As the name suggests, an adjustment disorder is a psychological presentation in the context of significant stressors. From time to time, we will all have something that we need to adjust to. For instance, children transitioning from kindergarten to primary school, primary school to secondary school etc. For adults, there are transitions from one work environment to another; one relationship to another relationship or no relationship; from being a wife to also becoming a mother etc. While most people may struggle minimally, there are also others who may struggle very hard in the face of identical or similar challenges.
The question is... What is a primary distinguishing difference between an adjustment difficulty and adjustment disorder? In general, the difference lies in the ability of the individual to function as normally as possible. For someone who is experiencing an adjustment difficulty, the individual is still able to function close to normal (e.g., still able to function in school, work, family, home etc). As for someone who experiencing adjustment disorder, this individual may be unable to care for self, unable to perform academically or meet work targets, gets into conflicts regularly or socially withdraws etc. In general, people with adjustment disorder may also present with low mood, anxiety or conduct issues.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Psychologist vs Psychiatrist
Hi, today we discuss which mental health professional you should see... a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
Basically, this typically depends on the mental health issue you are experiencing (assuming you have a mental health issue) and the degree to which your level of functioning deteriorates as a direct consequence of the issue. For instance, if you are mildly or moderately depressed without thoughts to suicide or self-harm, a psychologist may be able to help you by finding out what the issues are and help you using psychological interventions. However, if you are severely depressed with thoughts to suicide or self-harm (plus experiencing psychotic symptoms), a psychiatrist may be able to prescribe some medication to moderate the depression before psychological interventions can begin.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the treatment of mental health issues. Thus, they are knowledgeable about the medical and pharmacological aspects of treating mental health issues. Some of them are also trained to deliver psychotherapy. On the other hand, clinical psychologists are psychologists who also specialise in the treatment of mental health issues through thorough clinical assessment and psychological interventions.
Most people think that psychiatrists are better than psychologists. There is some truth to this but it is not entirely true. There are some mental health issues that a psychiatrist is simply better trained to deal with such as schizophrenia because pharmacological interventions are needed especially when the person is very unwell. However, there are other mental health issues that a psychologist is better trained to deal with such as general anxiety.
Hope this helps!
Basically, this typically depends on the mental health issue you are experiencing (assuming you have a mental health issue) and the degree to which your level of functioning deteriorates as a direct consequence of the issue. For instance, if you are mildly or moderately depressed without thoughts to suicide or self-harm, a psychologist may be able to help you by finding out what the issues are and help you using psychological interventions. However, if you are severely depressed with thoughts to suicide or self-harm (plus experiencing psychotic symptoms), a psychiatrist may be able to prescribe some medication to moderate the depression before psychological interventions can begin.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialise in the treatment of mental health issues. Thus, they are knowledgeable about the medical and pharmacological aspects of treating mental health issues. Some of them are also trained to deliver psychotherapy. On the other hand, clinical psychologists are psychologists who also specialise in the treatment of mental health issues through thorough clinical assessment and psychological interventions.
Most people think that psychiatrists are better than psychologists. There is some truth to this but it is not entirely true. There are some mental health issues that a psychiatrist is simply better trained to deal with such as schizophrenia because pharmacological interventions are needed especially when the person is very unwell. However, there are other mental health issues that a psychologist is better trained to deal with such as general anxiety.
Hope this helps!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Psychology is a social science NOT a (physical) science.
Hi, I am not sure what and how much you know about psychology. I think that it is important to make it clear that Psychology is more of a social science than a science. Why do I think that this is an important point to make? Everything you will read subsequently about diagnostic criteria and formulation hinges upon your understanding that Psychology is a SOCIAL SCIENCE. It is not an exact science.
Let me illustrate this...
In mathematics, we learn that 1 + 1 = 2. And, 1 - 1 = 0.
We also learn that 1 x 1 = 1. Plus, 1 / 1 = 1.
In order to solve more complicated mathematical questions, we need to first learn the numerical value of each number. Next, we need to learn the mathematical function of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The reason why 1 x 1 = 1 and 1 / 1 = 1 lies in the mathematical function of multiplication and division. We cannot change these functions or values. We may change the symbols we use, however, if we know what the values mean and how the function works, we can all universally arrive at the same answer.
