Education Commons^™

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Angela Bigelow

Graduate Research Papers

Obsessive Compulsive Disorders have the potential to destroy people's lives. The negative consequences of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect so many people-the people suffering from the disorder, the family of the sufferer, as well as the lack of insight of the disorder within the community. According to the Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (2010), the disorder affects between 2 to 3 million adults in the United States and around 500,000 children and teens have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Due to the alarming statistics and the secret lives of incredible pain and humiliation OCD sufferers' experience, it is imperative that mental health counselors educate …

Major Depression : Diagnosis And Intervention, Lindsay Linck

Graduate Research Papers

This paper will be an analysis of the psychological disorder of major depression. First, the classification of this disorder using the DSM-IV-TR will be reviewed. The areas of etiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment will then be considered. Following, a theory-specific approach to the disease including theoretical framework, diagnosis and treatment, and outcomes of using this approach, will be examined. Finally a personal reflection on the subject of major depression, and lessons learned from this project, will be discussed.

Olanzapine Vs. Conventional And Other Atypical Antipsychotics In Response And Side Effects For The Treatment Of Schizophrenia, Jade A. Knutson

Graduate Research Papers

The efficacy and side effects of olanzapine (an atypical antipsychotic) for the treatment of Schizophrenia were compared over ten different studies. The methods, findings, and limitations of olanzapine treatment when compared to conventional antipsychotics, monotherapy atypical antipsychotics, and combination atypical antipsychotics were addressed. These studies looked at populations of people with first-episode Schizophrenia, chronic cases, and resistant positive and negative symptoms. Olanzapine showed to have an equal to or greater decrease in negative symptoms and also an equal to or greater reduction in positive symptoms. Olanzapine also showed to have a reduction in extrapyramidal symptoms and an increase in neurocognitive …

Aspergers Syndrome, Miquel K. Anastasi

Graduate Research Papers

Aspergers Syndrome has recently become a "popular" topic in the mental health fields. More and more school aged children are being formally diagnosed with the disorder. Yet, many professionals do not truly understand the nature of Aspergers syndrome beyond being a form of autism. In this paper Aspergers Syndrome is defined and compared with Autism and the causes and possible treatments are discussed, particularly from biological and sociocultural points of view.

Reactive Attachment Disorder : Implications For Counselors, Kim Rogers

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to provide background on reactive attachment disorder. Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is growing in diagnosis and yet it is one of the least researched disorders. This paper will discuss attachment theory, problems with the RAD diagnosis, interventions for mental health professionals, and future research ideas.

Social Phobia, Sarah S. Cosley

Graduate Research Papers

Social phobia is a common diagnosis for people of all ages. In the United States alone millions of people suffer from Social Phobia. People who suffer from social phobia can have problems in many areas of their life including: work, school, relationships, and daily functioning. Symptoms associated with social phobia can range from general fears to specific fears. A discussion of the definition of social phobia, symptoms, treatment, and application will be explored in the following paper.

An Exploration Of The Diagnostic Criterion, Etiology, And Treatment Of Binge Eating Disorder, Amy C. Ebert

Graduate Research Papers

An exploration of the DSM IV-TR research diagnostic criterion of Binge Eating Disorder (BED), its etiology, and viable treatments was conducted. The purpose of this literature review was to provide more information for mental health professionals treating clients who may fit the criteria for BED. Published research literature and treatment manuals were utilized in this review. It was concluded that there are many potential risk/maintenance factors linked to the development of BED, and that treatment interventions involving mindfulness appear to be effective in minimizing the symptoms of BED. Given the current obesity statistics among U.S. adults, it seems quite important …

Reactive Attachment Disorder, Kalen J. Espy

Graduate Research Papers

Reactive Attachment Disorder, or RAD, has several possible causes usually stemming from traumatic childhood events. The attachment disorders were initially explored in 1948 by John Bowlby which led to the attachment theory being established in the 1960's. Attachment is the bond a child makes with other human beings, allowing for a healthy emotional and psychological growth. Attachment is developed primarily from birth to two years of age and up to the age of five.

