Analyzing Psychological Disorders Essay

Schizophrenia is a mental illness that is chronic and severe. It can be a disabling illness that affects men and women with the same ratio or frequency. This term is from a Greek word that means having a â€Å"split mind†. Though this usage in medical terms is not accurate. The Western perception of this illness is their belief that the term is equal to a disorder of split personality. They have been found to be very distinct mental disorders. People afflicted with schizophrenia do not manifest split personalities. Schizophrenia is an illness hat affects the mind and is characterized by the disability of perceptions and manifestations of reality. Schizophrenia has five classifications. The first is the paranoid type where hallucinations and delusions are present but there is absence of disorganized behavior, thought disorder and active flattening. The disorganized type of schizophrenia occurs when active flattening and thought disorder are both present. Catatonic schizophrenia occurs when there is evidence of psychomotor disturbances. There is the presence of psychotic symptoms in the undifferentiated type but there is also absence of criteria for the other types of schizophrenia. The residual type is wherein all the symptoms of the mental disorder is present at low level of intensity. Signs and symptoms for people with schizophrenia suffer from delusions and false faith in their personal convictions despite the presentation of evidence disproving the matter. This symptom is not explained by a person’s cultural background and orientation. Those afflicted also suffer from hallucinatory perceptions that can manifest when there is a lack of external diversion. The most common type of hallucination is the hearing of voices and other sounds. There is also the manifestation of disorganized attitude, behavior and thoughts. Speech is also incoherent and disorganized. The person suffering from this type of mental disorder display catatonic behavior wherein the person’s body may become rigid and unresponsive. The causes of schizophrenia are unknown. There are a lot of factors that are said to be involved with the formation of this illness. There is an interaction between genetics, biology, psychology and the environment that leads to the mental disorder. Medical science does not have a full understanding of all the causes and other concerns related to the mental disorder. Recent research and medical studies is slowly but surely shows improvement and progress that would help define the causes of schizophrenia and their explanation. An increase in the dopaminergic activity that is inside the mesolimbic pathway of the brain is a constant and significant finding (Bentall 2005). Data gathered from a PET study shows suggestions that the lesser frequency the frontal lobes are activated during a task that involves a working memory there is a greater increase in the abnormality of dopamine activity in the striatum that is though to be related to deficits in neurocognition in schizophrenia. While the credibility of the diagnosis has introduced many difficulties in the measurement of the relative effect of genes and the factor of environment, more and more evidence have suggested that environmental and genetic factors can combine and create a reaction that would lead to the mental disorder of schizophrenia. Suggestions have also been made regarding the diagnosis of schizophrenia had an important genetic composition but that is influenced by the stressors or factors relating to the environment. The concept of a vulnerability that can be inherited from by some people can be destroyed by psychological, biological and environmental stressors. This is known as the stress-diathesis model. The idea that psychological, biological and social factors is more significant is called the biopsychosocial model in analyzing the causes of schizophrenia (Goldner, Hsu 2002). The approximate degree and frequency of hereditary causes in schizophrenia has a tendency to vary because of the difficulty in the separation of the effects of the environment and genetics. Twin studies have both suggested that there is a high rate of cases involving schizophrenia caused by genetic factors. It is possible that schizophrenia is a mental condition that is complicated in hereditary nature with many genes likely interacting to increase the risk of schizophrenia or the separate parts that can also occur that will lead to its diagnosis. Studies in genetics have implied that genes that increase the risk for the development of schizophrenia are not specific and may also increase the risk of development of other psychotic disorders. A breakthrough in recent research also suggested that very rare copies or omissions of small DNA sequences within the genes that are known as copy number variants were also related to the increased rate of risk for the development of schizophrenia (Noll 2006). It has also been thought that factors that cause schizophrenia can combine in the early development of the human brain during