Abnormal Psychology

Symptoms of Depression include the following:

* depressed mood (such as feelings of sadness or emptiness)

* reduced interest in activities that used to be enjoyed, sleep disturbances (either not being able to sleep well or sleeping to much)

* loss of energy or a significant reduction in energy level

* difficulty concentrating, holding a conversation, paying attention, or making decisions that used to be made fairly easily

* suicidal thoughts or intentions.

Symptoms of a Nervous Breakdown include the following:

* Disinterest in daily activities

* Concentration problems

* Restlessness

* Persistent anxiety

* Paranoid thoughts

* Changes in appetite

* Suicidal tendency

* Lack of sleep

* Getting addicted

* Becoming more violent

Symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder includes:

* A pattern of distrust and suspiciousness in others. These individuals are preoccupied with doubts about people's motives.

* Have a difficult time trusting others and often look for the 'real' motive behind behavior.

* They may read into benign remarks, be rigid in their views and quite unforgiving of the behavior of others.

* Intimacy is difficult as they may be diligent in checking up on their spouse or friends, seeking to expose their infidelity and therefore confirm their suspicions.

Research has shown that depression is influenced by both biological and environmental factors. Studies show that first degree relatives of people with depression have a higher incidence of the illness, whether they are raised with this relative or not, supporting the influence of biological factors. Situational factors, if nothing else, can exacerbate a depressive disorder in significant ways.

Examples of these factors would include lack of a support system, stress, illness in self or loved one, legal difficulties, financial struggles, and job problems. These factors can be cyclical in that they can worsen the symptoms and act as symptoms themselves.

This disorder fits into the PSYCHODYNAMIC MODEL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ABNORMALITY.

Treatment can either combine both pharma-cotherapy and psychotherapy or utilize