While clinical psychologists may work
in many different settings and with different types of patients,
they typically see patients suffering from serious mental
disorders. To give you an idea of whether or not clinical
psychology is right for you, here are some of the most common
problems for which clinical psychologists provide treatment.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong rollercoaster ride of extreme
highs and lows. People with bipolar disorder experience manias
during which they feel like they’re on top of the world. While
feeling euphoric and energetic, they may be socially vibrant
or feel full of creative genius. Conversely, sufferers also
have periods of depression when they feel hopeless and may
not want to get out of bed for days.
While medication can level out the severe mood swings of
people with bipolar disorder, a clinical psychologist can
help them cope with their feelings through psychotherapy.
People with bipolar disorder often need the counseling services
provided by clinical psychologists for much of their lives.
Anxiety
A little bit of stress is good for us. It shows us what’s
important in our lives and usually means we’re working toward
our goals. But when stress becomes a disability, the consequences
can be unhealthy and the condition needs to be treated.
Anxiety disorders come in several forms. For example, post-traumatic
stress disorder (PSTD) makes an individual anxious after a
terrible ordeal. Many soldiers returning from combat situations
suffer from PSTD. Another common anxiety disorder clinical
psychologists treat is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Patients with OCD become obsessed with certain thoughts and
perform rituals over and over like hand washing or locking
doors.
Schizophrenia
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about
1.1% of the adult population in the United States suffers
from schizophrenia. Schizophrenics have trouble separating
reality from fantasy in ways that inhibit daily functioning
and the ability to develop relationships with others. They
often have auditory hallucinations, experience severe paranoia,
and come up with elaborate stories to rationalize the belief
that others want to harm them.
Medications can treat the symptoms of schizophrenia, but
it often takes a skilled clinical psychologist to help a schizophrenic
learn to trust and participate in community life again.
As you can see, clinical psychologists often have hard days
at work. The severe nature of their patients’ illnesses means
that clinical psychologists experience a great deal of stress.
But the work is also highly challenging and rewarding. If
reading this list of mental disorders made you want to know
more about how to treat these types of patients, a career
in clinical psychology may be right up your alley.
Check out these schools that offer degrees
in clinical psychology to get started.
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