pregnancy. This would later increase the risk of developing schizophrenia. One finding that raised a great amount of curiosity is that people who were diagnosed with the mental illness is said to have been more possibly born in spring or winter in those living in the northern hemisphere of the planet. There is current evidence that exposure to infections during the prenatal stage can increase the risk of the development of schizophrenia in the age of maturity. This finding provides additional proof that linked the utero-developmental pathology with the risk of developing the mental disorder. Social conditions also help the increased risk of schizophrenia. People who are living in a highly urbanized environment have been found out to be exposed to great risk of being afflicted with the mental disorder. Poverty, poor living conditions and social status has also been found to contribute to the risk factor. Migration of people that is related to social problems like racial discrimination, unemployment and people coming from broken families also become factors of developing schizophrenia. There has been an implication made regarding the risk factor of childhood abuse and trauma that can cause schizophrenia later on in life. Lack of support and family dysfunctions also increase the risk but not directly connected to parenting. Substance use have also been found to increase the risk of schizophrenia but the relationship of this link is found to be complex. There has been some difficulty in distinguishing a clear relationship of substance use and the mental disorder. There is also solid evidence that the usage of certain illegal substances can start the onset or relapse of the mental illness in some people. These people who were diagnosed with schizophrenia use these substances to overcome negative emotions that comes with the intake of anti-psychotic medication and the mental condition itself. Negative feelings of paranoia and anhedonia were considered to be primary characteristics. The ingestion of amphetamines can trigger the brain to release dopamine that would increase dopamine activity. It is this excessive increase in activity that it is known to be partially responsible for the manifestation of psychotic symptoms of the mental disorder. This is partially supported by the idea that amphetamines can worsen the symptoms present in schizophrenia. This type of mental disorder can be triggered by heavy usage of stimulants and hallucinogens. One study has suggested the that the use of cannabis contributes to the occurrence of psychosis though some researchers suspect that the use of this substance was only a small part of the many factors of schizophrenia (Green 2002). There is also a number of psychological reasons that have been implicated in the development and sustainability of schizophrenia. A number of cognitive biases have been named in those that have been diagnosed and those that are at risk especially when there is the application of stress or in a state of confusion overly increased attention to potential threats, arriving at conclusions and impaired reasoning. There is also the manifestation of difficulty in differentiating from inner speech mechanism to one coming from an external entity and difficulty in retaining concentration. Case Studies: Anxiety Tom is an engineer, he is happily married, and he is the father of three bright, healthy children. By all appearances, his life is stable and satisfying. Tom, however, suffers from continual worry that he has a difficult time turning off. His anxiety may center on anything from his perceived health problems (he has recently been to his doctor for a physical, but no health issues were discovered) to money and job responsibilities. At times his anxiety peaks to the point that it interferes with his ability to function on the job. Physical symptoms include muscle tension, headaches, and hot flashes that often accompany Tom’s anxiety. Tom often feels nauseated, and he becomes easily fatigued. When he feels anxious, Tom has difficulty concentrating, he becomes irritable, and he has difficulty falling asleep at night. All of these symptoms have been present for the last 6 months. Tom has tried to talk himself out of his anxiety, but this has not worked for him. Toms wife is supportive, but she does not know what to do for her husband (Hauser, 2005). Neural circuitry involving the amygdala and hippocampus is thought to underlie anxiety. When confronted with unpleasant and potentially harmful stimuli such as foul odors or tastes, PET-scans show increased bloodflow in the amygdala. Possible mechanism is malfunction in the parabrachial nucleus, a structure in the brain, that among other functions, coordinates signals from the amygdala with input concerning balance. The amygdala is involved in the emotion of fear. Biochemical factors come into play. Low levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces overactivity in the central nervous system, contributes to anxiety. A number of anxiolytics achieve their effect by modulating the GABA receptors.

