER
Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as a personality disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking, including an excessive need for approval and inappropriate seductiveness, usually beginning in early adulthood. These individuals are lively, dramatic, enthusiastic, and flirtatious.

They may be inappropriately sexually provocative, express strong emotions with an impressionistic style, and be easily influenced by others. Associated features may include egocentrism, self-indulgence, continuous longing for appreciation, feelings that are easily hurt, and persistent manipulative behavior to achieve their own needs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histrionic_personality_disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the diagnostic classification system used in the United States, as "a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy."

The narcissist is described as being excessively preoccupied with issues of personal adequacy, power, and prestige. Narcissistic personality disorder is closely linked to self-centeredness. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narcissistic_personality_disorder

SCHIZOID PERSONALITY DISORDER
Schizoid personality disorder (SPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, a tendency towards a solitary lifestyle, secretiveness, and emotional coldness. There is increased prevalence of the disorder in families with schizophrenia. SPD is not the same as schizophrenia, although they share some similar characteristics such as detachment or blunted affect. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizoid_personality_disorder

SCHIZOTYPAL PERSONALITY DISORDER
Schizotypal personality disorder, or simply schizotypal disorder, is a personality disorder that is characterized by a need for social isolation, odd behavior and thinking, and often unconventional beliefs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schizotypal_personality_disorder

http://www.mentalhelp.net/
http://www.mentalhealth.com/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/
http://www.webmd.com/

Raymond

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"Nothing matters absolutely;
the truth is it only matters relatively"

posted March 05, 2010 05:27 PM         

I find psych very interesting!

I should probably have you have a look at my psycho EX Crab bfriend, I have been warned about him, many, many times by astrologers and still to this day, 2 years since our last speaking he remains...stalking me..

I think he is a very good example of psychotic, astrologically and psychologically.