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Fact or Bluff: Psych Edition, Balanga (2026)

08/01/2021

Topic of the Day: Tourette's Disorder

Tourette (too-RET) syndrome is a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that can't be easily controlled. For instance, you might repeatedly blink your eyes, shrug your shoulders or blurt out unusual sounds or offensive words. (Mayo, 2018)
Tics typically show up between ages 2 and 15, with the average being around 6 years of age. Males are about three to four times more likely than females to develop Tourette syndrome.
There are many common misconceptions about Tourette syndrome as it pertains to its origin, symptoms and treatment. Due to a lack of understanding, there are numerous myths surrounding Tourette’s. It is important to address and correct Tourette syndrome misconceptions to decrease confusion and prejudice.
Many thought that everyone with Tourette’s Disorder has Coprolalia or the extreme and uncontrolled use of curses, obscenities and offensive remarks. Despite common misperceptions, only 10–15% of people with Tourette syndrome experience coprolalia. Coprolalia is an intense vocal tic that can entail inappropriate or socially unacceptable comments or expressions in public. Individuals are unable to control their cursing, as it is involuntary, unintentional and not under their conscious control. People are often embarrassed and upset when outbursts occur and commonly try to cover them up. Tourette syndrome and swearing are commonly linked together, which is likely due to the fact that it is one of the most highlighted symptoms on television and movies. This portrayal has contributed to the incorrect. It is also preconceived that people with Tourette’s can control their tics if they really want to" but the fact is Tics are involuntary and uncontrollable for someone with Tourette syndrome.

There's no specific test that can diagnose Tourette syndrome. The diagnosis is based on the history of your signs and symptoms.

Reference
Mayo Clinic. (2018). Tourette Disorder. Retrieved December 28 ,2020 from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tourette-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350465
Tracy Smith, LPC, NCC, ACS. (2020). The Recovery Village, 10 Common Myths about Tourettes
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/tourettes/related/tourettes-myths/

07/01/2021

Topic of the Day: Factitious Disorder

Factitious disorder is a serious mental disorder in which someone deceives others by appearing sick, by purposely getting sick or by self-injury. Factitious disorder also can happen when family members or caregivers falsely present others, such as children, as being ill, injured or impaired. (Mayo , 2019)
Diagnosing factitious disorder is often extremely difficult. People with factitious disorder are experts at faking many different diseases and conditions. And often they do have real and even life-threatening medical conditions, even though these conditions may be self-inflicted.
Most patients with factitious disorder have histories of abuse, trauma, family dysfunction, social isolation, early chronic medical illness, or professional experience in healthcare (training in nursing, health aid work, etc.).
Factitious disorder imposed on another (previously called Munchausen syndrome by proxy) is when someone falsely claims that another person has physical or psychological signs or symptoms of illness, or causes injury or disease in another person with the intention of deceiving others.
One of the common misconceptions is that they are easily identifiable. Unfortunately, it is rare for people with factitious disorder to admit that they have fabricated the illnesses and would often set up an elaborate ruse that medical professionals often fail to discover that the patient, in fact, is healthy.

Reference
Mayo Clinic. (2019). Factitious Disorder. Retrieved December 27,2020
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/factitious-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356034
Barcella, L. (2019). 4 Myths About Munchausen by Proxy, Debunked. Retrieved December 27, 2020 from:
https://people.com/crime/myths-about-munchausen-by-proxy-debunked/
Roan, Shari. (1991). The Factitious Career: Faking the Faces of Illness. Retrieved from: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-04-21-vw-685-story.html. Date Retrieved: December 27, 2020

06/01/2021

Day 18
Topic of the Day: Somatic symptom Disorder

Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by an extreme focus on physical symptoms — such as pain or fatigue — that causes major emotional distress and problems functioning. You may or may not have another diagnosed medical condition associated with these symptoms, but your reaction to the symptoms is not normal. (Mayo ,2018)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) category of Somatic Symptom Disorders and Other Related Disorders represents a group of disorders characterized by thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to somatic symptoms. This category represents psychiatric conditions because the somatic symptoms are excessive for any medical disorder that may be present.
Many myths and misconceptions surround people with somatic symptom disorder (SSD). Often, the symptoms they are experiencing are said to be “all in their head.” Others may say that people with the condition are overreacting to something minor. The truth is, SSD is real and can cause a significant amount of distress and disruption to the lives of those affected by it.
A common misconception is that people with somatic symptom disorder are simply making up their symptoms to receive attention or extra medical care. This may be the case in certain conditions like a factitious disorder (previously known as Munchausen syndrome), but not with patients with Somatic symptoms Disorder. Patients with somatic symptom disorder truly do experience their symptoms, which may have a negative impact on their ability to perform tasks or participate in certain activities.
Reference
Mayo Clinic. (2018). Somatic Symptom Disorder . Retrieved December 27,2020
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/somatic-symptom-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20377776
Yates, W. (2019). Somatic Symptoms Disorders. Medscape. Retrieved December 27, 2020 from:
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/294908-overview
The recovery village. (2019). 5 Myths about Somatic Symptom Disorder . Retrieved December 27, 2020 from:
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/somatic-symptom-disorder/related/ssd-myths/

