Disability Services

 Severe mental disorders that cause abnormal thinking and perceptions.  The two main symptoms include: delusions and hallucinations. ◦ Delusions: False beliefs (such as thinking that someone is plotting against you) ◦ Hallucinations: False perceptions (Hearing, seeing or feeling something that isn’t there)

 Symptoms of schizophrenia usually begin between the ages of 16 and 30. ◦ Men often develop symptoms at a younger age.  There are 3 types of symptoms: ◦ Psychotic symptoms: distort a person’s thinking. They include hallucinations, delusions, trouble organizing thoughts and abnormal movements. ◦ “Negative” symptoms: make it difficult to show emotions and function normally. An individual may seem depressed and withdrawn. ◦ Cognitive symptoms: affect thought process. Symptoms include difficulty using information, making decisions and paying attention.

 The prevalence of schizophrenia is about 1.1 percent of the U.S. adult population (National Institute of Mental Health)  Several factors can predict schizophrenia in up to 80% of youth who are at high risk of developing it (NIMH). ◦ These factors include the following: isolating oneself and withdrawing from others, an increase in unusual thoughts and suspicions, and a family history of psychosis. ◦ In young individuals who develop schizophrenia, this stage of the disorder is called the "prodromal" period.

 Bipolar disorder typically occurs during the late teenage years or early adulthood.  Half of all cases occur before age 25 (NIMH).  The prevalence of bipolar disorder is 2.6 percent of the U.S. population.  Symptoms of the disorder come in two forms: ◦ Manic episodes: a period of feeling “high” or overly happy, irritability, talking fast, having racing thoughts, increased activities (starting new projects), not sleeping, having unrealistic beliefs and engaging in high risk behaviors. ◦ Depressive episodes: feeling sad or hopeless, loss of interest in activities, tiredness, having problems concentrating, remembering or making decisions.

 Bipolar I Disorder: Defined by manic or mixed episodes that last at least seven days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. ◦ Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks.  Bipolar II Disorder: A pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but no full- blown manic or mixed episodes.  Mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, and antidepressants are used to treat bipolar disorder.

 UTPA Counseling and Psychological Services: ◦ University Center 109 ◦ (956) /  UTPA Disability Services: ◦ University Center 108 ◦ (956) /  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline TALK (8255) (English and Spanish)  Tropical Texas Behavioral Health Crisis Line