7 New Psychological Disorders

March 04,2013

As science advances, it seems that so do the ailments, diseases, and disorders that humans suffer from. Some claim that the advancing technology has opened doors to new addictions, and fears...

As science advances, it seems that so do the ailments, diseases, and disorders that humans suffer from. Some claim that the advancing technology has opened doors to new addictions, fears and insecurities. Some claim that the ease at which daily functions progress into being thoughtless or automatic, the more people take for granted their good health. Some also claim that these advancements are leaving people jobless, scared and damaged. But whether or not technology is to blame one thing is certain; it will continue to advance and so the species must be ready to advance with it.

The psychology handbook, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, also known as the DSM, is filled with mental conditions that commonly plague the population and explains specific factors and approaches in treating patients. It is this manual which holds the key to thousands of success stories, and it is being newly revised. The DSM-5 will be the latest version of the manual and is set to be released in May 2013. The DSM-5 will have all of the previous conditions unchanged, but a few new conditions are rumored to be added.

In the past there has been serious speculation as to whether conditions such as internet addiction should be included in a psychological science. Now it will be determined whether conditions such as that one will be included. In order to be considered as an addition, a condition should have a unique set of symptoms and a verifiable medical cause. Some of the considered conditions for addition are listed below.

First is Hypersexual Disorder. This disorder involves recurrent and intense sexual fantasies, sexual urges and sexual behavior lasting at least six months. The reason that this disorder is being listed as a possible mental disorder is that people may have recurrent, out-of-control sexual behaviors that are not socially deviant. Socially deviant sexual behaviors include pedophilia and other fetishes that are already listed in the DSM. Other symptoms of Hypersexual Disorder include spending excessive time on sexual fantasies, behavior or thoughts in response to stressful events. Also, for a person suffering from the disorder, the attempts to control the behavior would be unsuccessful and he or she would engage in the behavior despite potential harm to themselves or others.

The next disease is focused on women. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a more serious condition than PMS. It typically occurs a few days before the onset of a period and has a wide variety of symptoms including mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability and depression. PMDD is considered a serious condition and may be affecting up to 2 million American women. Other more serious side effects include marked irritability, depression, feelings of hopelessness, marked anxiety, tensions and feelings of being ˜on edge'.

Third is Binge Eating Disorder. This disorder is different from anorexia and bulimia which are already listed in the DSM. Those suffering from Binge Eating Disorder would experience uncontrollable urges to eat and eat much more rapidly than normal, eat until feeling uncomfortably full or eat large amounts when not hungry. The binge eating occurs at least once a week for three months. The difference in this disorder from bulimia is that purging is not associated at all.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Preschool Children may be the most heart-breaking of the disorders being considered for addition into the DSM-5. The specifications for the disorder are for children under the age of 6 who were exposed to a death, threatened death, an actual or threatened serious injury or sexual violation. A child could have experienced this themselves or witnessed it occurring to someone else such as a parent or friend. Symptoms include intrusive, distressing memories, recurrent distressing dreams, and dissociative reactions in which the child feels or acts as if the traumatic events were recurring. Children with this disorder might avoid situations that remind them of the trauma, become socially withdrawn, experience concentration problems or have extreme temper tantrums.

Fifth listed is learning disorder. There is no general listing in the DSM for learning disorders. People with this disorder have difficulties in learning basic academic skills that are not consistent with their age, education or intellectual abilities. This disorder is thought to block children from learning oral language, reading, writing or math skills.

The next possible addition deals with withdrawal instead of a disorder. Cannabis withdrawal has been a subject of great debate in the past and may finally be put to rest as true. It is believed that after stopping heavy and prolonged use of marijuana that people may experience psychological withdrawal symptoms such as cravings and mood swings. After ending use of the drug, people with this disorder will have at least three of the following symptoms: irritability, anger or aggression, nervousness or anxiety, insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss or restlessness. These symptoms would cause significant distress or problems regarding social, occupational or other important areas of normal function.

Last but not least is hoarding. Reality TV has helped make this disorder more well-known than most others, and for good reason. The disorder is characterized by intense urges to collect large quantities of items beyond any reasonable need; usually to the point in which homes and workplaces are severely compromised. People with this condition are known to have persistent difficulty in parting with possessions, regardless of whether or not those possessions actually hold any real value.

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When a person suffers from a severe case of drug or alcohol addiction, the best method of treatment is seeking professional help at an addiction treatment facility. Licensed therapists and counselors at Florida Center for Recovery are trained to conduct effective treatment for various kinds of addictions, as well as mental health issues and those suffering from psychological distress. For more information on addiction treatment services and available programs, please don't hesitate to reach us at:

Florida Center for Recovery “ Addiction Treatment Center: 1-800-960-5041

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MARK KILLAR

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