bipolar disorder test

This is a test to diagnose Bipolar disorder, it will help you to know about the symptoms of bipolar disorder you have.

Please Tick the suitable option given below

Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self and

• You felt so good or so hyper that other people thought you were not your normal self or you were so hyper that you got into trouble?       (TRUE , FALSE)  

• You were so irritable that you shouted at people or started fights or arguments?                (TRUE , FALSE)

• You felt much more self-confident than usual?      (TRUE , FALSE)

• You got much less sleep than usual and found you didn't really miss it?      (TRUE , FALSE)

• You were much more talkative or spoke much faster than usual?      (TRUE , FALSE)

• You were so easily distracted by things around you that you had trouble concentrating or staying on track?       (TRUE , FALSE)

• You had much more energy than usual?      (TRUE , FALSE)

• You were much more active or did many more things than usual?      (TRUE , FALSE)

• You were much more social or outgoing than usual, for example, you telephoned friends in the middle of the night?       (TRUE , FALSE)

• You did things that were unusual for you or that other people might have thought were excessive, foolish, or risky?        (TRUE , FALSE)

personality test

Questionnaire

Name : _________________________________           Gender :____________________

Program : ______________________________             Year :______________________         

This is a personality test, it will help you understand why you act the way that you do and how your personality is structured.

Please follow the instructions below and Circle the correct number.

1­= Disagree ,   2= Slightly disagree ,   3= Neutral ,   4= Slightly agree ,   5= Agree

1. I am the life of the parties.                                                           1       2       3       4       5
2. Get stressed out easily.                                                                 1       2       3       4       5
3. Don’t talk a lot.                                                                            1       2       3       4       5
4. I am interested in people.                                                             1       2       3       4       5
5. Have a difficulty in understanding abstract ideas.                       1       2       3       4       5
6. Make mess of things.                                                                   1       2       3       4       5
7. Don’t have a good imagination.                                                   1       2       3       4       5
8. Change my mood a lot.                                                                1       2       3       4       5
9. I am quick to understand things.                                                  1       2       3       4       5
10. I like to visit new places.                                                              1       2       3       4       5

What Is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)?

By Kendra Cherry | Reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Updated February 12, 2018

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders is used by clinicians and psychiatrists to diagnose psychiatric illnesses. In 2013, a new version known as the DSM-5 was released. The DSM is published by the American Psychiatric Association and covers all categories of mental health disorders for both adults and children. The DSM is utilized widely in the United States for psychiatric diagnosis, treatment recommendations and insurance coverage purposes.

The manual is non-theoretical and focused mostly on describing symptoms as well as statistics concerning which gender is most affected by the illness, the typical age of onset, the effects of treatment and common treatment approaches.

DSM Updates

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual has been revised a number of times in its history.

• 1952: The DSM-I
• 1968: The DSM-II
• 1974: The DSM-II Reprint
• 1984: The DSM-III
• 1987: The DSM-III-R
• 1994: The DSM-IV
• 2000: The DSM-IV-TR
• 2013: The DSM-5

The newest version of the DSM was published in May of 2013. The revision was met with considerable discussion and some controversy.

A major issue with the DSM has been around validity. In response to this, the NIMH has launched the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project to transform diagnosis by incorporating genetics, imaging, cognitive science and other levels of information to lay the foundation for a new classification system they feel will be more biologically based.

Later, NIMH director Thomas R. Insel issued a statement in conjunction with American Psychiatric Association president Jeffrey A. Lieberman noting that the DSM-5 "...represents the best information currently available for clinical diagnosis of mental disorders." The statement went on to suggest that the DSM-5 and NIMH’s own system, the Research Domain Criteria (or RDoC), represent "complimentary, not competing, frameworks" for the classification of mental disorders.

The DSM-5’s Predecessor: The DSM-IV-TR

The DSM-IV was originally published in 1994 and listed more than 250 mental disorders. An updated version, called the DSM-IV-TR, was published in 2000 and contained minor text revisions in the descriptions of each disorder. Mental healthproviders used the manual to better understand a client's potential needs as well as a tool for assessment and diagnosis.

The DSM-IV-TR described disorders using five different dimensions.

This multiaxial approach was intended to help clinicians and psychiatrists make comprehensive evaluations of a client's level of functioning because mental illnesses often impact many different life areas.