There are four attachment styles and four phases that a child must go through to develop a healthy attachment to a caregiver. A child who is …

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Dorothy M. Bartleson

Graduate Research Papers

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a neurobiological disorder. The disorder OCD is now the fourth most common psychiatric disorder among Americans. (Adams & Burke, 1999) Two percent of adults have some level of OCD and many others have experienced signs at some point. (Campost & Leckaman, 1999) The number of children that have this disorder is one out of two hundred. (Black) The causes of OCD can be physical or emotional or both. (Barlow, 2002) Treatments for OCD include Cognitive Behavior therapy, Visual Reality therapy, medications, social skills training, support groups and individual and family therapy. (Lutz, 2002) Neurological disorders …

Self-Mutilation : A Growing Concern, Sarah M. Meiners

Graduate Research Papers

According to an article by Nock and Prinstein, "Self-mutilation behavior is a pervasive public health problem occurring at a rate of 40% in the general adult population and 21 % in adult clinical populations. Adolescence is a period of significantly increased risk for self-mutilation behavior, as evidenced by rates of 14%-39% in adolescent community samples" (Nock & Prinstein, 2005, p.140). Raising awareness about the behaviors and emotions involved with individuals who self-mutilate may help counselors and school administrators understand better methods of treatment for adolescents. The following is a review of current research and literature regarding the nature of adolescents …

Self-Mutilating Behaviors, Patience Niemoth-Coleman

Graduate Research Papers

Treating self-mutilating behaviors (SMB) is complex. Since people are continuing to engage in the behaviors, counselors need to be informed of the various techniques that are used with SMB as well as to be informed about common myths around self-mutilating behaviors. This paper will explore the methods of SMB, the common myths surrounding SMB, and the theories that explain and inform treatment of.

Electroconvulsive Therapy : A Brief Overview, Adam A. Sauceda

Graduate Research Papers

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been increasing in popularity for treating various types of mental health disorders. Although a notably controversial medical procedure, ECT continues to be an option when intense therapy and psychopharmacology fails. This research project will review the recent literature on ECT and provide useful information specific to mental health professionals. A definition, administration procedures, effectiveness, side effects, and specific disorders that have been targeted and most and least receptive for ECT treatment will be the focus of attention

Abuse And Dissociation Disorder, Myrtle Godfrey

Graduate Research Papers

Child sexual abuse is widely regarded as a cause of mental problems in adult life. The damage inflicted by child sexual abuse.has an affect on the child's capacity to develop trust, intimacy and sexuality. Sexually abused children not only encounter assaults on their developing sense of sexual identity, but a blow to their interpretation of the world as a safe environment, and their developing sense of others as trustworthy. In addition, childhood sexual abuse is correlated with higher levels of dissociation. (Fleming, J. & Mullen, P. E., 1998). Of the victims that were abused by someone with whom he or …

An Introduction To Body Dysmorphic Disorder For Mental Health Counselors, Teresa M. Barrett

Graduate Research Papers

Although researchers have been studying Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) for almost two decades, the majority of research findings with regard to the disorder have only recently been reviewed and published. Additional research is needed to better understand and treat BDD. But those that currently suffer from BDD cannot wait for these studies to be published; they are in need of adequate treatment and competent professionals to assist them with their disorder. Information from published literature has been synthesized within this paper to provide mental health counselors with an awareness of BDD including the definition of BDD, the relation of gender …

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And The Benefits Of Guided Mental Imagery In Treatment, Lisa A. Langstraat

Graduate Research Papers

Seventy percent of adults in the United States will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Out of these individuals, 25% will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder is characterized by distinct physiological changes as well as notable psychological symptoms. If left untreated or improperly treated, PTSD exacts significant costs in individual suffering, quality of life, interpersonal relationships, productivity, and increased use of medical and psychiatric services.

