Uplifting Syrian Women

Menu

Disorder

paranoia

Paranoia- Symptoms & Treatment

Psychological Health /
paranoia

Paranoia- Symptoms & Treatment

Everyone is my enemy, they are plotting against me and planning to harm me. I tell everyone this, but no one believes me. I have lost trust in everybody because I’m convinced they are all enemies to me, whether they show it or not. 

So, who am I?

I have paranoia, or the madness of suspicion and mistrust; this is what my psychiatrist says. It is a relatively rare disease, affecting about 0.5-4.5% of the population in the United States 1,  1.31% of which are women.³

This term has been used to describe  manifestation of mental illness since the time of the ancient Greeks, through  Hippocrates, up until the Roman physician Aulus Cornelius Celsus (1st century). In 1863, the term was included in modern psychiatry for the first time.⁴

So, what is Paranoia ?

It is a condition in which the patient feels constantly threatened, with a loss of trust in people and a persistent sense of suspicion towards them. For example, the patient may feel that he is being watched or that someone is planning to harm him, without any evidence to support this belief. It is important to note that this condition is associated with three main disorders, which are:

  1. Paranoid Personality Disorder:

This type is considered the mildest among the three types and often begins in childhood or adolescence. Individuals with this disorder are characterized by oddness, suspicion, and a lack of trust in others without any logical evidence. It is observed that paranoid personality disorder is more common in men than in women.

  1. Delusional Disorder:

It is a type of psychosis and is defined as a mental disorder in which the affected individual can‘t distinguish between reality and delusion. 

One of its main characteristics is the strong conviction of the individual in a false belief. Examples include the patient being convinced that someone is spying on him or stalking him, even though there is no evidence to support this, or believing that he is suffering from a disease despite doctors denying it.

  1. Paranoid Schizophrenia:

This is considered the most severe among these types. It is a serious mental disorder that results in hallucinations and delusions, especially bizarre ones, as well as disturbances in thinking and behavior, which affects daily functioning. Individuals with this type of schizophrenia require a lifetime treatment.

What are the symptoms of paranoia and suspicion?

Some of the most prominent symptoms that individuals with paranoia and suspicion experience include:

  • Mistrust  and suspicion of the actions and behaviors  of others.
  • A general lack of trust in others and the belief that there are hidden intentions  behind people’s ordinary behaviors.
  • The person being defensive and hostile, and feeling easily offended.
  • The belief that the person is always right.
  • An inability to accept compromises, forgive, or accept criticism.
  • Isolation and difficulty relaxing.

What are the potential causes of this condition?

There are many factors implicated in this condition, such as genetic factors, stress, and nervous tension, in addition to chemical transmitters in the brain. It is worth noting that both drug abuse and alcohol addiction makes  individuals predisposed to this condition.

How is paranoia diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made based on the individual’s medical history, physical examination, and assessment of symptoms, along with psychological testing. Specific tests are also conducted to rule out other mental disorders that may cause similar symptoms.

How is it treated?

As with most mental illnesses, treatment involves a combination of medication using antipsychotic drugs, anti-anxiety medications, and antidepressants, along with cognitive-behavioral therapy. This therapy helps the affected individual cope, increase their self-confidence and trust in others, express their feelings positively, and develop their communication skills. 

If you notice someone in your surroundings exhibiting such symptoms, try to calm them down, reassure them, and minimize their doubts. Do not hesitate to refer them to a specialist as soon as possible.²

Also read:

References:

  1. Cleveland Clinic

  2. Web teb

  3. Research Gate

  4. NCBI

Paranoia- Symptoms & Treatment Read More »

Bipolar disorder

Bipolar Disorder – Symptoms & Treatment

Psychological Health /
Bipolar disorder

Bipolar Disorder - Symptoms & Treatment

Bipolar disorder or manic depression is a psychological illness that has the person suffering from it live an almost double life, ever oscillating between overwhelming happiness and endless sorrow. Feeling exhausted living in an environment that does not understand the sudden and impulsive swings in mood, the patient is desperate to find stability in his life. 