First national bank case study Essay

A brand is the idea or image of a specific product or service that consumers connect with, by identifying the name, logo, slogan, or design of the company who owns the idea or image. Branding is when that idea or image is marketed so that it is recognizable by more and more people, and identified with a certain service or product when there are many other companies offering the same service or product. Advertising professionals work on branding not only to build brand recognition, but also to build good reputations and a set of standards to which the company should strive to maintain or surpass. Branding is an important part of Internet commerce, as branding allows companies to build their reputations as well as expand beyond the original product and service, and add to the revenue generated by the original brand. When working on branding, or building a brand, companies that are using web pages and search engine optimization have a few details to work out before being able to build a successful brand. Coordinating domain names and brand names are an important part of finding and keeping visitors and clients, as well as branding a new company. Coordination of a domain name and brand names lends identification to the idea or image of a specific product or service, which in turn lets visitors easily discovery the new brand. Branding is also a way to build an important company asset, which is a good reputation. Whether a company has no reputation, or a less than stellar reputation, branding can help change that. Branding can build an expectation about the company services or products, and can encourage the company to maintain that expectation, or exceed them, bringing better products and services to the market place. 1.2 Audi: commodity, products, company, brand? differentiates between a brand and a commodity by stating that â€Å"Branding is associated with added costs in the form of marketing, labelling, packaging and promotion. Commodities are ‘unbranded’ or undifferentiated products. distinguish the difference between a product and a brand, by saying, that a product â€Å"is anything that meets the functional [tangible] needs of customers†. In this context, one can say that a commodity represents basic, unbranded products such as Steel or other raw materials. However, products represent the next level, in this case it is automobiles. As a result, the brand level, which has intangible benefits, is represented by a particular brand in the automobile industry. However, Audi is a company brand which means, that the â€Å"name of the company identifies the brand†. This view is supported by Kapferer (2004, p.5) and Olins (2008, p.52) who both state that the corporate name is used at the same time as the name of the brand. 1.3.AUDI – major characteristics Audi is the jewel of the crown within Volkswagen group as well as the driving force of growth. Until the mid-1990s, Audi cars were still seen as poor man’s Mercedes or BMWs. However, since the 1996 A4 and then the head-turning TT, Audi has established itself as a leader in style and quality. Its technology also shines in powerful turbocharged engines, quattro 4WD, aluminum spaceframe chassis and advanced transmissions. Now Audi has become a strong premium brand like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The lifestyle of many people has changed in the sense that, there is a development towards an environmentally friendly way of life and Audi should take advantage of this. Even though Audi already takes necessary steps toward the protection of the environment, it should emphasise that it’s a hydrogen combustion Strategy is competitive to BMW’s engine for example. Audi should aim to become the economic and environmental leader in the worldwide automobile market. Audi should expand their brands on the worldwide market and emphasise their different price ranges and target markets in order to create customer loyalty and affection for the brand. Furthermore, Audi should be aware that there are still new customers entering the market, for example young people. By targeting this group, Audi has the chance to mature with this audience, which supports the establishment of customer loyalty. In this context, After Sales Service plays an important role in maintaining the customers and encouraging repeat purchase. Audi should aim to improve customer satisfaction and brand image through enhanced dealer networks and an upgraded service. Furthermore, Audi did considerably well in surviving the economic crisis, not just because of their high brand equity and their excellent sales in the last year. However, in expanding this equity in the future, financial backing could be established, which could help Audi to become number one worldwide, and help Audi perform better against the competition. This emotional relationship should be expanded by continuing to offer high quality cars to every segment of society, ranging from young drivers to old, loyal drivers.

