Psychological Facts (hiatus)

List of Psychological Disorder (H-M)

1. HYPOACTIVE SEXUAL DESIRE DISORDER

Etiology

Some evidence suggests that relationship issues and/or sexual trauma in childhood may play a role in the development of this disorder. Life stressors or other interpersonal difficulties.

Symptoms

Deficient or absent sexual fantasies and desire for sexual activity. This judgment must be made by a clinician taking into account the individual's age and life circumstances. The lack of desire must result in significant distress for the individual and is not better accounted for by another disorder or physical diagnosis.

2. HYPOCHODRIASIS

Etiology

There are many who suggest that unconscious aggressive impulses are transferred to physical complaints and that individuals with this disorder are more likely to misinterpret these symptoms as representing a more serious condition. There is little research which substantiates any particular etiology, however.

Symptoms

Preoccupation with fears of having a serious disease based upon a misinterpretation of bodily sensations. The preoccupation exists despite assurance from a physician that the individual does not have a serious disease.

3. INTERMITTENT EXPLOSIVE DISORDER

Etiology

This disorder is apparently rare, with the majority of cases occurring when the individual is between late adolescence and late twenties. There is some evidence of that the neurotransmitter serotonin may play a role in this disorder.

Symptoms

This disorder is characterized by frequent and often unpredictable episodes of extreme anger or physical outbursts. Between episodes, there is typically no evidence of violence or physical threat.

4. KLEPTOMANIA

Etiology

Kleptomania appears to be much more common in females, but little is understood about the etiology. There is also some association with other disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Symptoms

Kleptomania involves the failure to resist impulses to steal things that are not needed for either personal use or for their monetary value. There is typically anxiety prior to the act of theft and relief or gratification afterward. If the theft is related to vengeance or psychosis, kleptomania should not be diagnosed. (Kleptomania is quite rare, where common shoplifting is not).

5. MASOCHISM (SEXUAL)

Etiology

There are different theories related to sexual masochism, many stemming from the psychoanalytic camp. They suggest that childhood trauma (e.g., sexual abuse) or significant childhood experiences can manifest itself in exhibitionistic behavior.

Symptoms

Sexually masochistic behaviors are typically evident by early adulthood, and often start with masochistic or sadistic play in childhood. The disorder is characterized by either intense sexually arousing fantasies, urges, or behaviors in which the individual is humiliated, beaten, bound, or made to suffer in some way.

6. MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (UNIPOLAR)

Etiology

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.

Symptoms

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.