Content

Causes

Symptoms

Treatment

Outlook (Prognosis)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Prevention

Suicide is the act of taking one's own life on purpose. Suicidal behavior is any action that could cause a person to die, such as taking a drug overdose or crashing a car on purpose.

Causes

Suicide and suicidal behaviors usually occur in people with one or more of the following:

·       Bipolar disorder

·       Borderline personality disorder

·       Depression

·       Drug or alcohol use

·       Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

·       Schizophrenia

·       Stressful life issues, such as serious financial or relationship problems

People who try to take their own life are often trying to get away from a situation that seems impossible to deal with. Many who attempt suicide are seeking relief from:

·       Feeling ashamed, guilty, or like a burden to others

·       Feeling like a victim

·       Feelings of rejection, loss, or loneliness

Suicidal behaviors may occur when there is a situation or event that the person finds overwhelming, such as:

·       Aging (the older people have the highest rate of suicide)

·       Death of a loved one

·       Drug or alcohol use

·       Emotional trauma

·       Serious physical illness

·       Unemployment or money problems

Risk factors for suicide in teenagers include:

·       Access to guns

·       Family member who completed suicide

·       History of hurting themselves on purpose

·       History of being neglected or abused

·       Living in communities where there have been recent outbreaks of suicide in young people

·       Romantic breakup

While men are more likely than women to die by suicide, women are twice as likely to attempt suicide.

Most suicide attempts do not result in death. Many of these attempts are done in a way that makes rescue possible. These attempts are often a cry for help.

Some people attempt suicide in a way that is less likely to be fatal, such as poisoning or overdose. Men are more likely to choose violent methods, such as shooting themselves. As a result, suicide attempts by men are more likely to result in death.

Relatives of people who attempt or complete suicide often blame themselves or become very angry. They may see the suicide attempt as selfish. However, people who attempt suicide often mistakenly believe that they are doing their friends and relatives a favor by taking themselves out of the world.

Symptoms

Often, but not always, a person may show certain signs and behaviors before a suicide attempt, such as:

·       Having trouble concentrating or thinking clearly

·       Giving away belongings

·       Talking about going away or the need to "get my affairs in order"

·       Suddenly changing behavior, especially calmness after a period of anxiety

·       Losing interest in activities they used to enjoy

·       Self-destructive behaviors, such as heavily drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs, or cutting their body

·       Pulling away from friends or not wanting to go out

·       Suddenly having trouble in school or work

·       Talking about death or suicide, or even saying that they want to hurt themselves

·       Talking about feeling hopeless or guilty

·       Changing sleep or eating habits

·       Arranging ways to take their own life (such as buying a gun or many pills)

Treatment

People who are at risk of suicidal behavior may not seek treatment for many reasons, including:

·       They believe nothing will help

·       They do not want to tell anyone they have problems

·       They think asking for help is a sign of weakness

·       They do not know where to go for help

A person may need emergency treatment after a suicide attempt. They may need first aid, CPR, or more intensive treatments.

People who try to take their own life may need to stay in a hospital for treatment and to reduce the risk of future attempts. Therapy is one of the most important parts of treatment.

Any mental health disorder that may have led to the suicide attempt should be evaluated and treated. This includes:

·       Bipolar disorder

·       Borderline personality disorder

·       Drug or alcohol dependence

·       Major depression

·       Schizophrenia

Always take suicide attempts and threats seriously. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, there are numbers that you can call from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-999-9999.

Call the local emergency number (such as 911) right away if someone you know has attempted suicide. DO NOT leave the person alone, even after you have called for help.

Outlook (Prognosis)

About one-third of people who try to take their own life will try again within 1 year. About 10% of people who make threats or try to take their own life will eventually kill themselves.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call a health care provider right away if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide. The person needs mental health care right away. DO NOT dismiss the person as just trying to get attention.

Prevention

Avoiding alcohol and drugs (other than prescribed medicines) can reduce the risk of suicide.

In homes with children or teenagers:

·       Keep all prescription medicines high up and locked.

·       DO NOT keep alcohol in the home, or keep it locked up.

·       DO NOT keep guns in the home. If you do keep guns in the home, lock them and keep the bullets separate.

In older adults, further investigate feelings of hopelessness, being a burden, and not belonging.

Many people who try to take their own life talk about it before making the attempt. Sometimes, just talking to someone who cares and who does not judge them is enough to reduce the risk of suicide.

However, if you are a friend, family member, or you know someone who you think may attempt suicide, never try to manage the problem on your own. Seek help. Suicide prevention centers have telephone "hotline" services.

Never ignore a suicide threat or attempted suicide.

Source https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001554.htm

Contents

Causes

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

Treatment

Outlook (Prognosis)

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Bipolar disorder is a mental condition in which a person has wide or extreme swings in their mood. Periods of feeling sad and depressed may alternate with periods of being very happy and active or being cross or irritable.