• Axis I: Clinical Syndromes
• This axis described clinical symptoms that cause significant impairment. Disorders were grouped into different categories such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders or eating disorders.
• Axis II: Personality and Mental Retardation
• This axis described long-term problems in functioning that were not considered discrete Axis I disorders. Personality disorders cause significant problems in how a patient relates to the world and include antisocial personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder. Mental retardation is characterized by intellectual impairment and deficits in other areas such as self-care and interpersonal skills.
• Axis III: Medical Conditions
• These included physical and medical conditions that influence or worsen Axis 1 and Axis II disorders. Some examples include HIV/AIDS and brain injuries.
• Axis IV: Psychosocial and Environmental Problems
• Any social or environmental problems that may impact Axis I or Axis II disorders were accounted for in this axis. These include such things as unemployment, relocation, divorce, or the death of a loved one.
• Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning
• This axis allowed the clinician to rate the client's overall level of functioning. Based on this assessment, clinicians could better understand how the other four axes interacted and the effect on the individual's life.

Changes in the DSM-5

The DSM-5 contains a number of significant changes from the earlier DSM-IV. The most immediately obvious change is the shift from using Roman numerals to Arabic numbers.
Perhaps most notably, the DSM-5 eliminated the axis system, instead listing categories of disorders along with a number of different related disorders. Some examples of categories included in the DSM-5 include anxiety disorders, bipolar and related disorders, depressive disorders, feeding and eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and personality disorders.
A few other changes in the DSM-5:
• Asperger's disorder was removed and incorporated under the category of autism spectrum disorders.
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder was added, in part to decrease over-diagnosis of childhood bipolar disorders.
• Several diagnoses were officially added to the manual including binge eating disorder, hoarding disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder
While the DSM is an important tool, it is important to note that only those who have received specialized training and possess sufficient experience are qualified to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. The manual is important for diagnosis and treatment, but mental health professionals use the DSM to classify patients for billing purposes. Just as with other medical conditions, the government and many insurance carriers require a specific diagnosis in order to approve payment for treatment.
Learn more about some of the major changes in the DSM-5 in the following resources:
• Bipolar Disorder in the DSM-5
• DSM-5 Criteria for Substance Use Disorders
• DSM-5 Criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• DSM-5 Changes for Depression Diagnosis
• Diagnosing PTSD in the DSM-5

Antisocial Personality Disorder Symptoms and Treatments

By Kendra Cherry

Updated October 16, 2017

According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 7.6 million American adults suffer from antisocial personality disorder. People who suffer from antisocial personality disorder have little or no regard for right or wrong. They antagonize and often intentionally harm others and are indifferent to the pain and suffering that other people experience. Individuals with this disorder may lie, engage in aggressive or violent behavior, and participate in criminal activity.

According to some critics, the DSM diagnostic criteria are too focused on behaviors commonly displayed by those with antisocial personality disorder, such as fire-setting, cruelty to animals, and difficulties with authority figures. Because of this, it is possible that the prevalence of this disorder has been overstated.

Regardless of this possibility, these behaviors often lead to major difficulties in many life areas, including work and personal relationships and the disorder is often linked to criminal behavior. 

Symptoms of Antisocial Personality Disorder

Individuals with antisocial personality disorder:

• May begin displaying symptoms during childhood. Such behaviors include fire setting, cruelty to animals, and difficulty with authority.
• Often have legal problems resulting from failures to conform to social norms and a lack of concern for the rights of others.
• Often act out impulsively and fail to consider the consequences of their actions.

• Display aggressiveness and irritability that often lead to physical assaults.
• Have difficulty feeling empathy for others. This inability to consider the thoughts, feelings and motivations of other people can lead to disregard for others.
• Display a lack of remorse for damaging behavior.
• Often have poor or abusive relationships with others and are more likely to abuse or neglect their children.
• Frequently lies and deceives others for personal gain.
The disorder often begins during childhood although it is often not diagnosed until later in life. As children, those who develop this disorder often experience violent bursts of anger, are cruel to animals and are often described as bullies by their peers.
As adults, the disorder can be destructive to both the person suffering and those who come into contact with the individual. People with antisocial personality disorder are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors, dangerous activities, and criminal acts. Those with the disorder are often described as having no conscience and feel no regret or remorse for their harmful actions.

What Causes Antisocial Personality Disorder?

The exact causes of antisocial personality disorder are not known. Personality is shaped by a variety of forces including nature and nurture. Genetics are thought to play a role in the development of antisocial behavior. However, upbringing can also have an important influence. Many researchers believe that APD is likely strongly linked to inheritance and that environmental influences probably exacerbate its development.
A number of factors have been found to increase the risk of the disorder including smoking during pregnancy and abnormal brain function.
People with the disorder also tend to require greater stimulation and may seek out dangerous or even illegal activities to raise their arousal to an optimal level.
Childhood abuse and neglect have also been linked to the onset of APD. Since their parents are abusive and dysfunctional, these children may learn such behavioral patterns and later display them with their own kids. Kids who grow up in disorganized and neglectful homes also lack the opportunities to develop a strong sense of discipline, self-control, and empathy for others.

