Mental Disorders

A mental disorder is and illness that affects a person’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors A symptom is a change that a person notices in his or her body or mind and that is caused by a disease or disorder – –Too much or too little sleep – –Feeling of extreme sadness – –Unexplained mood changes – –Drug or alcohol abuse – –Inability to concentrate – –Extreme anxiety or irrational behavior – –Personality changes – –False perceptions of reality

Causes of Mental Disorders Some researchers say that they are caused by traumatic events, like a death, and accident or an abusive event. (mainly phobias) (ex. Getting hit by a car = crossing the street) Some researchers say that they are caused by traumatic events, like a death, and accident or an abusive event. (mainly phobias) (ex. Getting hit by a car = crossing the street) Others can be inherited, some say that schizophrenia Others can be inherited, some say that schizophrenia Some can be caused by injury or physical disorder that affects the brain (tumors, alcoholism, and some infections) Some can be caused by injury or physical disorder that affects the brain (tumors, alcoholism, and some infections)

Help For Mental Disorders Psychotherapy Psychotherapy –If disorder is caused by a traumatic event, counseling can help the situation. If it is a phobia a licensed professional can help Group Therapy Group Therapy –Where a therapist leads a group of people who have the same type of Mental Disorder, the group support is a huge key Medication Medication –Antidepressants for ADHD and Schizophrenia –May not cure but helps keeps the disorder under control to help manage it

Think of a time that stands out to you in which you experienced a certain degree of sadness. 1. On a scale of 1 to 10, how sad or down would you say you felt? 2. What was the source of this sadness? 3. Were you able to overcome it eventually?

The Big Three Depression Depression The feeling of hopelessness and sadness that keeps a person from carrying out everyday activities. Depression The feeling of hopelessness and sadness that keeps a person from carrying out everyday activities. –Also called DEPRESSIVE DISORDER, if left unattended or untreated can lead to suicide Symptoms Symptoms –Lack of energy, withdrawal from people, loss of appetite, too much or too little sleep, feeling of hopelessness or helplessness. –LOOK FOR HELP  Face the problem (seek help)  Identify the problem (Find out what is causing the problem)  Take action ( change negative thinking, seek out support, be active physical exercise)

ADHD Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder –Most commonly diagnosed disorder in childhood –It is a lifelong disorder or condition –Persons are frequently inattentive or shows impulsive hyperactive behavior to which they cannot accomplish daily tasks. Students are easily distracted, work doesn’t get done, difficulty following directions Causes are unknown however treatment is available Causes are unknown however treatment is available

Anxiety Disorders This is tough to distinguish, if a feeling of anxiety about a situation takes place every time the situation happens this could be a disorder (test taking) This is tough to distinguish, if a feeling of anxiety about a situation takes place every time the situation happens this could be a disorder (test taking) If the anxiety causes a feeling of terror, or again gets in the way of handling daily activities this could be a disorder If the anxiety causes a feeling of terror, or again gets in the way of handling daily activities this could be a disorder Panic Disorder or Panic attacks Panic Disorder or Panic attacks Phobias Phobias OCD OCD

Other Mental Disorders Hypochondria Hypochondria OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) Eating Disorders Eating Disorders Bi-Polar Disorder Bi-Polar Disorder Schizophrenia Schizophrenia

Mental Disorders Vary by…Degree Mental Disorders Vary by…Degree MildAnxietyDepression Person is aware of the problem (not out of touch with reality) but lacks the ability to function normally.

B. Acute Self Destructive Behaviors Destructive Behavior towards Others Danger to Society The person is out of touch with reality and sees nothing wrong with his/her choices.

Mental Retardation Mental Retardation and Mental Illness are NOT the same thing. A. Subnormal Intellectual Development …From Conception …From Pregnancy …From Pregnancy …From Injury …From Injury B. From Social Conditions B. From Social Conditions

C. Mild Retardation …functional with assistance in society…top out at young teen. D. Moderate …needs special assistance …most often max out at 7-8 year old intelligence. E. Severe to Profound …minimal development may not progress past newborn.

B. Psychological Social Stress GuiltAnxiety No clear cut biological cause…treatment more complex than organic causes.

Mental Disorders Very in…Kind A. Organic Hit on the Head MeningitisInfection Brain Damage Chemical Damage Tests can be run and the cause can be identified and treated (sometimes).