Description: Mood disorders primarily affect a person’s emotional state, leading to periods of extreme happiness or sadness.

Examples:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and other emotional and physical symptoms.
• Bipolar Disorder: Involves episodes of depression and mania (extreme elevated mood and energy).

Therapies:

• CBT and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Effective in treating depression by addressing negative thoughts and improving relationships.
• Medications: Antidepressants for depression and mood stabilizers or antipsychotics for bipolar disorder.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Used for severe cases of depression and bipolar disorder.

Description: Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate significantly from cultural expectations.

Examples:

• Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD): Characterized by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD): Disregard for and violation of the rights of others, lack of empathy.

Therapies:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Particularly effective for BPD, focusing on emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Addresses the underlying issues contributing to personality disorders.
• Medications: May be used to manage specific symptoms like mood swings or depression.

Description: Psychotic disorders involve distorted thinking and awareness, often leading to delusions and hallucinations.

Examples:

• Schizophrenia: Characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, and impaired functioning.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Includes symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders.

Therapies:

• Antipsychotic Medications: Essential for managing symptoms of psychosis.
• CBT: Can help patients deal with the distress associated with delusions and hallucinations.
• Supportive Therapy: Focuses on improving daily functioning and providing emotional support.

Description: Eating disorders involve preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape, leading to dangerous eating behaviors.

Examples:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image.
• Bulimia Nervosa: Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise.
• Binge-Eating Disorder: Repeated episodes of eating large quantities of food without subsequent purging.

Therapies:

• CBT and Family-Based Therapy (FBT): Effective in treating eating disorders by addressing dysfunctional thoughts and involving family support.
• Nutritional Counseling: Helps patients develop healthy eating habits.
• Medications: Antidepressants may be used to treat underlying mood disorders or reduce binge-eating episodes.

Description: ADHD is characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

Examples:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, and organizing activities.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Excessive fidgeting, difficulty remaining seated, and impulsive behaviors.
• Combined Presentation: Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity are present.

Therapies:

• Behavioral Therapy: Focuses on managing symptoms and developing organizational skills.
• Medications: Stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) and non-stimulants (e.g., atomoxetine) are commonly prescribed.
• Parent Training and Education Programs: Help parents manage their child’s behavior and support their development.