Download Introduction to Mental Health

The Health Science Modules of the
Science & Technology Curriculum
Learning and Teaching Resources
Theme:
Topic:
Healthy Lifestyle
Mental Health
The purpose of this set of teaching resources is to provide teachers
with some teaching ideas and updated information on individual
themes. The content of the topics is built on those in S1-3 Science
Curriculum. It is not expected that every detail in this set of materials is
to be covered in class teaching, as some of the materials only serve as
references/ enrichment for teachers. To enhance the effectiveness of
learning and teaching, teachers may need to modify the resources to
suit the needs, abilities and interests of their students. Teachers also
have to note that the materials included are by no means exhaustive,
and should feel free to employ other resources if appropriate.
Table of Contents
Page
Introduction
1
Learning Objectives
1
Scheme of Work
2-6
Lesson Plans
7-9
Teacher Notes


Period 1
Period 2

What is mental health?

How do I manage mental health?

What are mental problems or
illness?

Table of Psychosis and Neurosis

Psychotic disorders


Schizophrenia

Dementia

Alzheimer Disease

Parkinson’s Disease
10
10-12
13
14-15
16
17-18
19
20-21
Neurotic disorders

Mood Disorder
22

Major Depression
23

Manic-Depressive Disorder
24

Anxiety
25

Phobia
26-27

Obsessive-compulsive
Disorder
28

Somatoform Disorder
29


Period 3
Generalized Anxiety
Disorder
30

What is Stress?

Examples of positive and negative
stress on mental, emotional and
physical being
33

The causes and symptoms of stress
34-35

The physiological response of
stress: General Adaptation
36-43
31-32
Syndrome (GAS)

Stress-related personality types
43-44

The possible disorders that caused
by stress
44-45

Ways to coping with stress
46-47

Treatment of mental illness
48

Substance misuse on mental health
49-50

Current misconception
50-51

Our attitude towards mental illness
and how can we help them
52

What is mental health?
53

How do I manage my mental health?
53

What is mental problems or illness?
53

Psychosis Disorders
56-57

Neurosis Disorders
58-62

What is stress?
63

Causes of stress
64

Symptoms of stress
65

Physiological response to stress
Student Notes


Period 1
Period 2
65-67

Coping with stress
68

Treatment of mental illness
68

Substance misuse on mental health
69

Current misconception

Current attitudes towards mental
illness and how we can help them

Worksheet

Group discussion

Reflective journal from newspaper
clippings
74-75

School program
76-78
69-71
71
Suggested Activities
Glossary
72-73
74
79-80
Supplementary Resources

References for Teachers
81-85
Mental Health
Introduction
According to the National Mental Health Association in America, approximately
1 in 5 people may be affected by mental disorders during the course of any
given year. Therefore, mental health conditions can affect anyone regardless
of age, race, or economic status.
In the past decades, mental illness has always been a subject that nobody
wants to talk about and is often misunderstood. It carries a social stigma and
a widespread of misconceptions that can often makes the people who suffered
from mental illness more difficult to gain acceptance as well as respect in the
society.
Health information changes very quickly and there are numerous scientific new
findings we ought to know for our own growth. In this module, you have the
opportunity to gain understanding and to explore the concept of “Mental
health”.
Learning Objectives:
After this series of classes, the students will be able to:
1. Define Mental Health.
2. Discuss various ways to maintain individual well-being.
3. Recognize various symptoms and types of Mental illness.
4. Discuss how substance misuse affects mental health.
5. Look at society's attitude to mental illness and discuss ways to overcome
this problem.
6. Define Stress.
7. Describe the various types of stress.
8. Explain the body’s physiological response to stress e.g. homeostasis
mechanism.
9. Compare the short- and long-term health effects of stress.
10. Learn to use various stress-management techniques.
1
Scheme of work for Mental Health
Scheme of work for Mental Health (Healthy Lifestyles theme ~ Health Science Module)
Topic
Mental
Health
Time
Learning Objectives
(40 mins)
Suggested Activities
Resources
Period 1 Introduction to Mental Health
. 1. Define “What is mental health”?
Group discussion
News articles,
1. Case-studies from newspaper websites and
clippings
textbooks (see
“Reference”)
2. Brainstorm with students to
discuss the areas in life that
contribute to good mental
health
2. Suggest several ways to manage good Activity
mental health
Design an exhibition board to
promote good mental health in
3. Define “What is mental problems or
school
illness?”
4. Recognize two types of mental
illnesses:
 Neurotic illness

