CBSE Class 12 Psychology Chapter 4: Psychological Disorders NCERT Solutions

Solution: Depression and mania are classified as mood disorders, which involve significant disturbances in a person's emotional state or prolonged maladaptive emotional experiences. The primary types of mood disorders include Major Depressive Disorder, Mania, and Bipolar Disorders. Depression can manifest as a symptom or as a major disorder itself.

Symptoms of Depression:

• Persistent depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure in most activities.
• Significant loss of energy and feeling of great fatigue.
• Noticeable change in body weight (gain or loss).
• Constant sleep problems, such as insomnia or hypersomnia.
• Feelings of tiredness and lack of vitality.
• Inability to think clearly, concentrate, or make decisions.
• Agitation or restlessness.
• Greatly slowed behaviour and speech.
• Recurrent thoughts of death and suicide.
• Breakdown in relationships.
• Negative self-concept, feelings of worthlessness, or excessive guilt.

Symptoms of Mania:

• Markedly increased activity level and energy.
• A state of euphoria or extreme happiness, often inappropriate to the situation.
• Excessively talkative, often with rapid speech (pressured speech).
• Easily distracted by irrelevant stimuli.
• Impulsive behaviour and poor judgment.
• Less than the usual amount of sleep required, without feeling tired.
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity.
• Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., unrestrained spending, sexual indiscretions, foolish business investments).

Bipolar Disorders:

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder where individuals experience alternating periods of both depression and mania. These episodes are sometimes separated by periods of normal mood. The disorder is cyclic in nature. In the manic state, individuals may exhibit grandiose cognitions and act on impulsive plans without considering negative consequences. Speech is often rapid. The risk of suicide attempts is notably high in cases of bipolar mood disorders.

Solution: Psychologists like Achenbach have identified two primary factors in childhood behavioral disorders: Externalizing Factors and Internalizing Factors. These disorders must manifest before the age of 18. Externalizing disorders are characterized by behaviors that are disruptive and often aggressive, affecting others in the child's environment (undercontrolled emotions). Internalizing disorders involve depression, anxiety, and discomfort that may not be readily apparent to others (over-controlled emotions).

One significant externalizing disorder is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The two main features of ADHD are:

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, follow instructions, complete assignments, or organize their work. Common complaints include not listening, being easily distracted, forgetful, and losing interest quickly in less stimulating activities.
2. Hyperactivity-impulsivity: Children exhibiting hyperactivity-impulsivity have trouble controlling their immediate reactions and often act without thinking. They find it difficult to wait for their turn, resist immediate temptations, or delay gratification. This can manifest as excessive fidgeting, restlessness, and constant movement.

Other externalizing disorders include Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Conduct Disorder.