Keep reading to understand more about manic depression. Get to know its symptoms, and how to treat and deal with it.

What is bipolar disorder?

It is a disorder that makes the patient feel trapped seesawing between two opposite “poles” of mood. Life constantly alternates between two conflicting realities: elation and depression. 

This is why bipolar disorder is also known as (manic depression);  a mental health condition characterized by severe mood swings. These include alternating periods of elevated or irritable mood and periods of lethargy or depression. These mood changes can cause a great deal of suffering and impair a person’s ability to perform their daily activities.¹ 

Bipolar disorder includes two types:

Type I: The patient experiences severe surges in mood and positive energy, along with sharp drops in mood and depression.

Type II: includes shorter, lighter periods of euphoria interspersed with long periods of depression.¹

The first type’s highs, known as “manic episodes,” can cause the patient to flounder between feeling irritable and feeling invincible. But these euphoric episodes go beyond ordinary feelings of joy, as they can cause alarming symptoms, such as racing thoughts, restlessness, rapid talking, impulsive actions, and risky behaviors.²

The depressive phase of manic depression manifests through several symptoms: low mood, diminished interest in hobbies, changes in appetite, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, excessive or little sleep, insomnia, or constant thoughts of suicide.¹

What causes bipolar disorder?

Researchers believe that the main factor is complex brain connections, Where healthy brains maintain strong connections between neurons and remove faulty neural connections.²

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging; scientists have discovered that people with manic depression have a disrupted ability of the brain. This means that neurons create a network that is impossible to navigate. In the presence of these confusing neural signals, people with the disorder develop abnormal thoughts and behaviors and psychotic symptoms.²

In addition, delusional thoughts and hallucinations may appear during extreme stages of bipolar disorder. The excessive abundance of a neurotransmitter called dopamine explains this.² 

But still, we cannot attribute manic depression to just one cause. There are other contributing factors, for example, genetics, social trauma, and nerve problems that may arise and trigger symptoms of manic depression.² 

Given the complexity of its causes, diagnosing bipolar disorder proves to be a real challenge.

The suffering of people with bipolar disorder

Virginia Woolf, Ernest Hemingway, Isaac Newton, Theodore Roosevelt, and many others are among history’s most famous figures believed to have had bipolar disorder.⁴

The French psychiatrist Jean-Pierre Falret diagnosed bipolar disorder for the first time in the 19th century and coined the term “La Folie Circulaire” or circular madness.³ 

Doctors need to diagnose bipolar disorder based on the person’s symptoms and medical history, as well as their own experiences, in order to administer the best treatment. Adding to the complexity of the diagnostic process, those surrounding patients with bipolar disorder often misunderstand them.

Not to mention that the patient’s lack of awareness of his own mental condition is an added burden. And If left untreated, the episodes can become more frequent and severe.²

The suffering is not limited to psychological stress and personal problems, as bipolar disorder may undermine educational and professional performance, emotional relationships, financial security, and personal safety of the patient.²

Treatment 

Despite what we have mentioned so far, bipolar disorder is controllable. Some medications, such as lithium, can help manage thoughts and behaviors. This is done by reducing abnormal activity in the brain, which leads to the strengthening of neural connections.