Psychotic illness
2
Scheme of work for Mental Health
Scheme of work for Mental Health (Healthy Lifestyles theme ~ Health Science Module)
Topic
Time
Learning Objectives
(40 mins)
Suggested Activities
Resources
Mental Health Period 2 Mental Illness of Disorders
. 1. State various types, causes and symptoms Group discussion:
News articles,
of mental illness:
 Case-studies from newspaper websites and
Mood Disorder
clippings
textbooks (see
i. Major Depression
 Current misconceptions about “Reference”)
i. Manic-Depressive Disorder or
mental illness or disorders
Biopolar Disorder
 Discuss ways to promote
Anxiety Disorder
mental health
i.
i. Generalized Anxiety Disorder
ii. Phobia
Activity
iii. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Design an exhibition board or do
(OCD)
group assignment on mental health
Somatoform Disorder
promotion
Schizophrenia and other psychotic
disorders
b)
2. Describe the treatment of mental illness:
 Medication
 Psychotherapies
3
Scheme of work for Mental Health
3. Recognize how substance misuse affects
mental health
For example, negative effects of specific
drugs on mental health.
4. Address current attitudes towards mental
illness:
 Clarify the ideas on mental health
misconceptions
 Promote individual and public
awareness on mental health
4
Scheme of work for Mental Health
Scheme of work for Mental Health (Healthy Lifestyles theme ~ Health Science Module)
Topic
Time
Learning Objectives
(40 mins)
Suggested Activities
Resources
Mental Health Period 3 Stress
. 1. Define “What is stress?”
2. Identify two types of Stress:
 Eustress – positive stress
 Distress – negative stress
3. State some examples of “positive” and
“negative” stress and explore how stress
affects mental, emotional and physical
well-being.
Group discussion
News articles,
1. Case-studies from newspaper websites and
clippings
textbooks (see
2. Brainstorm with students the “Reference”)
possible methods in dealing
with stress
Activity
 Fill up “Response to Stress”
worksheet and compare
4. Identify the causes and symptoms of Stress.
results among small groups.
 Write a reflective journal on
5. Describe the physiological response of
stress-related news articles
Stress and recognize the possible
psychosomatic symptoms develop during  Design an exhibition board in
promoting
the three stages of General Adaptation
“Stress-management
Syndrome (GAS) identified as:
Techniques” as a school
i. Alarm stage
program
ii. Resistance stage
iii. Exhaustion stage
5
Scheme of work for Mental Health
6. Types of Stress/disease-related personality
patterns
 Type A personality
 Type B personality
 Type C personality
7. Identify the possible disorders that can be
caused or aggravated by Stress
For example, Migraine
8. Suggest ways to cope with Stress
6
Lesson Plan for Mental Health
Lesson Plans for Mental Health (Healthy Lifestyles theme - Health Science Module)
Suggestions for teaching and activity sequence with time allocation
Lesson 1: Introduction to Mental Health
Sequence
(40 mins)
Content and Activity
Resources
Time
Motivation
Shows students some mental health-related news article and to
recognize the importance to maintain good mental health.
Newspaper (PowerPoint)
5’
Theme Teaching
Introduce to students:
1. Concept of Mental Health.
2. Types of mental problems or illness.
PowerPoint lecture
20’
Consolidation
Group discussion:
1. Case studies from newspaper cuttings
Review
15’
2.
Brainstorm with students (or in form of a small group) to
discuss the areas in life that contribute to good mental
health?
7
Lesson Plan for Mental Health
Lesson Plans for Mental Health (Healthy Lifestyles theme - Health Science Module)
Suggestions for teaching and activity sequence with time allocation
Lesson 2: Mental Illness or Disorders (40 min)
Sequence
Motivation
Content
Resources
Shows students some newspaper cuttings on Stress/Ask some
Time
Newspaper (PowerPoint)
5’
PowerPoint lecture
20’
PowerPoint
15’
general questions related to Stress
Theme Teaching
Introduce to students:
1. Example of types of mental illness
2. Recognize the possible causes and symptoms of mental
illness*
3. Treatment and rehabilitation of mental illness
4. How substance misuse may lead to mimicking of mental
illness symptoms or worsen ongoing mental illness. **.
Consolidation
Group discussion:
1. Case studies from newspaper cuttings
2. Brainstorm with students (or in form of a small group) to
discuss:


Current misconceptions towards mental illness
What should be done about the stigma surrounding
mental problems.
*
**
It may not be necessary to ask the students to memorize the symptoms/treatment of mental illness or disorders.
You may refer to “Substance Abuse” for the various drugs effect that acts on human brain
8
Lesson Plan for Mental Health
Lesson Plans for Mental Health (Healthy Lifestyles theme - Health Science Module)
Suggestions for teaching and activity sequence with time allocation
Lesson 3: Stress (40 min)
Sequence
Motivation
Content
Resources
Shows students some stress-related news article and to recognize
Time
Newspaper (PowerPoint)
5’
PowerPoint lecture
20’
PowerPoint
15’
the importance to stay emotionally, mentally and physically “balance”
in life.
Theme Teaching Introduce to students:
1. Examples of one common mental problem: Stress
2. Compare the emotional, mental, and physical effects of
Stress
3. Recognize the possible causes and symptoms of Stress
4.
Consolidation
Introduce the physiological response to Stress GAS (eg.
Flight and fight response)
Group discussion:
1. Case studies from newspaper cuttings
2. Distribute “Response to Stress” worksheet and compare
results.
3. Brainstorm with students (or in form of a small group) to
discuss ways to cope with stress
9
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
LESSON ONE
What is Mental Health?
(a) Absence of mental illness
(b) Individuals with good mental health.

Develop emotionally, creatively,
intellectually and spiritually

Sustain mutually satisfying personal
relationships

Confront their own problems, resolve and
learn from them




Are confident and assertive
Respect self and others
Make good and positive decisions
Are able to enjoy life
How do I manage mental health?
Activity: Group Discussion
Brainstorm with students to discuss the areas in life that
contribute good mental health.
Some suggestions:
Good Self Esteem:





Maintain positive view and attitudes of self.
Ability to feel secure
Ability to communicate effectively
Respect self and others
Enjoy life


Feel confident
Be decisive and assertive
10
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Well-balanced Diet

Needs of essential nutrients like glucose,
vitamins, minerals, essential fats and protein
for both physiological and intellectual growth.

Our diet has a major affect on our general health
both physically and mentally.

For Physical and mental rejuvenation and
repair.

People tend to sleep more during periods of
stress e.g. changing job, increase workload
etc. (Maas, 1998). Sleep seems to help us
recover from stress.

The amount of sleep and rest varies from
person to person.

Being able to express your feelings,
disappointments and joys is a good start
towards good mental health.

How we feel about ourselves has a direct
impact on how we relate to others.

Close relationship is a great source of comfort
and support in times of stress/difficult
situations.
Enough Sleep
Open Communication
Close Relationships
11
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Avoid Alcohol

A depressant that decreases the response of
the Central Nervous System (impaired
coordination and thinking).

People with excessive drinking are often
defensive about the extent of their problem.

Alcohol is the most frequently used substance
abuse among people.

Harmful to health and is known to be
associated with cancer, heart and lung
disease.

Smoking not only affects the health of our
family members (passive smoking), it also
leads to nicotine addiction.


Helps to reduce stress and muscle tension.
Stimulates the release of brain chemicals
called endorphins, which give a natural feeling
of health and well being.

Participate in sport activities also improve
social circle and can be a great way to meet
new friends with a common interest.


Finding time to exercise and relax.
Use relaxation techniques include deep
breathing, meditation, listen to music,
massage therapy, yoga, aromatherapy, time
Management etc.
Avoid Smoking
Regular Exercise
Relaxation
12
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
What are mental problems or illness?

Mental health problems range from worries and grief that we experience
as part of everyday life, to the most bleak, suicidal depression or complete
loss of touch with every day reality.

On average one in three of us will experience a mental health problem in
the course of a year regardless of age, race or gender.

The risk to develop a mental illness can be genetically inherited and can
be caused by other “contributing” factors like problem in development
prior to birth, chemical imbalances in the brain, or traumatic personal
experiences as well.