Causes

Bipolar disorder affects men and women equally. It most often starts between ages 15 and 25. The exact cause is not known. But it occurs more often in relatives of people with bipolar disorder.

In most people with bipolar disorder, there is no clear cause for the periods (episodes) of extreme happiness and high activity or energy (mania) or depression and low activity or energy (depression). The following may trigger a manic episode:

·         Childbirth

·         Medicines such as antidepressants or steroids

·         Periods of not being able to sleep (insomnia)

·         Recreational drug use

Symptoms

The manic phase may last from days to months. It may include these symptoms:

·         Easily distracted

·         Excess involvement in activities

·         Little need for sleep

·         Poor judgment

·         Poor temper control

·         Reckless behavior and lack of self-control, such as drinking, drug use, sex with many partners, gambling and spending sprees

·         Very irritable mood, racing thoughts, talking a lot, and false beliefs about self or abilities

The depressive episode may include these symptoms:

·         Daily low mood or sadness

·         Problems concentrating, remembering, or making decisions

·         Eating problems such as loss of appetite and weight loss, or overeating and weight gain

·         Fatigue or lack of energy

·         Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt

·         Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed

·         Loss of self-esteem

·         Thoughts of death or suicide

·         Trouble getting to sleep or sleeping too much

·         Pulling away from friends or activities that were once enjoyed

People with bipolar disorder are at high risk of suicide. They may use alcohol or other substances. This can make the symptoms and suicide risk worse.

Episodes of depression are more common than episodes of mania. The pattern is not the same in all people with bipolar disorder:

·         Depression and mania symptoms may occur together. This is called a mixed state.

·         Symptoms may also occur right after each other. This is called rapid cycling.

Exams and Tests

To diagnose bipolar disorder, the provider may do some or all of the following:

·         Ask whether other family members have bipolar disorder

·         Ask about your recent mood swings and for how long you have had them

·         Perform a thorough exam and order lab tests to look for other illnesses that may be causing symptoms that resemble bipolar disorder

·         Talk to family members about your symptoms and overall health

·         Ask about any health problems you have and any medicines you take

·         Watch your behavior and mood

Treatment

The main goal of treatment is to:

·         Make the episodes less frequent and severe

·         Help you function well and enjoy your life at home and at work

·         Prevent self-injury and suicide

MEDICINES

Medicines are a key part of treating bipolar disorder. Most often, the first medicines used are called mood stabilizers. They help you avoid mood swings and extreme changes in activity and energy levels.

With medicines, you may begin to feel better. For some, symptoms of mania may feel good. Or side effects from the medicines may occur. As a result, you may be tempted to stop taking your medicine or change the way you are taking them. But stopping your medicines or taking them in the wrong way can cause symptoms to come back or become much worse. DO NOT stop taking or change the dosages of your medicines. Talk with your provider first, if you have questions about your medicines.

Ask family members or friends to help you take medicines the right way. This means taking the right dose at the right time. They can also help make sure that episodes of mania and depression are treated as soon as possible.

If mood stabilizers do not help, your provider may suggest other medicines, such as antipsychotics or antidepressants.

You will need regular visits with a psychiatrist to talk about your medicines and their possible side effects. Blood tests are often needed too.

OTHER TREATMENTS

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be used to treat the manic or depressive phase if it does not respond to medicine.

People who are in the middle of a severe manic or depressive episode may need to stay in a hospital until they are stable and their behavior is under control.

SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND TALK THERAPY

Joining a support group may help you and your loved ones. Involving family members and caregivers in your treatment may help reduce the chance of symptoms returning.

Important skills you may learn at such programs include how to:

·         Cope with symptoms that continue even while you are taking medicines

·         Get enough sleep and stay away from recreational drugs

·         Take medicines correctly and manage side effects

·         Watch for the return of symptoms, and know what to do when they return

·         Find out what triggers the episodes and avoid these triggers

Talk therapy with a mental health provider may be helpful for people with bipolar disorder.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Periods of depression or mania return in most people, even with treatment. People may also have issues with alcohol or drug use. They may also have problems with relationships, school, work, and finances.

Suicide is a very real risk during both mania and depression. People with bipolar disorder who think or talk about suicide need emergency attention right away.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Seek help right way if you:

·         Have symptoms of mania

·         Feel the urge to hurt yourself or others

·         Feel hopeless, scared, or overwhelmed

·         See things that are not really there

·         Feel you cannot leave the house

·         Are not able to care for yourself

Call the treating provider if:

·         Symptoms are getting worse

·         You have side effects from medicines

·         You are not taking medicine the right way

Source: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000926.htm

Contents

Causes

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

Treatment

Outlook (Prognosis)

Possible Complications

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Antisocial personality disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has a long-term pattern of manipulating, exploiting, or violating the rights of others. This behavior is often criminal.