Aristotle notes

Virtue ethics are ethics which focus on choosing virtuous courses of conduct rather than in adhering to duties.   Aristotle articulates a virtue ethic in the Nicomachean Ethics.   Aristotle reasons that the end of any actions or choice is a good.(Aristotle, I, ch 1)   He finds that happiness is the ultimate good to which all things are directed.   Of course, different people seek different kinds of happiness, some seeking sensual pleasure, others wealth, others glory.   He finally reasons that â€Å"happiness . . . comes as a result of virtue and some process of learning or training, to be among the most godlike things; for that which is the prize and end of virtue seems to be the best thing in the world, and something godlike and blessed.†Ã‚   (Aristotle, bk. I, ch. 1)  Ã‚   This same statement explains the ingredients of a good life: living according to virtue and contemplating the godlike things.   (Aristotle, bk. I, ch. 9)In considering what is virtue, Aristo tle notes that some activities are ends in themselves.   We eat to satisfy our hunger.   Other activities are means to other ends.   We practice various sports to better our chances in competition.   From this, he divides virtues between intellectual virtues and moral virtues. Intellectual virtues belong to the rational element of the soul.   These virtues consist of understanding, the acquiring of wisdom, an awareness of the beautiful.   Moral virtues reflect the need to address the irrational elements of the human soul.These virtues consist of curbing and directing the appetites and desires, so that they remain under the control of reason.   Appetites in human nature are not inherently bad, but if they get beyond the control of reason, creating either an excess or a deficiency, they are harmful to the soul. Such appetites must be regulated by achieving the â€Å"golden mean,† so that these appetites can offer a positive contribution to the good life. Reflectin g his own outlook, Aristotle found that intellectual virtues can never be excessive, for they inherently enhances the welfare of the soul (Aristotle, bk. I, ch. 9)Aristotle does not give a precise definition of virtue, but develops it more as a negative concept: it is the avoidance of vice or excess.   Virtue is attained by achieving a â€Å"mean,† a middle ground among any possible excesses.   The mean is the point between competing virtues and vices which reflects the best balance of these.   â€Å"Virtue, then, is a state of character concerned with choice, lying in a mean, i.e. the mean relative to us, this being determined by a rational principle, and by that principle by which the man of practical wisdom would determine it.† Aristotle II, ch. 6)However, because conduct must deal with individual cases, a determination of the mean must lie with each individual case.   While a philosophical system can enumerate or describe the competing excesses,, it will be for the individuals in each such case to find the mean.(Aristotle, II, ch. 7)   â€Å"But this is no doubt difficult, and especially in individual cases; for or is not easy to determine both how and with whom and on what provocation and how long one should be angry; for we too sometimes praise those who fall short and call them good-tempered, but sometimes we praise those who get angry and call them manly.   Aristotle, bk II, ch 9)For Aristotle, the final attainment of the happiness is difficult.   â€Å"Happiness is among the things that are prized and perfect. It seems to be so also from the fact that it is a first principle; for it is for the sake of this that we all do all that we do, and the first principle and cause of goods is, we claim, something prized and divine.†Aristotle, I ch. 12.   Further, Aristotle accepts one of the premises of the Greek outlook, that is it best to call no man happy as long as he lives, so that true happiness requires a lifetime.   (Aristotle, bk. I, ch. 12)That Aristotle was a brilliant thinker cannot be disputed.   He also came from a prosperous background, and was widely regarded for his brilliance during his lifetime.   His philosophy in many ways reflected this, as he believed that what he did in being a thinker and teacher aimed at the ideal life.   (Durant 1939, pp. 324-37) By contrast, Epictetus came from a more humble background, and his Stoic philosophy reflects his life.He was a slave for much of his life, and while he does not appear to have been subjected to terrible, he retained in all of his work a sense of limitation, that life was given and could be withdrawn at a moment’s notice and without valid reason.   (Durant 1944, pp. 490-93)