Mental illnesses can be separated into two main groups:
i.
Psychoses
ii.
Neuroses
13
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
LESSON TWO
Table of Psychosis and Neurosis
Psychosis
Definition
Neurosis
Psychosis is one of a group of
mental disorders that feature loss
of contact with reality.
Characterized by impaired
functioning in the brain and cause
changes in thinking, emotion and
behavior.
Neurosis is any long-term
mental or behavioural
disorder in which contact
with reality is retained and
the condition is recognized
by the sufferer as abnormal.
It is a less severe form of
mental illness than
People with psychosis are unaware psychosis and apparently
of the problem.
not caused by any injury to
the brain.
Characterized by an
abnormal thought pattern or
emotional disorder of the
mind.
People with neurosis are
fully aware of the problem.
Cause
Illness
include
Depending on the type of disorder
it is presenting, psychosis can be
caused by:
Depending on the type of
disorder it is presenting,
neurosis can be caused by:

Physical or chemical damages;
or



By purely social factors, with no
biological component.
“Psychological” in origin
Emotional or social
cause e.g. stress.



Schizophrenia
Parkinson disease
Brief psychotic disorder (e.g.
trauma and stress)



Mood disorder
Anxiety disorder
Generalized Anxiety
Disorder (GAD)

Organic psychotic disorder (e.g. 
brain injury)

Drug-induced psychotic
disorder (e.g. recreational/party
drugs)
14



Obsessive compulsive
disorder
Depression
Phobia
Somatoform disorder
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Symptom
Treatment

Loss touch with reality
Symptoms are often not

Seeing, hearing, or perceiving
things that are not there



Hallucinations
Delusions
Disorganized speech and
behavior.
evident to others and cause
considerable personal
distress (e.g. anxiety,
depression)



Anti-psychotic medications
Psychotherapy
Hospitalization
15

Psychotherapy
Counseling

Cognitive behavior
therapy.

Drug therapy
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia
A group of disorders that cause distorted thought and
perception.
Symptoms of Schizophrenia:

Two or more of the following occur for at least 1
week:
 Delusions
 Hallucinations
 Lack of facial expression
 Incoherence

Trouble functioning at work especially in social
interactions and with personal hygiene.

Schizophrenia in general has positive and negative
signs.
 Negative signs may appear early in the
disease and signs include lack of expression;
laughing while expressing terrifying images;
speaking with a dull monotone.
 Positive signs includes hallucinations and
delusions

In men, schizophrenia typically emerges in the
teens or 20s in men and in the 20s or early 30s in
women.
Cause of Schizophrenia:

Several factors may play a role:
 Genetic cause
 Trigger life events
 Psychological and social factors
 Chemical or structural abnormalities in the
brain

Illnesses may exist alone or in combination with
other psychiatric or medical conditions
Treatment of Schizophrenia:
 Anti-psychotic medications
 Psychotherapies
 Hospitalization if required
16
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Dementia
A progressive disease of the brain which cause a decline in
cognitive and intellectual function such as memory,
comprehension, learning capacity, the ability to think and
calculate, as well as language and judgment.
In Hong Kong, according to a local study published in 1998,
dementia affects about 4% of people aged over 65, with
increase in incidence with advancing age.
Symptom of Dementia:
 Memory problem and disorientation
 Aggression
 Sleep disturbance
 Constipation
 Communication difficulties
 Depression
 Malnutrition
 Failure to recognize family members and
surroundings
 Epilepsy
Stages of dementia and common presentations:

Early stage
 Memory loss with decreased ability to think.

Intermediate stage
 Easily get lost
 Mood changes and behavioral problems
 Need assistance with daily activities.

Late stage
 Language impairment
 Cannot recognize relatives

May become
dependent.
17
incontinent
and
totally
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Cause of Dementia:

Impair blood vessels and nerves structure of the
brain

Several diseases or conditions that cause
dementia.
 Alzheimer’s Disease: about 65% of dementia
is Alzheimer’s disease (the most common
type).

Other causes: e.g. brain tumor, head injury,
vitamin b12 deficiency, drug and alcohol
abuse, Parkinson’s disease, Aids-related
dementia, alcohol dementia, hypothyroidism
and depression.
Treatment of Dementia:
 NO CURE or PREVENTION
 But many of the symptoms can be treated or
managed so the patient can remain comfortable
and function independently for as long as possible.
18
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)
A slow progressive disease, which cause a decline in
cognitive and intellectual function of the brain.
Symptom of Alzheimer’s disease:

Early symptoms include:
 Memory decline
 Forgetfulness
 Loss of concentration
 People often missed easily because they
resemble natural signs of aging.



