Psychological dysfunction

This, what 1 have called, functional psychopathological approach has merits over and above the opportunistic ones 1 mentioned. Because many psychological dysfunctions are measurable, in contrast to disorders and syndromes, this approach will provide psychopathology with a scientific foundation. Moreover, this psychological spectral analysis provides a map of functions still operating within normal limits and those that deviate from the norm. 

Rasmussen and Eisen (149) have suggested three underlying psychological dysfunctions ... 

Weinberger DR, Berman KF, Illowsky BP. 1988. Psychological dysfunction of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia. III. A new cohort and evidence for a monoaminergic mechanism. Arch Gen Psychiatry 45 609-615. 

The finding that 22 6n-3-containing bilayers buffer the inhibitory effects of cholesterol has strong implications for psychological disorders that are associated with variable levels of cholesterol. Under conditions of reduced levels of 22 6n-3 inn-3-deficiency and an increased cholesterol level, areduced sensitivity in G-protein-coupled receptor signaling would be anticipated. Thus, the effectiveness of serotonin or other associated neurotransmitters would be decreased, potentially inducing some of the observed psychological dysfunction associated with cholesterol. 

Grandjean P, Arnvig E, Beckmann J Psychological dysfunctions in lead-exposed workers relation to biological parameters of exposure. Scand J Work Environ Health 4 295-303, 1978... 

Possible mechanisms for psychological dysfunction in ventilator-dependent patients include respiratory discomfort, severity of illness, sleep deprivation, sensory deprivation, and medication side effects (116,119,120). The delivery of mechanical ventilation itself can cause psychological dysfunction (34,116). Mechanical ventilation limits mohility, fosters isolation, impairs communication, and interferes with or blocks patient s control on the act of breathing (34). 

At our facility, the Temple University Hospital, which is one of four HCFA Chronic Ventilator-Demonstration sites, the complex and diverse problems of PMV patients are treated by a diverse team comprises pulmonologists, respiratory nurses, nutritionists, psychologists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and a social worker (Fig. 2). This unit emphasizes rehabilitation and restoration of functional status despite requirements for prolonged ventilation. Special needs of patients that require PMV addressed in this unit include evaluation of the optimum form of ventilator support, special attention to swallowing dysfunction, impaired communication skills, psychological dysfunction, nutritional repletion, respiratory muscle and whole body reconditioning, as well as close attention to new or changing medical conditions. 

Conners, C.K. Psychological effects of stimulant drugs in children with minimal brain dysfunction. Pediatrics 49 702-708, 1972. 

The treatment of non-motor symptoms, such as psychological conditions, sleep disorders, and autonomic dysfunction, should include both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic approaches. Patients should be given suggestions for maintaining ADLs, a positive self-image, family communication, and a safe environment. 

A further characteristic feature of the evolutionary psychology argument is to point to the relatively short period, in geological and evolutionary terms, over which Homo sapiens - and, in particular, modern society - has appeared. Forms of behaviour or social organisation which evolved adaptively over many generations in human hunter-gatherer society may or may not be adaptive in modern industrial society, but have, it is claimed, become to a degree fixed by humanity s evolutionary experience in the palaeolithic EEA. Hence, they are now relatively unmodifiable, even if dysfunctional. 

Lilienfeld, S. O., Marino, L. (1995). Mental disorder as a Roschian concept A critique of Wakefield s harmful dysfunction analysis. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 104, 411-420. 

Wakefield, J. C. (1992). Disorder as harmful dysfunction A conceptual critique of DSM-III-R s definition of mental disorder. Psychological Review, 99, 232-247. 

Although limited by dose-response information, impairment of both neurophysiological and psychological functions (including slowing of reaction time, balance dysfunction, reductions in cognitive function, and deficits of recall) has been associated with chronic chlordane exposure. ... 

Drug abuse and dependence These drugs are chemically and pharmacologically related to the amphetamines and have abuse potential. Intense psychological or physical dependence and severe social dysfunction may be associated with long-term therapy or abuse. If this occurs, gradually reduce the dosage to avoid withdrawal symptoms. 

The term impotence has been used to indicate the inability of the male to attain and maintain erection of the penis sufficient to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the preferred term. ED is a common problem, especially among older men. Perhaps a more precise term for ED is that used to signify inability of the man to achieve an erect penis as part of the multifaceted process of male sexual function. Overall, the process encompasses a variety of physical aspects with significant psychological and behavioral components. 

Locke, T.F. and Newcomb, M.D. (2003) Childhood maltreatment, parental alcohol/drug related problems and global parental dysfunction. Professional Psychology Research andPractice 54, 73-79. 

Although drug companies generally claim that a small percentage of those taking SSRIs experience sexual dysfunction, clinicians routinely report that as many as 50 to 60 percent of their patients, both men and women, experience disturbing sexual difficulties. One woman said I don t know if it s the worst effect, but one of the effects was that you don t feel sexual, you don t feel your own sexuality or you don t look at anybody. Nobody looks attractive. And one man described the Hobson s choice so many face between psychological pain and side effects that erode fundamental identities ... 

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