Download Mental Health Disorders

Mental Health Disorders
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An illness of the mind that can affect
thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a
person, preventing him/her from leading a
happy, healthful and productive life.
Each year, 57.7 million people in the US
are affected by mental disorders. (1:4)
Anxiety Disorders
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A condition in which real or imagined fears
are difficult to control
As many as 13% of teens experience an
anxiety disorder.
There are several different types of anxiety
disorders.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Phobia
a strong, irrational fear of something
specific, such as heights or social
situations
Obsessive-Compulsive
Disorder (OCD)
Persistent thoughts, fears, or urges
leading to uncontrollable repetitive
behaviors
Panic Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD)
Generalized Anxiety
Disorder (GAD)
Attacks of sudden, unexplained
feelings of terrors
A condition that may develop after
exposure to a terrifying event.
Exaggerated worry and tension for no
reason
Somatoform Disorders
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An illness in which a
person complains of
disease symptoms,
but no physical cause
can be found
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Hypochondriac: a
preoccupation with the
body and fear of
presumed diseases
that are not present
Affective (Mood) Disorders
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A mood disorder—an illness often with an
organic cause that relates to emotions and
may involve mood swings or mood
extremes that interfere with everyday living
Affective (Mood) Disorders
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Clinical Depression
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Feelings of sadness,
hopelessness, or
despair last more than a
few weeks and interfere
with daily activities &
interests
Can be biologically
based or cause by life
events & stressors
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Bipolar Disorder
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Psychological illness
characterized by
extreme mood swings
between depression and
extreme happiness, or
mania
Manic periods:
extremely happy or
energetic
Depressive periods: lack
of energy or activity
Personality Disorders
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Variety of psychological
conditions that affect a
person’s ability to get
along with others
No apparent
signs/symptoms
Respond in ways that
offend others
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Antisocial Personality
Disorder:
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Person’s constant conflict
with society
Displays behaviors that
are:
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Cruel
Uncaring
Irresponsible
Impulsive
Does not care about
others’ or society’s rules
Personality Disorders
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Passive-Aggressive
Personality Disorder
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Often uncooperative
with others
Resent directions, but
rely on others leading
them
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Schizophrenia
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Serious mental disorder
meaning “split mind”
Affects 1-2% of
population
Person loses contact
with reality
Symptoms: delusions,
hallucinations, and
thought disorders
When Help is Needed
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Feeling trapped or worrying all the time
Feelings that affect sleep, eating habits,
schoolwork, job performance, or
relationships
Becoming involved with alcohol or other
drugs
Becoming increasingly aggressive, violent,
or reckless
Barriers & Counter Barriers to Help
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Perception that the problem will just go away =
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Perception that a mental health problem means one is weak or crazy =
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A first step may be to speak to a parent or trusted adult, such as a physician, nurse, or
counselor to seek referral.
Embarrassment to acknowledge problem =
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Some mental disorders are the product of an organic illness and change in body chemistry
(over which the person has no control) and need to be treated with medication or intensive
psychotherapy.
Lack of awareness of resources at school or in the community =
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Many mental health disorders will become progressively worse unless treated
A problem can be fixed only if it is acknowledged.
Perception that one should be able to fix the problem without help =
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Just as one cannot “will away” a physical illness, a mental disorder may require
professional assistance.
Mental Health Professionals
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Counselor: personal & educational matters
School Psychologist: learning, emotional, & behavioral
problems in school children
Psychiatrist: physician who can diagnose & prescribe
medications for mental disorders
Neurologist: physical disorders of the brain & nervous system
Clinical Psychologist: treats emotional & behavioral disorders
with counseling
Psychiatric Social Worker: provides guidance in treatment at
hospital, health agency, family service agency
Treatment Methods
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Psychotherapy: ongoing
dialogue between a patient &
mental health professional
Behavior Therapy: treatment
process that focuses on
changing unwanted behaviors
through rewards &
reinforcements
Drug Therapy: use of
medications to treat symptoms
of mental disorder
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Cognitive Therapy: identify &
correct distorted thinking
patterns
Family Therapy: helping family
function in positive &
constructive way
Group Therapy: group of
people with similar problems
meet with a counselor