Getting lost on familiar routes
Repeating statement frequently
Later stage symptoms include:
 Cognition diminish
 Personality change
 Inability to function occur
 Forgetting events in their life history – lose
awareness of who they are.
 Hallucinations and violent behavior
 Delusions, depression, agitation
Cause of Alzheimer’s disease:


UNKNOWN and it is not part of normal aging.
There are two types of Alzheimer’s Disease:
Early onset:
 Symptoms first appear before age 60.
 Some early onset disease runs in the families.
Late onset:
 Most common form of the disease develops in

people 60 and older.
Late onset may less likely to run within
families.
Treatment of Dementia:
 NO CURE or PREVENTION
 But many of the symptoms can be treated or
managed so the patient can remain comfortable
and function independently for as long as possible.
19
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Parkinson’s Disease
A progressive neurological disorder that results in
degenerative of nerve cells in a regions of the brain that
controls movement. This degeneration creates a shortage
of the brain-signaling chemical (“neurotransmitter dopamine”) causing impaired movement.



Although there are different types of Parkinson’s
disease, the most common condition today is the
one first recognized in 1817 by James Parkinson.
Most researchers suspect the cause of
Parkinson’s disease is a combination of genetic
susceptibility and environmental exposure, and
that the genetic and environmental contributions
will vary among different people.
Incidence of Parkinson’s increases with age and is
uncommon in people younger than forty. Although
it is not a regular feature, intellectual impairment
may occasionally occur in the later stages of the
disease.
Symptom of Parkinson’s disease:
 Tremor in the arms and legs
 Muscular stiffness
 Rigidity
 Slowness of movement
Cause of Parkinson’s disease:

UNKNOWN but it is known that progressive
destruction of nerve cells in the brain can lead to
the depletion of a brain-signaling chemicals.


In some case, it may occur within families.
It can be divided into idiopathic type and those with
secondary causes:
 Most Parkinson’s disease among the elderly
is idiopathic.
20
Teacher Notes of Mental Health

Secondary causes of Parkinson’s disease
include long-term use of drugs like certain
anti-emetics, brain trauma, brain infection and
recurrent stroke.
Treatment of Parkinson’s disease:


NO CURE or PREVENTION
Drug therapy – there is no “right” strategy for what
drug to be used at a particular stage. The
symptoms can be substantially or sometimes
completely alleviated at early stages with
medications.


Non-pharmacological treatment
 Physical therapy


Exercise
Occupational/Speech therapy


Diet and Nutrition
Education, support and counseling
Surgery
21
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Neurotic Disorders
Mood Disorder
A prolonged and disturbed emotional state that affects
almost all of the person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Causes of Mood Disorder:

Mood disorders are associated with imbalance of the
brain-signaling chemicals e.g. dopamine.

Researchers believe hereditary and psychosocial
factors, such as stress or physical illness may play a
role.
Treatment of Mood Disorder:

Combination of medication and psychotherapy.
REMARK:
Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) is sometimes used when
depression fails to respond to treatment or when patient is
in a high risk of suicide. ECT is a “shock treatment” (apply a
low-level electric current through) to the brain to cause a
brief convulsion, which use as a treatment of chemical
imbalance in the brain. The side effect of ECT is mild,
short-term memory loss.
There are two types of Mood Disorder:
 Major Depression (or “Uni-polar Disorder”)
 Manic-Depressive Disorder (or “Bipolar Disorder”)
22
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Major depression (Unipoloar)
Marked as at least 2 weeks of continually being in a bad
mood, having no interest in anything, and getting no
pleasure from activities.
Symptom of Major Depression:

A person must have at least 4 of the following symptom:
 Problems with eating, sleeping, thinking,
concentrating, or making decisions.
 Lack of energy
 Suicidal thoughts

Feeling worthless or guilty
Cause of Major Depression:

Exact cause is not known but chemical imbalances
(hormones or brain-signaling chemicals) in the brain.

Seems to be related stressful/upsetting life events e.g.
relationship difficulties, physical illness or job/money
worries.

At least 10 times more common to the nearest relatives
of people with depression.

