SELF CONCEPT DISORDERS

By: Heather Estes, Nicole McCarty, Amber Olson, & Derek Schneider

What Is Self Concept?

Self concept is the set of values and beliefs, conscious or accessible to one's consciousness, as well as attitudes and opinions the individual has of himself, and of himself as regards others, the world and all that one's mind can reach.

Types of Disorders

Identity Disorders-one cannot identify correctly with one’s self because of the disorder

Self Esteem Disorders-low self esteem in someone can generate these disorders

Identity Disorders

Gender Identity Disorder Person’s sex and gender

identity conflict Person wants to become the

other gender Often Cross Dresses Increasing number have

surgery Dissociative Disorder Multiple Personality Disorder More than one identity Each identity is unique and

different 8-13 personalities per

person with disorder is the average

Results from traumatic experience during childhood

Identity Disorders Cont’d Narcissistic Personality

Disorder Desires attention & admiration Self centered and big into self

importance Low self esteem but act entitled

to everything

Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder

Perfectionism Indecisiveness and little

emotion

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Children ignore requests & rules Saying no Blame others

Characteristics

Negative Self-Concept

• Doing poorly in school;• Having few friends;• Putting down one-self and

others;• Rejecting compliments;• Teasing others;• Showing excessive amounts

of anger;• Being excessively jealous;• Appearing conceited; or• Hesitating to try new things

Identity Issues•Identity problems•Negative self definition•Confused boundaries•Feelings of emptiness•Difficulty maintaining

any personal relationships

•Hyper vigilance/other directed

Environments

Scholastic competence

Athletic competence

Physical appearance

Peer acceptance Close friendships Romantic

relationships Job competence Conduct/morality

TREATMENTS

Gender Identity Disorder Treatments

Psychological therapy can alter the course of gender identity disorder. Early intervention can lead to less transsexual behavior later in life. The initial focus of the treatment is to help the individual function in his/her biologic sex role as well as possible.

Adults who have severe gender identity disorder which has persisted for many years sometimes request reassignment of their sex, or sex-change surgery. Prior to this kind of surgery they usually go through a long period of hormone therapy which attempts to suppress same sex characteristics and accentuate other sex characteristics.

Dissociative Disorder Treatments

The treatment for dissociative amnesia is therapy aimed at helping the client/patient restore lost memories as soon as possible. If a person is not able to recall the memories, hypnosis or a medication called Pentothal (thiopental) can sometimes help to restore the memories. Psychotherapy can help an individual deal with the trauma associated with the recalled memories.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Treatments

Cognitive behavioral therapy. In general, cognitive behavioral therapy helps you identify unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones.

Family therapy. Family therapy typically brings the whole family together in therapy sessions. You and your family explore conflicts, communication and problem-solving to help cope with relationship problems.

Group therapy. Group therapy, in which you meet with a group of people with similar conditions, may be helpful by teaching you to relate better with others. This may be a good way to learn about truly listening to others, learning about their feelings and offering support.

The short-term goal of psychotherapy for narcissistic personality disorder is to address such issues as substance abuse, depression, low self-esteem or shame. The long-term goal is to reshape your personality, at least to some degree, so that you can change patterns of thinking that distort your self-image and create a realistic self-image.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Treatments

Psychotherapy for obsessive-compulsive disorderA type of therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be the most effective form of therapy for OCD in both children and adults. Cognitive behavioral therapy involves retraining your thought patterns and routines so that compulsive behaviors are no longer necessary.

Certain psychiatric medications can help control the obsessions and compulsions of OCD. Most commonly, antidepressants are tried first. Antidepressants may be helpful for OCD because they may help increase levels of serotonin, which may be lacking when you have OCD.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatments

Treatment requires commitment from the parent to follow through with what is going on in the child's life.

Usually improving parent skills will benefit the child’s behavior.

Diagnosing the child with ADHD, depression or anxiety, treating those issues will also improve the child.

Case Study

Rose is a 27 year old cashier at a convenience store. Rose believes she should be the full-time supervisor because she could do a much better job than the current supervisor. She has not had a substantial relationship since she was 16 years old and says it is because “The guys I choose aren’t good enough for me.” Rose takes advantage of anyone and everyone, including her parents whom she still lives with but can barely associate with because she believes she is better than them.

Recognition, Assessment, Intervention, & Referral

Narcissistic Personality Disorder From the case study, we assume Rose has a

moderate to high narcissism level. Cognitive behavioral therapy to recognize her

unhealthy behaviors and turn them into positive ones.

Family therapy to bring the family together so everyone can explore conflicts and relationship issues.

Group therapy so people with some of the same issues as Rose can get together and learn how to better communicate with others.