Causes

Cause of antisocial personality disorder is unknown. Genetic factors and environmental factors, such as child abuse, are believed to contribute to the development of this condition. People with an antisocial or alcoholic parent are at increased risk. Far more men than women are affected. The condition is common among people who are in prison.

Fire-setting and cruelty to animals during childhood are linked to the development of antisocial personality.

Some doctors believe that psychopathic personality (psychopathy) is the same disorder. Others believe that psychopathic personality is a similar but more severe disorder.

Symptoms

A person with antisocial personality disorder may:

• Be able to act witty and charming
• Be good at flattery and manipulating other people's emotions
• Break the law repeatedly
• Disregard the safety of self and others
• Have problems with substance abuse
• Lie, steal, and fight often
• Not show guilt or remorse
• Often be angry or arrogant

Exams and Tests

Antisocial personality disorder is diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation that assesses the history and severity of symptoms. To be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder, a person must have had conduct disorder during childhood.

Treatment

Antisocial personality disorder is one of the most difficult personality disorders to treat. People with this condition rarely seek treatment on their own. They may only start therapy when required to by a court.

Behavioral treatments, such as those that reward appropriate behavior and have negative consequences for illegal behavior, may hold the most promise. Certain forms of talk therapy are also being explored.

Persons with antisocial personality who have other disorders, such as a mood or substance disorder, are often treated for those problems as well.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Symptoms tend to peak during the late teenage years and early 20s. They sometimes improve on their own by a person's 40s.

Possible Complications

Complications can include imprisonment, drug abuse, violence, and suicide.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

See your health care provider or a mental health professional you or someone you know has symptoms of antisocial personality disorder.

Source: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000921.htm

Содержание

Общая информация

Причины

Симптомы

Диагностика

Лечение

Прогноз

Возможные осложнения

Когда необходимо обратиться к врачу

Синонимы

Общая информация

Диссоциальное расстройство личности называется такое состоянием психики, при котором главной чертой характера человека является устойчивое стремление манипулировать, использовать и нарушать права других людей. Такой человек часто становится преступником.

Причины

Причины диссоциального расстройства личности не известны. Генетические факторы и факторы окружающей среды, такие как жестокое обращение с детьми, способствуют развитию этого заболевания. Риск развития данного заболевания повышен среди лиц, выросших у антисоциальных родителей или у родителей - алкоголиков. Гораздо чаще расстройство встречается среди мужчин, чем среди женщин. Также оно распространено среди людей, находящихся в заключении.

Склонность к поджогам и жестокому обращению с животными в детстве связаны с развитием антисоциальной личности. Некоторые врачи считают, что психопатия и диссоциальное расстройство личности – одно и то же заболевание.  Другие полагают, что психопатическая личность - более тяжелое расстройство.

Симптомы

Человек с диссоциальным расстройством личности может:

• Быть остроумным и очаровательным
• Умело льстить и манипулировать эмоциями других людей
• Неоднократно нарушать закон
• Не обращать внимания на безопасность свою и окружающих
• Злоупотреблять психоактивными веществами
• Лгать, воровать и часто драться
• Не ощущать чувства вины и угрызений совести
• Часто злиться или быть высокомерным

Диагностика

Диссоциальное расстройство личности диагностируется на основе психологической оценки личности, изучения истории заболевания и оценки тяжести симптомов. Для постановки диагноза диссоциального расстройства личности расстройства поведения у человека должны проявляться с детства.

Лечение

Диссоциальное расстройство личности является одним из самых трудно поддающихся лечению расстройств личности. Люди с этим заболеванием редко обращаются за медицинской помощью самостоятельно. Они могут начать терапию только тогда, когда это предписано судом.

Поведенческие методы лечения, такие как, вознаграждение за правильное поведение и  негативные последствия для противоправного поведения, являются наиболее перспективными. Также изучаются некоторые формы разговорной терапии (психотерапии).

Лица с диссоциальным расстройством личности, имеющие другие сопутствующие расстройства, такие как неустойчивость настроения или поражения мозга, часто лечатся и от этих заболеваний.

Прогноз

Как правило, пик симптоматики приходится на конец подросткового возраста и первые годы после 20-ти лет. Иногда симптомы улучшаются сами по себе к 40 годам.

Возможные осложнения

 Осложнения могут включать тюремное заключение, наркоманию, насилия и самоубийства.

Когда необходимо обратиться к врачу

Обратитесь к врачу или специалисту в области психического здоровья, если у вас или кого-то из ваших знакомых имеются симптомы диссоциального расстройства личности.

Синонимы

Личность социопата; социопатии; расстройство личности – антисоциальное.