When it comes to physical science like chemistry, we know that 2H2 + O2 --> 2H20. We cannot change this fact. We also know that in physics, Force = mass x acceleration. Again, we cannot change this fact.
However, in psychology, why is it that in a family of three biological siblings, one sibling suffers from anxiety and the other two siblings do not? They may share the same DNA but their psychological makeup and personal experiences are different. Why is it that two people were involved in the same car accident, yet one suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder while the other one does not? We don't know why. We may be able to explain this as resiliency or other reasons. We can also use the Stress-Diathesis or BioPsychoSocial aetiological models to explain why one individual suffers from a mental illness and why another individual does not. However, can we know for certain? Not at all. But based on the available research, mental health professionals can definitely make an educated guess.
Thank you for reading.
Let me illustrate this...
In mathematics, we learn that 1 + 1 = 2. And, 1 - 1 = 0.
We also learn that 1 x 1 = 1. Plus, 1 / 1 = 1.
In order to solve more complicated mathematical questions, we need to first learn the numerical value of each number. Next, we need to learn the mathematical function of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The reason why 1 x 1 = 1 and 1 / 1 = 1 lies in the mathematical function of multiplication and division. We cannot change these functions or values. We may change the symbols we use, however, if we know what the values mean and how the function works, we can all universally arrive at the same answer.
When it comes to physical science like chemistry, we know that 2H2 + O2 --> 2H20. We cannot change this fact. We also know that in physics, Force = mass x acceleration. Again, we cannot change this fact.
However, in psychology, why is it that in a family of three biological siblings, one sibling suffers from anxiety and the other two siblings do not? They may share the same DNA but their psychological makeup and personal experiences are different. Why is it that two people were involved in the same car accident, yet one suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder while the other one does not? We don't know why. We may be able to explain this as resiliency or other reasons. We can also use the Stress-Diathesis or BioPsychoSocial aetiological models to explain why one individual suffers from a mental illness and why another individual does not. However, can we know for certain? Not at all. But based on the available research, mental health professionals can definitely make an educated guess.
Thank you for reading.
ICD vs DSM vs CCMD
Hi, today we look at where the diagnostic criteria for disorders come from.
What I want you to remember is that the role of mental health professionals is not to stick a mental health disorder label. Remember that if we cannot name the issue, we cannot resolve the issue. Thus, the accurate diagnosis of the mental health disorder (if present) certainly helps in terms of understanding the incidence and prevalence rates; prognosis; and application of evidence-based treatment relevant to the mental health disorder.
Thank you for reading.
- ICD stands for the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. The ICD is published by the World Health Organisation. The mental health component of the ICD is the product of effort from mental health professionals worldwide. The ICD is currently in the 10th Edition. Thus, many call it the ICD-10. There is an Australian Modification (AM) version of the ICD which has normative data for the Australian population called the ICD-10-AM.
- DSM stands for the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of mental disorders. The DSM is published by the American Psychiatric Association. It is largely used in America. It is currently in it fourth text revised version, thus, the DSM-IV-TR.
- CCMD stands for the Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders. The CCMD is published by the Chinese Society of Psychiatry. It is largely used in China and is currently in its third edition.
What I want you to remember is that the role of mental health professionals is not to stick a mental health disorder label. Remember that if we cannot name the issue, we cannot resolve the issue. Thus, the accurate diagnosis of the mental health disorder (if present) certainly helps in terms of understanding the incidence and prevalence rates; prognosis; and application of evidence-based treatment relevant to the mental health disorder.
Thank you for reading.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Psychologists -- Which One?
Hi, today, I am going to discuss with you about which psychologist is best for the individual. I use the term "the individual" because sometimes parents may seek help for their children, a spouse may seek help for another spouse or an employer may seek help for an employee. Alternatively, you may be the individual if you are seeking help with a problem you are experiencing. Another possible alternative is that you and someone else are the "individual". Whatever is the case, it is important to find a psychologist that suits the individual.
