Differences Between Disorders

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1. Distinguish between bipolar disorder, unipolar depression, dysthymic disorder, and cyclothymic disorder using DSM-5 criteria.
(485) Before answering the question let’s see what each term means. Bipolar disorder is a disorder that is marked by alternating or intermixed periods of mania and depression (Comer, 2013, pp.224). Unipolar depression is depression without history of mania (Comer, 2013, pp.224). Dysthymic disorder are mood disorder that are similar to but not as long lasting and less disabling than a major depressive disorder (Comer, 2013, pp.224). Cyclothymic disorder is a disorder marked by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms and mild depressive symptoms (Comer, 2013, pp.249).
Now that we know what each term means we can answer the question better. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) would categorize each of these terms based on how server and what the symptoms are. By using the DSM-5 criteria we can see how to distinguish between the terms. DSM-5 list bipolar disorder as having a full manic disorder for at least one week and showing signs of high or irritable moods, increased activity or energy, and three of the following symptoms: decreased need for sleep, increased talkativeness, thoughts or ideas they experience race, and are easily distracted (Comer, 2013, pp.245). It also list unipolar depression as a major episode that last at least two weeks marked by five symptoms of depression. The symptoms are: sad mood, loss of pleasure, weight loss or gain, insomnia, reduced ability to think or concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide (Comer, 2013, pp.227). Also it list dysthymic disorder as a persistent depressive disorder that can last anywhere from a day to a c...

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...ent ways to keep the patient on lithium but the therapists may have to change the medication to another drug so they, don’t have to run laboratory test to measure the dosage every time. The therapists may have to stop the drug to prove it is working then reinstate the lithium after running the test which proves the drug was helping the individual have calmer moods. The therapists may have to assure the individual that as long as they take the right dosage they want become addicted or maybe adding another medication to help the lithium work so the dosage want be so high. The therapist may have to prove to the individual that by staying on the lithium the individual won’t have as many mood problems because it helps prevent symptoms from developing (Comer, 2013, pp.280).

References
Comer, R. J. (2013) Abnormal Psychology, 8th Ed. New York, NY: Worth Publishers.

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