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus - Term Paper Example At the very least, this paper aims to subjugate, criticize and analyse the aesthetic standards of the ancient people in terms of architecture and representations that pertain to worship and religious iconography since these things have played a very vital role in thriving of the artistic culture that time. What seems to be so significant about this paper is it tries to revive to the consciousness of the modern people the importance and contributions of the ancient knowledge and culture that have become one of the guiding conventions of the modern people in generating new concepts and designs related to architecture. At the same time, it tries to highlight the pivotal conditions that surround the architectural design of the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, one of the wonders of the Ancient World. The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus was designed by the architect Chersiphron and is said to be the very first temple built out of marble and the largest Greek temple erected and measures 377 feet long and 180 feet wide (Temple of Artemis). The very first shrine was constructed around 800 B.C.E. and had major reconstructions during the 600 B.C.E., 550 B.C.E. and 356 B.C.E. (unmusem.org). However, during the reconstruction period of the temple, Theodorus, Scopas of Paros became contributing architects for Temple of Artemis (clevelys.co.uk). The Temple of Artemis was erected at the marshy fields of the Ephesus at the Asia Minor (greatbuildings.com). This temple is regarded to be one of the wonders of the ancient world (yousigma.com). Its highlights several conventions of architecture and culture present during the early human times. This architectural edifice is a treasure damaged due to several complexities that have risen during that time. Also, the historical relevance of the temple is crucial to determine the cultural influences that have penetrated the construction of the said majestic

Final Letter to the Instructor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Final Letter to the Instructor - Essay Example Thanks to my instructor for facilitating smooth learning process by providing a healthy environment with equal opportunity for every student to learn something new. The experience of this class helped me become more aware of my writing strengths and weaknesses. The content learnt did not only help me identify my weaknesses in writing, but also provided me with tools to strengthen these weaknesses. I would really recommend this course to other students I know who have not been able to identify their writing weaknesses and strengths. Apart from the class teachings, involvement in group work and discussions even played a bigger role in helping me identify my skills. During the course, I worked with several groups on various projects. The group environment enabled me to identify areas that I was strong in and those that I had weaknesses. Through group projects, there was an opportunity to share ideas and opinions with other group members. Once in a discussion, you could be able to identi fy opinion of others that were widely accepted by the group members, which you were not familiar with and put them down as weaknesses. My own opinions that got wide acceptance in the group reflected as strengths to me. A lot of writing principles and elements learn in this class have changed my attitude towards writing and made me feel more attracted to the discipline. My writing skills before enrollment in this course were not as they are today. I could make many mistakes including grammar, styles and punctuation. In writing, there are various writing formats for different types of essays and business writing. I had prior knowledge on formats for such essays as argumentative, persuasive and research papers, which I had done some online research on before. I could write concisely and avoid relative terms but I later realized there was still more I was not familiar with in writing. It was difficult for me to write point of view essays and informative essays since I was not good on th em. Through such difficulties experienced, I was able to identify areas that needed improvement. Throughout the course, my aim has been to improve my writing skills and apply every principle and element learnt in this class. My guiding principle throughout the course has been having a positive attitude towards everything even when challenges come your way. By this, I was always motivated to make it even when faced with challenges. It was a great experience working with such an attitude, in an environment full of encouragement from the instructor and colleagues. I realized it is possible to learn a lot from anything one has interest in as long as he or she is ready to take criticism and understand that it is not personal but a way of helping. Out of the course work, most of my writings skills have changed positively. My writings are more effective because I have understood the importance of considering the target audience before working on any paper. Understanding the targeted audien ce helps one decide the structure and the language to use in writing it. From the acquired skills, writing well-structured professional papers has become easier for me. I have realized some of the major mistakes I used to make when drafting professional documents, for example, my resume had many mistakes and after getting these skills, I managed to make several changes to the document to make it attractive and professional. My confidence in writing memos and letters has improved.

