CBSE Class 12 Psychology Chapter 3: Psychological Disorders NCERT Solutions

Solution: Depression and mania are classified as mood disorders, which are characterized by significant disturbances in an individual's emotional state or mood. These disorders can manifest as a primary condition or as a symptom of a broader psychological issue.

Symptoms of Depression:

• Persistent low mood or a pervasive sense of sadness.
• A significant loss of interest or pleasure in most activities that were previously enjoyed.
• Profound loss of energy and overwhelming fatigue.
• Changes in body weight (either significant gain or loss) without dieting.
• Chronic sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or hypersomnia.
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
• Difficulty in thinking clearly, concentrating, or making decisions.
• Psychomotor agitation (restlessness) or retardation (slowed behavior).
• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
• Breakdown in relationships.
• Negative self-concept and low self-esteem.

Factors Predisposing towards Depression:

• Genetic Make-up: Heredity is a significant risk factor for major depression and bipolar disorders.
• Age: Certain age groups are at higher risk; for example, women are more vulnerable during young adulthood, while men face higher risks in early middle age.
• Gender: Women are more likely than men to report depressive disorders.
• Situational Factors: Negative life events, lack of social support, and failure to meet expectations can also contribute.

Symptoms of Mania:

• Markedly increased activity level, often goal-directed but sometimes unfocused.
• A state of euphoria or excessively elevated mood.
• Being excessively talkative, often speaking rapidly and loudly.
• Easily distracted, with attention shifting rapidly from one stimulus to another.
• Impulsive behavior, acting without considering consequences.
• Requiring less sleep than usual while feeling rested.
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity.
• Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, foolish business investments).

Bipolar Disorders:

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder where individuals experience alternating periods of mania and depression. These mood states are often interrupted by periods of normal mood. The disorder is cyclic, and during manic states, individuals may exhibit grandiose ideas and act impulsively without considering negative outcomes. Speech can be rapid, and the risk of suicide attempts is notably high in cases of bipolar mood disorders.

Solution: Children's behavioral disorders are often categorized based on factors identified by Achenbach, namely Externalizing Factors and Internalizing Factors. These disorders must manifest before the age of 18. Externalizing disorders are characterized by behaviors that are disruptive and aggressive towards others (undercontrolled emotions), while internalizing disorders involve internal distress like depression and anxiety, which may not be readily apparent to others (over-controlled emotions).

Characteristics of Hyperactive Children (often associated with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD):

ADHD is an externalizing disorder characterized by two main features: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

1. Inattention:

• Children with inattention find it difficult to sustain mental effort during tasks or play.
• They struggle to keep their minds focused on one activity or to follow instructions consistently.
• Common complaints include not listening when spoken to directly, difficulty concentrating, not following through on instructions, being disorganized, being easily distracted, forgetfulness, not finishing assignments, and quickly losing interest in boring activities.

2. Hyperactivity-Impulsivity:

• Children exhibiting hyperactivity are often fidgety, restless, and unable to stay seated when expected to.
• They may run about or climb excessively in situations where it is inappropriate.
• They often have difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
• Impulsivity means they have trouble controlling their immediate reactions or thinking before they act.
• They find it difficult to wait for their turn in games or lines.
• They often interrupt or intrude on others (e.g., butting into conversations or games).
• They struggle with delaying gratification and resisting immediate temptations.