05/01/2021

Day 17
Topic of the Day: Illness Anxiety Disorder

Illness anxiety disorder, sometimes called hypochondriasis or health anxiety, is worrying excessively that you are or may become seriously ill. (Mayo, 2018)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, no longer includes hypochondriasis — also called hypochondria — as a diagnosis. Instead, people previously diagnosed with hypochondriasis may be diagnosed as having illness anxiety disorder, in which the focus of the fear and worry is on uncomfortable or unusual physical sensations being an indication of a serious medical condition.
Illness anxiety disorder is a long-term condition that can fluctuate in severity. It may increase with age or during times of stress. But psychological counseling (psychotherapy) and sometimes medication can help ease your worries.
Most people said that Anxiety isn’t a “real” medical problem. However, Anxiety disorders are a type of mental illness based on extreme fears. Feelings of anxiety include fear, worry and nervousness. Experiencing some anxiety from time to time is normal for everyone. But when excessive anxiety takes over, interfering with your daily thoughts and activities, that’s when anxiety disorders come into play. With these conditions, your anxiety does not go away and hangs around for six months or more.

Reference
Mayo Clinic . 2018 . Illness Anxiety Disorder. Retrieved December 27, 2020 from:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/illness-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20373782
Premier health. 2017. Anxiety isn't a real problem- and other anxiety disorder myths. Retrieved December 27, 2020 from:
https://www.premierhealth.com/your-health/articles/women-wisdom-wellness-/anxiety-isn-t-a-real-problem-and-other-anxiety-disorder-myths

03/01/2021

Topic of the Day: Selective Mutism

Selective Mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child’s inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings, such as school. These children are able to speak and communicate in settings where they are comfortable, secure, and relaxed.
Associated features of Selective Mutism may include excessive shyness, fear of social embarrassment, social isolation and withdrawal, clinging, compulsive traits, negativism, temper tantrums, or controlling or oppositional behavior, particularly at home. There may be severe impairment in social and school functioning. Teasing or goading by peers is common. Although children with this disorder generally have normal language skills, there may occasionally be an associated Communication Disorder (e.g., Phonological Disorder, Expressive Language Disorder, or Mixed Receptive- Expressive Language Disorder) or a general medical condition that causes abnormalities of articulation. Mental Retardation, hospitalization or extreme psychosocial stressors may be associated with the disorder. In addition, in clinical settings children with Selective Mutism are almost always given an additional diagnosis of Anxiety Disorder, especially Social Phobia is common. (DSM-IV-TR) (APA, 2000)
There are many common misconceptions about selective mutism. It is important to debunk the myths and understand the facts about selective mutism so that children suffering from the disorder can get the help they need. Children with selective mutism have always been perceived as subject of abuse and has trauma or deep dark secrets but this is typically not true. In fact, the rates of trauma in kids with selective mutism are the same as the general population. Children with selective mutism were also mistaken to have speech problems and need speech therapy but some kids with selective mutism have speech and language problems, however, many do not. We must also remember that Selective Mutism is not a form of autism. Children with Selective Mutism, when they are feeling anxious, often react with lack of eye contact, a blank expression, and other behaviors that may look like an autism spectrum disorder. However, Selective Mutism is fundamentally different from autism; while children with autism lack social and communication skills, children with SM are severely inhibited in speaking in certain situations.