Mills utilitarianism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Mills utilitarianism - Essay Example One thing which we should have learned by now during our philosophical journey is that we have to have a theory of human behavior which should be able to address the diversity of human environments and thus cannot be very simple and rigid. Utilitarianism is a step in that direction. Utilitarianism The founder of Utilitarianism was Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832). His theory begins with proposition that nature has placed human beings under two masters: pleasure and pain. Anything that seems good must either be directly pleasurable, or thought to be a means to pleasure or to the avoidance of pain. Conversely, anything that seems bad must either be directly painful, or thought to be a means to pain or to the deprivation of pleasure. From this Bentham argued that the words right and wrong can only be meaningful if they are used in accordance with the Utilitarian principle, so that whatever increases the net surplus of pleasure over pain is right and whatever decreases it is wrong. Moreover, the net pain and pleasure to be considered is not restricted to personal level but should be the sum of the pleasure of all involved by acting or getting effected by a particular action. Therefore from utilitarianism we cannot gauge the utility of action by putting it on the persona l criteria of pleasure and pain but it has to be more wholesome resultantly more complex but practicable. Basic Objections to Utilitarianism Most difficult part in the implementation of Bentham's utilitarianism is that to take an action, one has to take into account the expanse of the effects of the actions i.e. how far the consequences going to travel. This factor leads to three basic objections to utilitarianism:- 1. Utilitarianism is too demanding as it is more inclined towards collective good than individual good. 2. Utilitarianism is a heartless doctrine as it does not concentrate/focus on the intention but on the consequences thus making the entire concept of virtuous intent redundant. 3. The Principle of Utility is impractical because one has to think the consequences for which the time and information might not be available at a particular moment. Mill's Modification to Utilitarianism These basic objections though seem valid were addressed by John Stuart Mill (1806-1873). The salient points of his modification to utilitarianism were:- 1. Introduction of Higher and Lower Pleasure Mill is of the opinion that pleasure has to be distributed into categories of higher and lower pleasure. At times we may confront a situation that we find a number of actions which might lead to "pleasure". In such circumstances we would be at a loss to decide the course of action. It will be only the conception of higher and lower pleasure which will give us the ability to take correct actions at correct time. In doing so we should also consider that the most suitably equipped person to judge the distinction between the higher and lower pleasure is the one who has experienced both. 2. Introduction of Rules in Moral Decision Making Mill considers that rules can be the force behind the decision. These rules are in fact the outcome of utilitarianism and they are established by taking into consideration principles of utility i.e. rules which had been giving and will give "pleasure" to the

J.K Rowling's Harry Potter Series Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

J.K Rowling's Harry Potter Series - Essay Example (What is a Literary Canon) The past decade witnessed some classic works from different writers but none got as much appreciation as the J.K Rowling who could undoubtedly be called as the queen of children literature of the present era. Starting her career in 1997 from her first book 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's stone' which was well appreciated by the global audiences, she quickly rose to a figurehead among the children and elders alike. Despite her huge achievements in such a less time, she is not recognized as a part of the literary canon. In this paper we would discuss why J.K Rowling should be included in the literary canon. Many of the critics argue that Rowling's books run along the same theme as many of the previously published children books. Like Dickens's Pip and Bronte's Jane, Harry begins his life as an orphan and a normal boy who is a subject of taunts and snide comments from his relatives. Like almost all its preceding children books, Harry Potter is punctuated with social concerns with a touch of personal feelings, emotions of passion, selfishness, selflessness, petty misunderstanding, love, anger and vindictiveness. However Rowling has done something with Harry Potter which no other writer has previously done which has what earned Harry a place unlike that of his fellow epic heroes. Her sense of writing is what has earned Harry its current place. Rowling has described characters in an interesting way, describing enough to give true idea of the characters while leaving enough to arouse curiosity in the readers. Her description of scenes and their interaction with the plot acts like a key in a lock- perfectly matched. Through her characters and story, she has got her readers engaged in the fascinating web of the story. Therefore even though her storyline is similar to many other children stories, her way of expression and writing gives her a level far above the other writers, making her a worthy candidate for the literary canon. (Nye) A point which is often raised against Rowling's admission into the literary canon is actually a point in her favor. Many say that Rowling's story is not unique as it runs on the same theme of magic, wand lore, wizards, witches, elves, giants, goblins, unicorns and fairies. Rowling makes this simple repetitive theme wonderful and appealing through the magic of her writing. Rowling combines all these magical elements into an extensive tale of a teenage boy. The Harry Potter saga could be seen as a product of every child's dreams and nightmares which is the reason why it gained such an appreciation. Like all other books which runs on the theme of magic, apparently Rowling's 'Harry Potter' too seems outlandish and out of the world but the story is intimately linked with the human elements which does not alienate the readers. This representation of human experience combined with a magical theme is one of the best qualities of her writing. Obvious examples include Arithmancy which could be called as Mathematics, Potions as a counterpart of Chemistry, Healers are actually doctors while the Policemen as Aurors. Even the wizard sport Quidditch could actually be seen as aerial football. These human elements separate Rowling's work from other stories and earn her book a place in the hearts of its readers. (Harry Potter and the