Other frequently used drugs include antipsychotics, which alter the effects of dopamine. Doctors may resort to electroconvulsive therapy, which is used to treat emergency situations.³

In addition to medication, psychotherapy can be of great help. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may help patients understand their condition, manage stress, and develop healthy coping strategies.³ People with bipolar disorder can commit to a number of simple changes in their lives and habits, such as exercise, better sleep habits, and sobriety from alcohol.²

How to deal with patients with the disorder

Supporting individuals with bipolar disorder requires education, communication, and empathy. It is imperative to provide a supportive and understanding network and encourage individuals to seek help from a mental health professional during depressive episodes. This can help the patient establish a healthy daily routine, practice self-care, and find stability.¹ 

On a final note, about 1 to 3% of adults worldwide experience a wide range of symptoms that indicate bipolar disorder. Most of these people are functional and contributing members of society.² This disorder does not control their lives, choices or relationships. However, for others the consequences are far more serious, so being aware of its concept, symptoms, causes, treatment options, and support methods is essential to create an environment that promotes stability and comfort for those patients.

By raising awareness, fostering empathy, and providing practical help, we can support individuals with bipolar disorder and effectively help them lead normal and fulfilling lives.

Also read:

References:

  1. SAMHSA
  2. TED-Ed
  3. Health Line
  4. bp hope

Bipolar Disorder – Symptoms & Treatment Read More »

Compulsive Hoarding Disorder

Compulsive Hoarding Disorder

Psychological Health /
Compulsive Hoarding Disorder

Compulsive Hoarding Disorder

A person with compulsive hoarding disorder finds it very difficult to get rid of their possessions, even if they make a mess. Truth be told, we are all emotionally attached to some things and possessions of material or emotional value and we are proud to neglect them. But what if we keep all the things we have, no matter how important they are, and we might even be afraid of losing them?

Specialists consider this disorder a serious psychological condition, which has its own causes, symptoms, and treatment. This is what we will learn about in this article.

What is Compulsive Hoarding Disorder?

Compulsive hoarding disorder is a mental disorder that leads a person to keep all his belongings. He has a hard time giving it up because he thinks he desperately needs to keep those things.¹ ² Moreover, The person with the disorder usually thinks he is normal and does not notice any problem, which makes it difficult to convince him to undergo treatment. 

The overall prevalence of compulsive hoarding disorder is about 2.6%. Rates also increase in people over sixty years of age or who have been diagnosed with other mental disorders.²  In addition, the severity of the injury ranges from mild to severe. 

Let’s explain the symptoms, causes, and treatment of the disorder.

Symptoms of Compulsive Hoarding Disorder

Symptoms often appear from adolescence to the early years of puberty.  Some of the symptoms:

  • Buying things that we may not need and that we do not have space for, and having great difficulty getting rid of them. 
  • Try to be ideal, avoid, or postpone decisions. 
  • In addition to planning and organization problems. 
  • Feeling sad, having trouble performing tasks, or locking yourself and others and pets in your home. 
  • Accumulation of chaos and struggle with others trying to reduce clutter. 
  • Problems with our romantic relationships, work, and avoidance of social activities.¹

Causes 

The exact causes are still unknown. However, genetic characteristics, brain function, and stressful life events are possible causes of the disorder. 

The patient keeps items for several reasons, including: 

  • Believing that these things are special or will be of need in the future.
  • Emotionally attached to these things, reminding them of happy times, people, or their pets.
  • Feels safe and comfortable when these things are present.¹

Treatment for this disorder

The primary treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It is a treatment based on the development of skills and behaviors to train the injured person to cope and deal with various problems that he may face. Doctors may prescribe certain medications, especially when you have anxiety or depression along with compulsive hoarding disorder.² 

Any abnormal behavior that controls you without being able to control it, and hinders your daily life, is a psychological problem that is supposed to be solved and cannot be treated as a normal condition. This includes compulsive hoarding disorder that throws you into a vicious circle of attachment to things followed by chaos and malaise.

Therefore, recognizing the psychological problem, identifying it, then dealing with it seriously, resorting to appropriate treatment methods for it, and breaking the spiral of the situation.

Stay well with a more peaceful and organized space at all levels. From the Uplifting Syrian Women team, we wish you comfortable days, less crowding, and greater relief.

Also read:

References:

  1. Mayo Clinic
  2. Psychiatry

Compulsive Hoarding Disorder Read More »