Treatment of Major Depression:
 Antidepressant drugs
 Antidepressant drugs
 Interpersonal therapy
 Counseling
 Electro convulsive therapy
23
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Manic-Depressive Disorder
OR
Bipolar Disorder
Characterized by an alternating pattern of emotional highs
(mania) and lows (depression).
Symptom of Manic-Depressive Disorder:

A person must have at least 3 of the following symptom:
 Great self-esteem
 Little need for sleep
 Speaks rapidly and frequently



Has racing thoughts
Is easily distracted
Pursues pleasurable activities
Cause of Manic-Depressive Disorder:

Unclear but contributing factors might include:
 10 to 15 per cent of the nearest relatives of people
with a bipolar disorder have a mood disorder.
 Biochemical
changes
in
hormones
and
brain-signaling chemicals that are found during the


manic and depressive phases.
Stressful life events such as death of a family
member, redundancy or break up of an important
relationship.
Treatment of Manic-Depressive Disorder:
 Antidepressant drugs
 Mood stabilizing drugs
 Cognitive behavioral therapy
 Counseling
24
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Anxiety
Characterized by physiological signs of anxiety and
subjective feelings of tension, apprehension, or fear.
Anxiety is associated with a wide range of physical
illnesses, medication side effects, and other psychiatric
disorders.

Illnesses from anxiety include
 Phobia
 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
 Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
25
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Phobia
It is a persistent, extreme or irrational fear of a specific
object or situation.

Three general categories of Phobia:
 Social – fear of social encounters
 Panic Disorder – occasional nonspecific bouts
with fear
 Specific – fear of natural environments, of
injury or blood, of animals or insects or of
dangerous situations
Cause of Phobia:


UNCLEAR.
Some researchers believe that there may be a
strong correlation between your phobias and the
phobias of your parents as children may learn
phobias by observing a family member's phobic
reaction to an object or situation.
Symptom of Phobia:

Phobic reactions can include:
 Racing heart
 Short, shallow breaths
 Sweating
 Fear of death

May accompanied by a variety of other health problems:
 Depression – avoid to participate in activities
 Substance abuse – When comes in stress, people
with phobias turn to alcohol or other drugs.
 Physical disorders – Fear/Stress of Phobia may
contribute to high blood pressure, asthma or other
physical discomforts.
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Teacher Notes of Mental Health

Treatment of Phobia
 Medications
 Behavioral therapies
 Combination of medication
therapies
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and
behavioral
Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Characterized by obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive
behaviors that significantly interfere with normal life. The
obsessive and compulsive rituals can occupy many hours
of each day.

Symptom of OCD:
Obsessions are unwanted, recurrent, and disturbing
thoughts that the person experience involuntary and
which can cause overwhelming anxiety.

The common obsession includes:
 Fear of dirt or contamination
 Concern with order, symmetry and exactness.
 Constantly thinking about certain sounds, images,
words or numbers.
 Fear of harming a family member or friend.
 Fear of thinking evil or sinful thoughts.
Compulsions are repetitive, ritualized behaviors that
the person feels driven to perform to alleviate the
anxiety of the obsessions.

The common compulsions includes:
 Excessive hand washing
 Checking repeatedly that doors are locked and
appliances turned off
 Arranging items in a precise order
 Counting over and over to a certain number
 Touching certain objects several times

Cause of OCD:
 UNKNOWN but insufficient level of one of your


brain's chemical messengers (“Serotonin”).
The risk factors of developing OCD may include
parents or other family members have OCD and
stress.
Treatment of OCD:
 Combination of behavior therapy and
antidepressant medication.
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Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Somatoform Disorder
A group of disorders characterized by physical symptoms
that cannot be fully explained by a neurological or
generalized medical ("organic") condition.

Symptoms of Somatoform Disorder:
 Frequent headaches
 Back pain
 Abdominal cramping
 Pelvic pain
 Other symptoms include pain in the joints, legs
and arms, and chest or abdominal pain.
 May also cause gastrointestinal problems, such
as nausea, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhea and
food intolerance.

Cause of Somatoform Disorder:
 UNKNOWN
 May be a problem with the nerve impulses that
send signals of pain, pressure and other
unpleasant sensations to the brain

The risk factors of developing may include parents
or other family members have Somatoform
disorder.
Treatment of Somatoform Disorder:

No known cure but can be managed
 Drug therapy
 Psychotherapy
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Teacher Notes of Mental Health
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Characterized by excessive or unrealistic worry about
almost everything or feeling that something bad is about to
happen. Anxious feelings occur on a majority of days for a
period of at least six months.

Symptoms of GAD:
 Restlessness
 Being easily fatigued
 Sweating
 Flushing




Insomnia
Headaches
Muscle tension
Cause of GAD:
 May run in families and it may also grow worse
during stress.
 GAD usually begins at an earlier age and
symptoms may manifest themselves more slowly
than in most other anxiety disorders.

Treatment of GAD:
 Medication like Tranquilizers and anti-depressant
drugs may ease the symptoms.
 Psychotherapy and relaxation techniques
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