Reference
Blum, E. (n.d). Selective Mutism – A Comprehensive Overview. Retrieved December 26, 2020 from:
https://selectivemutismcenter.org/whatisselectivemutism/

Anxiety Canada. (n.d). Myths about Selective Mutism. Retrieved December 26, 2020 from:
https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/myths-about-selective-mutism/

02/01/2021

Topic of the Day: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.
Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to identify people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from patients without the condition, according to a new study published in Radiology. Information from brain MRIs may also help to distinguish among subtypes of ADHD.
Much misinformation has circulated about ADHD and its causes, diagnosis, and treatment over recent decades. Some are a number of untrue assumptions about the disorder, along with explanations aimed at clarifying the issues.
"Treatment for ADHD will cure it. The goal is to get off medication as soon as possible" but most people didn't know that ADHD is a chronic condition that often does not entirely go away, but instead changes form over time.
“ADHD is caused by poor parental discipline.” but ADHD is not a result of poor discipline—although behaviors that stem from ADHD can challenge otherwise effective parenting styles.
“He’s just lazy and unmotivated.” This assumption is a common response to the behavior exhibited by a child who is struggling with ADHD. A child who finds it nearly impossible to stay focused in class, or to complete a lengthy task such as writing a long essay, may try to save face by acting as though he does not want to do it or is too lazy to finish. This behavior may look like laziness or lack of motivation, but it stems from real difficulty in functioning. All children want to succeed and get praised for their good work. If such tasks were easy for children with ADHD to accomplish, and provided rewarding feedback, those children would seem just as “motivated” as anyone else.

According to Joszt (2017), there are actually differences in the brains of people with ADHD, there are alterations in the shape of the left temporal lobe, bilateral cuneus, and areas around the left central sulcus which distinguish ADHD from typically developing patients
Now, most experts are using the term attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as a diagnosis for children whose behavior tends to be characteristically impulsive, inattentive, or a combination of both. Since all children have these traits some of the time, the diagnosis usually requires that the symptoms be present for at least six months by age seven, be evident in various situations, and be more intense than usually seen in other children of the same age and gender.

Reference
Centers for Diseases and Control Prevention. 2020. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Retrieved December 26, 2020 from:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
Joszt, L. 2017. Brain MRIs Can Identify ADHD and Distinguish Among Subtypes. Retrieved December 26, 2020 from:
https://www.ajmc.com/view/brain-mris-can-identify-adhd-and-distinguish-among-subtypes
American Academy of Pediatrics. 2018. ADHD Myths and Misconception. Retrieved December 26, 2020 from:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/Myths-and-Misconceptions.aspx
American Academy of Pediatrics. 2015. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Retrieved December 26, 2020 from:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/adhd/Pages/Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity-Disorder.aspx

01/01/2021

Topic of the Day: Postpartum Psychosis

Postpartum depression may be mistaken for baby blues at first — but the signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer, and may eventually interfere with your ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks. Symptoms usually develop within the first few weeks after giving birth, but may begin earlier ― during pregnancy ― or later — up to a year after birth.
Having post partum psychosis does not mean that a mother does not love her baby. Postpartum depression is linked with chemical imbalances, hormonal fluctuations and other psychological and environmental factors. Depression during this time has nothing to do with the mother’s lack of love for her baby. However, postpartum depression and the mother bonding with a baby can be impacted, as mood instability and fluctuations may prevent bonding and attachment.

Postpartum psychosis is the most severe form of postpartum psychiatric illness. It is a rare event that occurs in approximately 1 to 2 per 1000 women after childbirth. Its presentation is often dramatic, with onset of symptoms as early as the first 48 to 72 hours after delivery. The majority of women with puerperal psychosis develop symptoms within the first two postpartum weeks.
In DSM-5, postpartum psychosis is classified in the "short psychotic disorder" section of the schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders.
The authors present the case of a patient admitted to VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS) with postpartum psychosis and a discussion on existing research on the prevalence of postpartum psychosis, relevant risk factors, the association with bipolar disorder, and treatment strategies (Cranford, Gedzior & Su, 2018).

Reference
NHS. 2020. Post Partum Psychosis. Retrieved December 22, 2020 from:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/post-partum-psychosis/
MGH Center for Women's Mental Health. (n.d). Post Partum Psychiatric Disorders. Retrieved December 22, 2020 from:
https://womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/postpartum-psychiatric-disorders/
Mayo Clinic. (2019) Mayo Clinic Minute: Post Partum Depression is different than Baby Blues. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617. Date Retrieved: December 22, 2020

Cranford, K., Gedzior, J., Su, V. 2018. Postpartum Psychosis in a Young VA Patient: Diagnosis, Implications, and Treatment Recommendations. Retrieved December 22, 2020 from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6248224/