The purpose of this paper is to present comprehensive information about PTSD and its impact on those who suffer from the disorder. This paper will also provide a brief synopsis …

Oppositional Defiant Disorder : Using Family Therapy And Parent Training Techniques For Effective Treatment Outcomes, Caroline S. Dieken

Graduate Research Papers

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) clinically affects children and adolescents through the display of unwanted disruptive, hostile, defiant, and oppositional behaviors. Development of these can be linked to parental psychopathology, family and marital dysfunction, poor parent-child interaction, atypical parenting, maternal age, substance abuse, poor supervision, and inconsistent or harsh discipline. The effects of ODD lead to impaired social functioning, depression, low self-esteem, academic failure, substance abuse, delinquency, and family discord. Compared to other treatments ( e.g., medication, behavior modification, punishment, or removal from the home) the most effective course of treatment for ODD is the use of family therapy and parent …

Weight Loss Practices In Amateur Wrestlers And Its Relationship To Disordered Eating, Lyndsey M. Manderfield

Graduate Research Papers

The premise behind many athletic programs is to encourage wellness, a state of well being in both physical and emotional aspects. This research paper reviews how wrestling and other athletic programs where weight plays a significant role, may affect eating and other weight-related habits. It addresses whether weight loss practices in wrestling play a role in disordered eating patterns of its participants.

Overview Of Attachment Disorder And Effective Treatments For Children, Kathryn H. Hedican

Graduate Research Papers

When children experience extreme chronic trauma as a result of the effects of the disruption of healthy attachment patterns, a disorder known as Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) can develop. The importance for mental health counselors to understand the etiology of RAD cannot be overemphasized. Symptoms most often associated with this disorder include the inability to trust, failure to develop intimate relationships, or show affection, lack of self-confidence, low self-esteem, and anti-social behaviors and attitudes (Levy & Orlans, 1998 as cited in Sheperis, Renfro-Michel, & Doggett, 2003). Highlighting the foundational work of Erikson, Harlow, Bowlby, and Ainsworth includes a brief overview …

Cutting And Self-Mutilating Behaviors Among Adolescent Girls : A Counselor's Role In Understanding And Treatment, Carla C. Hughes

Graduate Research Papers

With the reported incidence of cutting and self-mutilating behaviors in adolescent girls on the rise, counselors need to take a look at the changing role they can play in helping these young girls understand the reasons underlying their self-destructive behaviors. The counselor can also help them find new ways to cope with the deep emotional trauma that precipitates the behavior. Understanding the causes and dynamics of this disorder will lead to better opportunities for effective treatment. This paper is intended to focus on the nature of the disorder and the role of counseling in bringing these young women back from …

Adolescent Eating Disorders : Causes, Implications, And Treatment, Margaret P. Messenger

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this research is to better understand eating disorders. Possible causes such. as social and cultural factors, family environment, and personal characteristics are stressed. Health complications for both adolescent males and females are discussed. Therapy approaches such as treatment and prevention for adolescents are also described.

Difficulties In Recognizing And Treating Depression In The Elderly : Implications For Counselors, Kristin A. Schloemer

Graduate Research Papers

Diagnosing elderly depression is a difficult, overlooked process. Many elderly seek out family physicians, but few visit mental healthcare professionals (Lyness et al., 1997; Sable & Dunn, 2002). When assessing elderly depression, it is important for counselors to be aware of symptoms, ensuring correct treatment.

According to Friedrich ( 1999), it is difficult for healthcare professionals, including counselors, to diagnose depression in the elderly. As elderly may not display traditional depressive symptoms, it is necessary to distinguish between depression, bereavement, and illness, all common in late life. Once depression has been diagnosed, treatments including: medication, psychotherapy, or perhaps the most …

Attachment Theory : How To Treat Attachment Disorders In Adults, Kristy L. Hrdlicka

Graduate Research Papers

Attachment is a bond formed between two individuals over a period of time, dealing with how they relate to one another through their interactions (Sable, 2000). In this paper, a review of the literature is discussed regarding how the attachments between individuals are formed and the four different patterns of attachment: Secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant, and disorganized. Following the review, practical interventions are also provided for counseling professionals to use when working with clients who have attachment disorders.

Childhood Depression And Schools, Jeni Barry

Graduate Research Papers

Depression in children is a problem that is becoming more prevalent. With children and adolescents under more stress and pressure than ever before, the seriousness of the issues children deal with is also intensifying. Depression in children is a major concern because it can interfere with school and academics, social functioning, and even lead to somatic symptoms. If depression is left untreated it can lead to other mental disorders. An important concern is that children who are depressed are at great risk of suicide. Population studies show that at any one time between 10 and 15 percent of the child …

Social Phobia : Examining The Empirical Shortcomings Of The Most Prevalent Anxiety Disorder, Randall P. Schultz