Treatments for Antisocial Personality Disorder

• Those with antisocial personality disorder rarely seek out treatment on their own. Individuals generally receive treatment only after some type of altercation with the legal system.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be useful in helping individuals gain insight into their behaviors and to change maladaptive thought patterns.
• Effective results usually occur only after long-term treatment.

What Is Group Therapy and How Does It Work?

By Kendra Cherry

Updated May 20, 2017

Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapists working with several people at the same time. This type of therapy is widely available at a variety of locations including private therapeutic practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, and community centers. Group therapy is sometimes used alone, but it is also commonly integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that also includes individual therapy and medication.

The Principles of Group Therapy

In The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, Irvin D. Yalom outlines the key therapeutic principles that have been derived from self-reports from individuals who have been involved in the group therapy process:

1. The instillation of hope: The group contains members at different stages of the treatment process. Seeing people who are coping or recovering gives hope to those at the beginning of the process.
2. Universality: Being part of a group of people who have the same experiences helps people see that what they are going through is universal and that they are not alone.
3. Imparting information: Group members can help each other by sharing information.
4. Altruism: Group members can share their strengths and help others in the group, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.
5. The corrective recapitulation of the primary family group: The therapy group is much like a family in some ways. Within the group, each member can explore how childhood experiences contributed to personality and behaviors. They can also learn to avoid behaviors that are destructive or unhelpful in real life.
6. Development of socialization techniques: The group setting is a great place to practice new behaviors. The setting is safe and supportive, allowing group members to experiment without the fear of failure.
7. Imitative behavior: Individuals can model the behavior of other members of the group or observe and imitate the behavior of the therapist.
8. Interpersonal learning: By interacting with other people and receiving feedback from the group and the therapist, members of the group can gain a greater understanding of themselves.
9. Group cohesiveness: Because the group is united in a common goal, members gain a sense of belonging and acceptance.
10. Catharsis: Sharing feelings and experiences with a group of people can help relieve pain, guilt, or stress.
11. Existential factors: While working within a group offers support and guidance, group therapy helps member realize that they are responsible for their own lives, actions, and choices.

How Does Group Therapy Work?

Groups can be as small as three or four people, but group therapy sessions often involve around seven to twelve individuals (although it is possible to have more participants). The group typically meets once or twice each week for an hour or two.

According to author Oded Manor in The Handbook of Psychotherapy, the minimum number of group therapy sessions is usually around six but a full year of sessions is more common. Manor also notes that these meetings may either be open or closed. In open sessions, new participants are welcome to join at any time. In a closed group, only a core group of members are invited to participate.

So what does a typical group therapy session look like? In many cases, the group will meet in a room where the chairs are arranged in a large circle so that each member can see every other person in the group. A session might begin with members of the group introducing themselves and sharing why they are in group therapy. Members might also share their experiences and progress since the last meeting.

The precise manner in which the session is conducted depends largely on the goals of the group and the style of the therapist. Some therapists might encourage a more free-form style of dialogue, where each member participates as he or she sees fit.

Other therapists instead have a specific plan for each session that might include having clients practice new skills with other members of the group.

How Effective Is Group Therapy?

Group therapy can be very effective, especially in certain situations. Studies have shown that group therapy can be an effective treatment choice for depression and traumatic stress.

An article published in the American Psychological Association's Monitor on Psychology suggests that group therapy also meets efficacy standards established by the Society of Clinical Psychology (Division 12 of the APA) for panic disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia and substance abuse.

Reasons to Use Group Therapy

The principal advantages of group therapy include:

• Group therapy allows people to receive the support and encouragement of the other members of the group. People participating in the group can see that others are going through the same thing, which can help them feel less alone.
• Group members can serve as role models to other members of the group. By observing someone successfully coping with a problem, other members of the group can see that there is hope for recovery. As each person progresses, they can, in turn, serve as a role model and support figure for others. This can help foster feelings of success and accomplishment.
• Group therapy is often very affordable. Instead of focusing on just one client at a time, the therapist can devote his or her time to a much larger group of people.
• Group therapy offers a safe haven. The setting allows people to practice behaviors and actions within the safety and security of the group.
• By working in a group, the therapist can see first-hand how each person responds to other people and behaves in social situations. Using this information, the therapist can provide valuable feedback to each client.

