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MENTAL HEALTH
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“Although the world
is full of suffering, it
is full also of the
overcoming of it.”
- Helen Keller -
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INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW
Undefined Burden of Mental Problems:
 Refers to the economic and social burden for families,
communities, and countries
Hidden Burden of Mental Problems:
 Refers to the stigma and violations of human rights and
freedoms associated with mental problems
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PERSPECTIVES OF
MENTAL HEALTH
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL DATA
 1 in 5 adults suffer from a diagnosable mental
disorder in a given year
45 million Americans suffer
Mental illness ranks 2nd in terms of burden of disease
in the U.S.
Depression is leading cause of lost years of healthy life
for women worldwide
Gender differences exist
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Gender Differences in Mental Illness
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ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS
The Economic Burden:
Need for mental health and social services
Lost employment and reduced productivity
Financial burden placed on families/caregivers
Increased levels of crime and threat to public
safety
Negative impact of premature mortality
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LEGAL DIMENSIONS
 Individuals with mental disorders are more likely to
commit crimes than the general public
16% if all inmates in correctional facilities are mentally ill
79% of prisoners receive mental health therapy
60% of prisoners receive psychotropic medications
Eugenics  forced sterilization
POLITICAL DIMENSIONS
 Research initiatives
Effects of behavior on HIV transmission
Public information outreach and dissemination programs
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CLINICAL DIMENSIONS
OF MENTAL HEALTH
MOOD DISORDERS
Depression
Types
Causes
Premenstrual Dysphoric
Disorder (PMDD)
Hormonal responses
Postpartum Depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD)
Dysthymia
Manic Depression
Response to medical
conditions
Medications
Life Events
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Symptoms
Persistent sad mood
Loss of interest in activities
Constant feelings of
sadness
Sleep disturbances
Excessive crying
Low energy
Feelings of worthlessness
Treatment
Antidepressant drugs
Herbal Remedies
Psychotherapy
Appetite & weight change
Thoughts of death or
suicide
Physical symptoms not
responding to treatment
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Other Mood Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Phobias
Panic Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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EATING DISORDERS
A/ Anorexia Nervosa
Deprivation of food and a body weight of at least 15%
below the normal weight based on height and age
Symptoms:
Refusal to maintain an adequate weight
Intense fear of gaining weight
Distorted body image
Fear of losing control over eating
Absence of 3 consecutive menstrual periods
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Medical Complications:
Dehydration
Lethargy
Low body temperature
Constipation
Inability to withstand
cold
Organ damage/failure
Mid anemia
Amenorrhea
Abdominal pain
Loss of essential minerals
necessary for regulating
heartbeat and bone strength
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B/ Bulimia Nervosa
Cyclic binge eating followed by purging
Symptoms:
Recurrent episodes of bingeing and vomiting
Feeling out of control during a binge
Purging after a binge
Frequent dieting
Extreme concern with body weight and shape
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Modes of Purging:
Emetics
Diuretics
Laxatives
Fasts
Enemas
Diet Pills
Chewing for hours and then spitting out the
food
Excessive Exercise
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Medical Consequences of Bulimia:
Hypoglycemia
Neurological Abnormalities
Lethargy, inactivity, lowered metabolism
Spontaneous Regurgitation
Dental Erosion
Abscesses and sores in mouth
Hiatal Hernia
Hypokalemia
Substances abuse of laxatives and diuretics
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Treatment for Eating Disorders:
Psychotherapy
Behavior Modification Therapy
Family Therapy
Antidepressants
Appetite Suppressants
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PERSONALITY DISORDERS
Antisocial
Obsessive-Compulsive
Avoidant
Paranoid
Borderline
Passive-Aggressive
Dependent
Schizoid
Histrionic
Schizotypal
Narcissistic
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SUICIDE
RISK FACTORS
Adverse life events in addition with depression
Prior suicide attempt
Family history of mental disorder or substance
abuse
Family history of suicide
Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
Firearms in home
Incarceration
Exposure to suicidal behavior of others
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FACTORS AFFECTING
MENTAL HEALTH
1. Biological Factors
o
Genetic predisposition, abnormal brain structure function,
irregular activity of neurotransmitters/hormones
2. Social and Psychosocial Factors
o
Low incomes, low levels of education, poor employment
environments, low self-esteem, gender roles and stereotypes,
discrimination, individual personality traits, tragic events
3. Stress
o
Daily hassles to life-altering events, internalization of stress
4. Stages of Life
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INFORMED
DECISION MAKING
METHODS OF COPING
Maintain a good support system
Make time for pleasurable activities
Avoid using food, drugs, alcohol for mood enhancers
Develop positive thinking techniques
Learn to control anger, but not suppress it
Practice body acceptance
Get a good night’s sleep and practice relaxation
techniques