31/12/2020

Topic of the Day: Intermittent Explosive Disorder

Intermittent explosive disorder involves repeated, sudden episodes of impulsive, aggressive, violent behavior or angry verbal outbursts in which you react grossly out of proportion to the situation. Road rage, domestic abuse, throwing or breaking objects, or other temper tantrums may be signs of intermittent explosive disorder. (Mayo,2018)
Intermittent explosive disorder may best be treated by a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and medications.
A recent study using high resolution structural 3T magnetic resonance (MR) scans found that IED was associated with “localized, inwardly directed deformation in both the amygdala and hippocampus” and “significant loss of neurons in these brain regions” the authors concluded that these changes “may play a role in the functional abnormalities observed in previous fMRI studies and the pathophysiology of impulsive aggressive behavior.”
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) includes IED among impulse control disorders, marked by problems controlling emotions and behavior, which violate social norms as well as the rights of others
Some people said that having an Impulse control disorders aren’t “real” mental health conditions but Impulse control disorders are diagnosable conditions that can seriously impact one’s area of functioning and quality of life.

Reference:
Mayo Clinic 2018. Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Retrieved December 20, 2020
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/intermittent-explosive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20373921
Cleveland Clinic. 2018. Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Retrieved December 22, 2020 from:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17786-intermittent-explosive-disorder
Yasgur, B. 2015. A Primer on Intermittent Explosive Disorder. Psychiatry Advisor. Retrieved December 22, 2020 from:
https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/home/topics/anxiety/a-primer-on-intermittent-explosive-disorder/
Recovery Village. 2020. Impulse Control Disorder Myths. Retrieved December 22, 2020 from:
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/impulse-control-disorder/related/icd-myths/

30/12/2020

Topic of the Day: Kleptomania

Kleptomania (klep-toe-MAY-nee-uh) is the recurrent inability to resist urges to steal items that you generally don't really need and that usually have little value. Kleptomania is a rare but serious mental health disorder that can cause much emotional pain to you and your loved ones if not treated.
Kleptomania is recognized as a very raremental disorder that is classified under the impulse disorder (Mayo Clinic, ,2017).
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding kleptomania. Patients with Kleptomania often steal items they can easily afford but most of the people think that Kleptomaniacs steal because they cannot afford the items. In the case of kleptomania, the urge to steal is intense and cannot be controlled. People with kleptomania may be very aware of the consequences of stealing, yet they still must steal to satisfy their urges.
In 2010,J.E. Grant & B.L. Odlaug study that Kleptomania usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood, with males tending to start at an earlier age. Two-thirds of patients with kleptomania are female. Along with impairment in the social and occupational realms, legal repercussions and high rates of comorbid psychiatric conditions are common in kleptomania.
Because the cause of kleptomania isn't clear, it's not yet known how to prevent it with any certainty. Getting treatment as soon as compulsive stealing begins may help prevent kleptomania from becoming worse and prevent some of the negative consequences

Reference:
Mayo Clinic .2017. Kleptomania Retrieved December 19,2020 from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kleptomania/symptoms-causes/syc-20364732
The Recovery Village. Editor Renee Deveney, Medically Reviewed by Bonnie Bullock, BA PHD updated on September 16, 2020
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/kleptomania/related/kleptomania-myths/
Reference Module in Neuroscience and Behavioral Psychology, J.E. Grant, B.L. Odlaug, in Encyclopedia of Behavioral Neuroscience,2010
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780080453965001810

29/12/2020

Topic of the Day: Panic Disorder
According to Medline Plus (2016), panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder wherein an individual may feel like they are losing control and they may feel severe tension and anxiety as if something will happen when in reality, there are no genuine threat.
Lots of people still think that people suffering from panic attacks are just "OA" and are just over reacting to the situation. Though the real cause of panic disorder is not yet well understood, there are researchers suggesting that neuro transmitters and chemicals in the brain have major roles in this disorder. There are also researches that suggest that certain parts of the brain such as amygdala is accountable for this.
According to Kim, Dager & Lyoo (2012), the amygdala (part of the brain that modulates fear and anxiety) has been has been found to be accounted to have a critical part in the pathophysiology of PD. Behaviors similar to what is happening in panic attacks were observed in animals in a study when the amygdala is stimulated. Patients with Panic Disorder also show increased amygdalar activity with volume deficit which may be due to dysregulated brain metabolism.

References:
Kim, J., Dager, S., Lyoo, I. 2012. The role of the amygdala in the pathophysiology of panic disorder: evidence from neuroimaging studies. Retrieved December 23, 2020 from:
https://dx.doi.org/10.1186%2F2045-5380-2-20
Medline Plus. 2016. Panic Disorder. Retrieved December 23, 2020 from:
https://medlineplus.gov/panicdisorder.html #:~:text=Panic%20disorder%20is%20a%20type,Fast%20heartbeat

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