Some Things to Consider Before You Try Psychotherapy

There are a number of issues or concerns for both therapists and clients. When selecting a therapist, consider whether you feel comfortable divulging personal information to the therapist. You should also assess the therapist's qualifications, including the type of degree he or she holds and years of experience.

People who provide psychotherapy can hold a number of different titles or degrees. Some titles such as "psychologist" or "psychiatrist" are protected and carry specific educational and licensing requirements. Some of the individuals who are qualified to perform psychotherapy include psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, licensed social workers, and advanced psychiatric nurses.

When providing services to clients, psychotherapists need to consider issues such as informed consent, patient confidentiality, and duty to warn. Informed consent involves notifying a client of all of the potential risks and benefits associated with treatment. This includes explaining the exact nature of the treatment, any possible risks, costs, and the available alternatives.

Because clients frequently discuss issues that are highly personal and sensitive in nature, psychotherapists have a legal obligation to protect a patient's right to confidentiality. However, one instance where psychotherapists have a right to breach patient confidentiality is if clients pose an imminent threat to either themselves or others. Duty to warn gives counselors and therapists the right to breach confidentiality if a client poses a risk to another person.

How Effective Is Psychotherapy?

One of the major criticisms leveled against psychotherapy is one that calls into question its effectiveness. In one early and frequently mentioned study, psychologist Hans Eysenck found that two-thirds of participants either improved or recovered on their own within two years, regardless of whether they had received psychotherapy.

However, in a meta-analysis that looked at 475 different studies, researchers found that psychotherapy was effective at enhancing the psychological wellbeing of clients. In his book The Great Psychotherapy Debate, statistician and psychologist Bruce Wampold reported that factors such as the therapist’s personality as well as his or her belief in the effectiveness of the treatment played a role in the outcome of psychotherapy. Surprisingly, Wampold suggested that the type of therapy and the theoretical basis of the treatment do not have an effect on the outcome.

How Do I Know If I Need Psychotherapy?

While you might realize that psychotherapy can help with life's problems, it can sometimes be difficult to seek help or to even recognize when it is time to talk to a professional.

One key thing to remember is that the sooner you seek assistance, the sooner you will start to experience relief. Instead of waiting until your symptoms get out of control, you should consider getting help as soon as you start to recognize that there might be a problem.

Some key signs that it might be time to see a psychotherapist include:

• The issue is causing significant distress or disruption in your life. If you feel that the problem you are facing interrupts a number of important areas of your life including school, work, and relationships, it may be time to see if psychotherapy can help.
• You are relying on unhealthy or dangerous coping mechanisms. If you find yourself dealing with your problem by smoking, drinking, overeating, or taking out your frustrations on others, seeking assistance can help you find healthier and more beneficial coping strategies.
• Friends and family are concerned about your well-being. If it has reached a point where other people are worried about your emotional health, it may be time to see if psychotherapy can improve your psychological state.
• Nothing you have tried so far has helped. You've read self-help books, explored some techniques you read about online, or even tried just ignoring the problem, yet things just seem to be staying the same or even getting worse. Just remember that you don't have to wait until your problems become so overwhelming that coping seems impossible. Help is available and the sooner you reach out, the sooner you'll be back on track to a healthier, happier state of mind.

How Do I Choose a Therapeutic Technique and Therapist?

If you feel that you have a problem that might benefit from psychotherapy, your first step might be to discuss your concerns with your primary care physician. Your doctor may begin by first ruling out any physical diseases that might be contributing to your symptoms. If no other cause can be found, your doctor may then refer you to a mental health professional that is qualified to diagnose and treat the symptoms you are experiencing.

Your symptoms often play a role in the type of treatment and type of therapist you choose. If your doctor suspects that you are experiencing problems that might require the use of prescription medications in addition to psychotherapy, he or she may refer you to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications and has specific training in the treatment of psychological and psychiatric conditions.

If your symptoms suggest that you might benefit from some form of talk therapy without the addition of prescription drugs, you may be referred to a clinical psychologist or counselor.

Referrals from friends and family members can also be a great way to find a therapist who can help you address your concerns. Psychotherapy is very much both and art and a science, however. If things do not seem to be working, or you just don't seem to "click" with your current therapist, do not be afraid to seek out other professionals until you find someone with whom you can connect.

