Question

write an essay and choose a topic that you want to explore and inquire about (please do not write about abortion, marijuana, or gay marriage).

2. Research two articles for your essay about the topic you selected

Answer 1

PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS RELATED TO WOMEN

In most societies psychiatric disorders are more common in women.The common reasons for this include genetic differences,societal pressures on women,genetic differences,societal pressures on women,differences in rearing pattern and cultural expectations.The mental disorders are more commonly reported in females include major depression ,anxiety states,phobic neurosis,hypochondriasis,dissociative disorders,adjustment problems,attempted suicide.But there are many psychiatric disorders pecuilar to females which include

• Premenstrual syndrome.
• Psychiatric disorders associated with child birth.
• Menopausal syndrome.

Premenstrual syndrome starts about 5 to 10 days before onset of menses and lasts till the end of menses.It not only affects social but also occupational functioning ,leading to various degrees of maladjustments.The syndrome has ben widely treated with progesterone,oral contraceptives,oral contraceptives,bromocriptine,diuretics and antidepressant drugs.

There is an increased risk of mental illness associated with child birth,mostly in the postpartum period,mostly in the postpartum period but problems may also be present before or during pregnancy.The incidence of mental illness in the first trimester of pregnancy is thought to be high ,when compared to second and third trimesters of pregnancy.The predisposing factors for mental illness during pregnancy are,neurotic traits in premorbid personality,marital tension ,history of previous abortion.The majority of episodes of mental illness during pregnancy are neurosis.The commonest condition is depressive neurosis with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders.In most cases these conditions resolve by the second trimester of pregnancy.The major mental illness in pregnancy include bipolar affective disorder,severe depression and schizophrenia.The risk of of women developing a new episode of one of these conditions in pregnancy is lower than at other times in her life.

As many as 16% of mothers develop mental illness in the puerperium.The risk of becoming mentally ill during the puerperium is greater than at other times in the womens reproductive life.Many factors are associated with puerperant mental illness such as lack of confiding relationship and support,marital tension ,socio economic problems and a previous psychiatric history.Common puerperal mental disorders are Post natal blues,Post natal depression and Puerperal psychosis.Post natal blues are transient ,a self limiting condition with no known serious after effects.Most women recover from the blues within a day or two .it occurs at any time between the third and tenth postnatal day.it is considered a normal reaction to childbirth and affects about 70% to 80% of all postnatal mothers.These are more common in primi gravida and in those who complain of premenstrual tension.The support given to mothers in the post natal period may help them to cope with their feelings and have a significant contribution to their emotional well being and adaptation to motherhood.

Postnatal depression is the most frequent neurotic disorder during postnatal period.It occurs in 10% to 15% of women.Onset is usually within the first postpartum month,often on returning home and usually between day 3 and day 14.A majority of women recover spontaneously.Puerperal psychosis affects approximately 1-2 per 1000 births.Unmarried status,primigravida ,past history of schizophrenia may predispose to puerperal psychosis.The oneset is very sudden,commonly occuring within the first post natal week.

Various forms of therapy can help you manage a mental health diagnosis.In summary concerted efforts at social,economic,political and legal levels can bring change in the lives of women and contribute to the improvement of the mental health of women.