Nervous Breakdown
Psychology research papers often study what constitutes a "nervous breakdown". The psychological elements of a nervous breakdown can be explored through the writers at Paper Masters. Our writers will custom write your psychology research paper on the acute psychiatric disorder commonly known as a nervous breakdown.
The term "nervous breakdown" is a popular phrase describing an acute psychological disorder characterized by the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dissociation that prevents a previously healthy individual from participating in their life.
A nervous breakdown is generally a temporary state of being, wherein the individual becomes overwhelmed by life stressors and may require hospitalization and/or medication.
The term "nervous breakdown" is not an official psychiatric diagnosis that can be found in the DSM-IV. It is generally held to be a break with normal mental health following a prolonged period of stress/stressors. These stressors may include such events as divorce, financial problems, or work/school difficulties.
Nervous Breakdowns and Stress
Nervous breakdowns share many features with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or acute stress disorder, and can be characterized by sleep disturbances, avoidance behavior, dissociation or depression. The specifics of a nervous breakdown may vary from individual to individual and may indicate the presence of an underlying mental health issue such as depression or anxiety.
While the term is used less frequently by health professionals than it once was, the popular association continues as a definition for an acute break with the norms of daily life. Periods of intense stress will cause individuals to become unable to cope, and although the term is not a medical diagnosis, the symptoms do require medical attention.