As you know, in therapy sessions, the individual will need to talk to the psychologist about many intimate details in his/her life. If the individual is not forthcoming, the psychologist may try to obtain this information as sensitively as possible. Regardless, the bottom line is that the individual will have to speak with a psychologist about things that he/she may have never spoken to anyone about. Unfortunately, the nature of the beast is that without knowing the exact specifics of the individual, the psychologist cannot proceed to find out what the problem is and how to resolve the problem. Not to worry, there are confidentiality clauses between the psychologist and the individual. This means that what the individual tells the psychologist is kept between them unless the psychologist feels that the individual is at risk of harm to self or others.
For readers out there who will be seeing a psychologist, do not worry about what you tell the psychologist because a psychologist is only there to help you get unstuck, not to judge you. Remember the time when you felt vulnerable in the presence of other health professionals when you go for intrusive medical or dental examinations but that does not mean that you do not get your health and dental checks done, right? In order for health professionals to help you, you need to show your vulnerable side. The positives outweigh the negatives. Likewise, when you need some mental health input, you will see a psychologist to help you. Remember that any compromises you make to your personal physical and mental health has a significant domino effect on yourself and those around you.
Finding the right psychologist takes a little bit of work. Afterall, if you live in the city, there may well be many well-trained psychologists. However, not every psychologist is suitable to work with the individual because of the differences in their working style, clinical experience and theoretical orientation. At times, it may also boil down to the psychologist's characteristics like gender, interpersonal style, appearance and cultural background. Other considerations include costs and location.
It is important to get a good match between the psychologist and the individual. At times, it boils down to the chemistry between both parties to make the therapeutic sessions therapeutic.
Thank you for reading.
As you know, in therapy sessions, the individual will need to talk to the psychologist about many intimate details in his/her life. If the individual is not forthcoming, the psychologist may try to obtain this information as sensitively as possible. Regardless, the bottom line is that the individual will have to speak with a psychologist about things that he/she may have never spoken to anyone about. Unfortunately, the nature of the beast is that without knowing the exact specifics of the individual, the psychologist cannot proceed to find out what the problem is and how to resolve the problem. Not to worry, there are confidentiality clauses between the psychologist and the individual. This means that what the individual tells the psychologist is kept between them unless the psychologist feels that the individual is at risk of harm to self or others.
For readers out there who will be seeing a psychologist, do not worry about what you tell the psychologist because a psychologist is only there to help you get unstuck, not to judge you. Remember the time when you felt vulnerable in the presence of other health professionals when you go for intrusive medical or dental examinations but that does not mean that you do not get your health and dental checks done, right? In order for health professionals to help you, you need to show your vulnerable side. The positives outweigh the negatives. Likewise, when you need some mental health input, you will see a psychologist to help you. Remember that any compromises you make to your personal physical and mental health has a significant domino effect on yourself and those around you.
Finding the right psychologist takes a little bit of work. Afterall, if you live in the city, there may well be many well-trained psychologists. However, not every psychologist is suitable to work with the individual because of the differences in their working style, clinical experience and theoretical orientation. At times, it may also boil down to the psychologist's characteristics like gender, interpersonal style, appearance and cultural background. Other considerations include costs and location.
It is important to get a good match between the psychologist and the individual. At times, it boils down to the chemistry between both parties to make the therapeutic sessions therapeutic.
Thank you for reading.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
What is a mental health issue?
Hi, I work at a mental health service and often get calls from worried parents about their children's behaviours which is often in response to what is happening at time of the behaviours. I suppose it is difficult to say what is classified as a mental health issue.
Let change to another angle. What ISN'T a mental health issue? This might be easier to answer than the question stated above. In order to illustrate what is not a mental health issue, I am going to use simple scenarios. For illustration purposes, I am going to say that the child's name is "Tommy".
Scenario One: Little Tommy is ten years old. He loves his sister very much. However, he gets into a verbal argument with his 8-year-old sister because they are in disagreement about something. There are no other behaviours of concern.
Scenario Two: Little Tommy is also ten years old. He is often socially withdrawn from other children in school. When he is at home, he does not engage with his family. Presently, he often cries for no reason. He has difficulty sleeping. He is eating less than usual and his mother noted that he is thinner than before. His concentration is poor and his grades are slipping.
