Mental Health and Well-being: Understanding and Addressing Challenges

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, meaning the fragmentation of cognitive and emotional capacities, was described by Breuler in 1911. It typically emerges in late adolescence or early adulthood, affecting individuals of both sexes.

Symptoms

• Social Isolation: Difficulty with interpersonal relationships, often leading to withdrawal.
• Thought Disruption: Fragmented and distorted thinking, often perceived as absurd by others.
• Disturbed Perceptions: Experiences of hallucinations, which can be auditory, visual, or kinesthetic.
• Inappropriate Emotions and Behavior: Living in an unrealistic world, experiencing detachment from one's body and personality, and exhibiting apathetic emotional responses.

Eating Disorders

Anorexia and bulimia are common eating disorders.

Anorexia Diagnostic Criteria

• Excessive dieting leading to over 25% loss of original body weight.
• Absence of other organic or psychological diseases.
• Distorted body image and fear of weight gain.
• Often characterized by high academic achievement, hyperactivity, and perfectionism.
• Amenorrhea (loss of menstruation) and bradycardia (slow pulse).
• Possible compensatory behaviors like purging after eating.

Therapy

Therapy, derived from the Greek "therapeutikos," meaning "one who takes care of another person," is a working relationship between a therapist and client to develop healthier ways of being.

Therapeutic Goals

• Overcoming Demoralization: Addressing low self-esteem and developing social skills, viewing problems as challenges.
• Building Self-Efficacy: Enhancing the perception of one's skills and strategies for overcoming life's challenges.
• Overcoming Avoidance: Learning strategies to cope with problems and stressful situations.
• Addressing Cognitive Distortions: Identifying and challenging irrational ideas that negatively impact emotional well-being.
• Accepting Life's Realities: Accepting limitations and focusing on what can be changed, developing realistic expectations.

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy

Originating with Freud in the late 19th century.

Key Concepts

• Free Association: Exploring the unconscious by reporting thoughts and memories.
• Dream Analysis: Interpreting the symbolic meaning of dreams.
• Transference: Understanding and addressing the patient's emotional projections onto the analyst.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT focuses on changing or eliminating problematic behaviors and analyzing the meaning of existence. It addresses behavioral and cognitive issues.