As you evaluate any psychotherapist, consider some of the following questions:

• Does the therapist seem professional and qualified?
• Do you feel comfortable sharing your feelings and experiences?
• Do you like the therapist's conversational style?
• Are you satisfied with the extent of your interaction with the therapist?
• Does he or she seem to understand what you are feeling?

A Word From Verywell

Psychotherapy can come in many forms, but all are designed to help people overcome psychological problems and live better lives. If you suspect that you may be experiencing the symptoms of a psychological or psychiatric disorder, consider seeking an evaluation from a trained and experienced psychotherapist who is qualified to assess, diagnose, and treat such conditions. You can reap the possible benefits of psychotherapy even if you just feel that there is something "off" in your life that might be improved by consulting with a mental health professional.

What Is Psychotherapy?

By Kendra Cherry | Reviewed by a board-certified physician

Updated February 05, 2018

Psychotherapy is a general term that is used to describe the process of treating psychological disorders and mental distress by the use of verbal and psychological techniques. During this process, a trained psychotherapist helps the client tackle specific or general problems such as a particular mental illness or a source of life stress.

Depending on the approach used by the therapist, a wide range of techniques and strategies can be used.

However, almost all types of psychotherapy involve developing a therapeutic relationship, communicating and creating a dialogue, and working to overcome problematic thoughts or behaviors.

Psychotherapy is increasingly viewed as a distinct profession in its own right, but many different types of professionals engage in psychotherapy regularly. Such individuals include clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, marriage and family therapists, social workers, mental health counselors, and psychiatric nurses.

What Types of Psychotherapy Are Available?

When many people hear the word psychotherapy, they immediately imagine a patient lying on a couch talking while a therapist sits in a nearby chair jotting down thoughts on a yellow notepad. There are actually a variety of techniques and practices used in psychotherapy. The exact method used in each situation can vary based upon a variety of factors, including the training and background of the therapist, the preferences of the client, and the exact nature of the client's current problem.

Some of the major approaches to psychotherapy include:

Psychoanalytic Therapy: While psychotherapy was practiced in various forms as far back as the time of the Ancient Greeks, it received its formal start when Sigmund Freud began using talk therapy to work with patients.

Some of the techniques commonly used by Freud included the analysis of transference, dream interpretation, and free association. This psychoanalytic approach involves delving into a patient's thoughts and past experiences to seek out unconscious thoughts, feelings, and memories that may influence behavior.

Behavioral Therapy: When behaviorism became a more prominent school of thought during the early part of the twentieth-century, techniques such as different types of conditioning began to play an important role in psychotherapy. While behaviorism may not be as dominant as it once was, many of its methods are still very popular today. Behavioral therapy often uses classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning to help clients alter problematic behaviors.

Humanistic Therapy: Starting in the 1950s, the school of thought known as humanistic psychology began to have an influence on psychotherapy. The humanist psychologist Carl Rogers developed an approach known as client-centered therapy, which focused on the therapist showing unconditional positive regard to the client.

Today, aspects of this approach remain widely used. The humanistic approach to psychotherapy focuses on helping people maximize their potential. Such approaches tend to stress the importance of self-exploration, free will, and self-actualization.

Cognitive Therapy: The cognitive revolution of the 1960s also had a major impact on the practice of psychotherapy, as psychologists began to increasingly focus on how human thought processes influence behavior and functioning. Cognitive therapy is centered on the idea that our thoughts have a powerful influence on our mental well-being. For example, if you tend to see the negative aspects of every situation, you will probably have a more pessimistic outlook and a gloomier overall mood. The goal of cognitive therapy is to identify the cognitive distortions that lead to this type of thinking and replace such thoughts with more realistic and positive ones. By doing so, people are able to improve their moods and overall well-being.

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy: The approach known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps patients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors.

CBT is commonly used to treat a wide range of disorders including phobias, addiction, depression, and anxiety. CBT is a type of psychotherapy that involves cognitive and behavioral techniques to change negative thoughts and maladaptive behaviors. This approach involves changing the underlying thoughts that contribute to distress and modifying the problematic behaviors that result from these thoughts.

Psychotherapy can also take a number of different formats depending on the style of the therapist and the needs of the patient. A few that you might encounter include:

1. Individual therapy, which involves working one-on-one with a psychotherapist.
2. Couples therapy, which involves a therapist working with a couple to help improve how the two function in their relationship.
3. Family therapy, which centers on improving the dynamic within families and can include multiple individuals within a family unit.
4. Group therapy, which involves a small group of individuals who share a common goal. This approach allows members of the group to offer and receive support from others, as well as practice new behaviors within a supportive and receptive group.