Based on the above scenarios, it is obviously that the second little Tommy may need some additional input because we see a pervasive change in his overall presentation - socially withdrawn; changes in sleeping and eating patterns; weight change; poorer concentration; and school performance deteriorating. In general, we also see an overall deterioration in social, school and family functioning. In addition, this is not typical 10-year-old behaviour. Thus, professional input may be useful.
On the other hand, the first little Tommy getting into a verbal argument with his sister because of disagreement is more situation-specific than symptomatic of mental health concern. In keeping with this, there is no evidence suggesting atypical 10-year-old behaviour and no major changes in his daily functioning.
In conclusion, it is difficult to say with certainty what qualifies as a mental health issue without knowing specific information about the individual's level of functioning and information from other reliable collateral sources.
Let change to another angle. What ISN'T a mental health issue? This might be easier to answer than the question stated above. In order to illustrate what is not a mental health issue, I am going to use simple scenarios. For illustration purposes, I am going to say that the child's name is "Tommy".
Scenario One: Little Tommy is ten years old. He loves his sister very much. However, he gets into a verbal argument with his 8-year-old sister because they are in disagreement about something. There are no other behaviours of concern.
Scenario Two: Little Tommy is also ten years old. He is often socially withdrawn from other children in school. When he is at home, he does not engage with his family. Presently, he often cries for no reason. He has difficulty sleeping. He is eating less than usual and his mother noted that he is thinner than before. His concentration is poor and his grades are slipping.
Based on the above scenarios, it is obviously that the second little Tommy may need some additional input because we see a pervasive change in his overall presentation - socially withdrawn; changes in sleeping and eating patterns; weight change; poorer concentration; and school performance deteriorating. In general, we also see an overall deterioration in social, school and family functioning. In addition, this is not typical 10-year-old behaviour. Thus, professional input may be useful.
On the other hand, the first little Tommy getting into a verbal argument with his sister because of disagreement is more situation-specific than symptomatic of mental health concern. In keeping with this, there is no evidence suggesting atypical 10-year-old behaviour and no major changes in his daily functioning.
In conclusion, it is difficult to say with certainty what qualifies as a mental health issue without knowing specific information about the individual's level of functioning and information from other reliable collateral sources.
When do people need psychological services?
Hi, I suppose many people think that only "nuts" see "shrinks". That is incorrect. Psychological knowledge is applied in many areas to improve our quality of life. For instance, health psychologists work with individuals with long-term health problems such as diabetes to improve health outcomes. Sports psychologists work with sports people to achieve better individual performance. Organisational psychologists work with corporations to help improve the bottom line, manage organisational shifts, staff selection and increase productivity of employees. When your children are sad because their parents have divorced, they may see a counselling psychologist. Clinical psychologists (like me) work with individuals to help improve their mental health. Thus, in short, people who see "shrinks" are not nuts, they merely want to make a positive change in their lives.
Remember that people who see psychologists are not mad. They are merely stuck and need someone to help them get unstuck. They are taking positive steps to make things better. In a similar vein, when you catch a cold, you see a medical doctor who can help improve your physical health.
If you find yourself stuck, make a decision to seek help today. Do not delay your treatment or postpone your well-being for another minute. Today is a present, use it wisely!
Remember that people who see psychologists are not mad. They are merely stuck and need someone to help them get unstuck. They are taking positive steps to make things better. In a similar vein, when you catch a cold, you see a medical doctor who can help improve your physical health.
If you find yourself stuck, make a decision to seek help today. Do not delay your treatment or postpone your well-being for another minute. Today is a present, use it wisely!
How to use this blog?
Hi, thank you for reading this blog. Although this is a blog, my intention is not to use this as a blog but rather as a means of providing information to my readers about psychology resources if they feel that they need some assistance. I am going to try and update the information or re-write to improve the clarity of what I am trying to communicate. Thus, any feedback will be useful.
I can only try my best to provide information over the internet. Although I am a practising psychologist, I cannot give you advice because I do not know enough about your situation. Thus, when in doubt, always speak to a professional about your personal situation.
Hope this "blog" will be a resource to you and others.
I can only try my best to provide information over the internet. Although I am a practising psychologist, I cannot give you advice because I do not know enough about your situation. Thus, when in doubt, always speak to a professional about your personal situation.
Hope this "blog" will be a resource to you and others.
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