Unit 14 Coursework
LAA
Introduction to psychological disorders
Throughout section A of the coursework, I will be discussing two physiological disorders, their
affects, symptoms, and many more impacts they have on a service user. There are a variety of
psychological disorders which can have both physical and mental effects on the human body
including, Parkinson’s disease, bowel cancer, coronary heart disease and may more. However, the
two I will be researching are Diabetes (Endocrine Disorder) and Asthma (Respiratory Disorder).
Asthma
Asthma is a lung condition which causes breathing difficulties. Being a common respiratory disease,
it affects 5.4 million individuals in the UK and on average 3 people die from it daily. Although it
affects people of all ages, it predominantly starts in childhood, with some service users experiencing
it for the first time later in life. Asthma presents itself in the lungs but specifically in the muscles of
the airways. Due to inflammation and excessive mucus, the airways become restricted and
sometimes blocked. Although Asthma cannot be cured, there are some treatments which can make
the disease more manageable for the individual.
What is asthma? Asthma UK (no date) Asthma + Lung UK. Available at:
https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/understanding-asthma/what-is-asthma/ (Accessed: February 25,
2023).
Diabetes
Diabetes, an Endocrine System Disorder. An Endocrine System Disorder controls the bodies
hormones and biochemical, controlling homeostatic functions. Diabetes is a disorder occurs when
your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it well as it should. This lack of insulin lead to the
excess of sugar staying in your bloodstream which overtime could cause serious health problems. I
will be exploring two types of diabetes, both of which occur from different factors and carry
different symptoms.
• Type 1 diabetes – Type 1 diabetes develops forms damage to the pancreas (through infections or
genetically). The damage to the pancreas causes the failure to produce any insulin. This type usually
, appears from childhood, but it can be spotted in adult life through it being undetected.
• Type 2 diabetes – Type 2 diabetes occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or
their body doesn’t react to it. Therefore, the insulin stays in the blood and isn’t used for functions
such as energy. Opposing to type 1, type 2 diabetes shows with obesity issues and in later life. Type
2 diabetes is also a degenerative condition meaning it can cause long-term health problems
including kidney failure and limb amputation.
(No date) NHS choices. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/ (Accessed:
February 25, 2023).
Causes, Signs and Symptoms
Asthma
• Inherited traits- The main biological causes of asthma are usually caused by genetics. For example,
an individual is more likely to be affected by this disorder if there is a history of asthma or atopic
conditions (associated allergies e.g., hay fever or eczema) in their family. Moreover, being exposed
to smoke as a foetus or a child may cause this lung condition.
• Lifestyle choices- One of the most severe lifestyle effects on asthma is smoking. Smoke irritates the
airways making them inflamed and narrow, imitating an asthma attack. As an asthmatic is more
sensitive to these things, it is more likely to trigger their symptoms and cause a flare-up.
• Diet- Although your diet does not directly affect an individual’s asthma, however eating better to
maintain a healthy lifestyle may help their condition. Being overweight increases the risk of having
asthma due to the pressure on the lungs, making it difficult to breath. Therefore, good nutrition is
valuable for asthma. For instance, following an anti-inflammatory diet reduces the risk of
inflammation within the body’s cells and help to keep your weight within a healthy range.