Graduate Research Papers

Social phobia, which is notably the fear of being negatively evaluated, humiliated, or embarrassed by others in social situations, has become the most prevalent anxiety disorder and the third most diagnosed mental disorder in the nation (Orsillo & Hammond, 2001). Although social phobia is no longer considered to be the "neglected" anxiety disorder (Liebowitz, Gorman, Fyer, & Klein, 1987), it remains an often undertreated, misunderstood, and understudied anxiety disorder (Cuthbert, 2002). The purpose of this paper is to examine the numerous discrepancies and shortcomings within social phobia literature in regards to defining, diagnosing, measuring, and treating social phobia. Recommendations are …

Borderline Personality Disorder : A Comparison Of Linehan And Kernberg's Treatment Modalities, Janet M. Riley

Graduate Research Papers

About 30% of clients worldwide are diagnosed as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) (Bohus et al., 2000). BPD is a complex disorder and difficult to treat. Therefore, it is necessary for counselors to gain as much knowledge about treatment modalities and their effectiveness as possible. This paper attempts to define BPD by looking closely at its history.and describing the criteria for diagnosis. Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Kernberg's Object Relational Theory (ORT) are compared as to their effectiveness in working with clients who exhibit symptoms of BPD.

The Process And Perspective Of The Therapist In The Treatment Of Self-Mutilation, Megan M. Parketon

Graduate Research Papers

Research for the past 35 years has involved inpatient mentally ill persons who have been institutionalized. Treatment for self-mutilation has also focused primarily on mentally ill and mentally retarded patients. There has been little research done on the specific topic of adolescent female self-mutilation. Self-mutilation has become increasingly prevalent among female adolescents.

In this paper the therapist's perspective of treatment and the therapist's process of treatment were researched. Treatment should be tailored to the specific needs of the adolescent and often involved multiple treatments. Eleven styles of treatment were addressed and the qualities that a therapist needs to possess were …

A Review Of Separation Anxiety Disorder With A Focus On Research Based Intervention Strategies, Lauryn C. Kittleson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to discuss what Separation Anxiety Disorder is, what causes SAD symptoms in some children, successful assessment methods, and finally treatment and intervention options available and the efficacy of each one. The focus of this paper is on research based interventions with the intention of finding the most successful and empirically based intervention available. The most widely used and empirically based intervention available at this time is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Alternative methods of treatment include psycho-education for mild cases and CBT plus medication for severe cases.

Many areas need further research and future studies …

Reactive Attachment Disorder : Diagnosis, Assessment, And Treatment, Kimberly A. Rees

Graduate Research Papers

In recent years, there has been an increasing trend toward the use of Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) as a diagnosis to describe myriad problem behaviors and disturbed interactions between infants, young children and their caregivers. There is considerable disagreement about what RAD actually entails and, in particular, what types of assessments and treatment interventions to use with affected children and families (Hanson & Spratt, 2000). This paper is intended to clarify what the current research states about Reactive Attachment Disorder. It includes the definitions and diagnosis, importance of attachment, biological components, risk factors later in life, assessment, and treatment available …

Attachment Disorders And Personality Disorders : A Possible Connection, Jen Sacora

Graduate Research Papers

Researchers now propose that attachment theory can be applied beyond childhood. They believe attachment exists in adulthood and influences adult relationships. Possible connections between personality disorders and well-known approaches to personality development such as attachment theory have been made (Brennan & Shaver, 1998).

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between parent-infant attachment which influence adult relationships and psychopathology. Theories of personality development as they relate to attachment will be explored as well as influence of early childhood experiences on personality. Finally, possible connections between attachment disorders and personality disorders will be speculated.

The Importance Of Behavioral Interventions And Stimulant Medication Effects On Reducing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Elizabeth Alvarez

Graduate Research Papers

Overall, various avenues of research state that ADHD is a complex disorder that requires treatment by multiple modalities. Most research states that a combination of medication and behavior therapy is necessary to resolve the symptoms. It should be noted that the dose of stimulant medication prescribed to a child with ADHD should be adjusted based on the child's response to a behavioral intervention, as well as the combination of the behavioral and pharmacological treatments. Rapport et al. (1982), as well as others, have found that medication alone will not "cure" ADHD. But with multiple methods of treatment the symptoms will …