OT 460A

Transition, learning and growth Physical, emotional, and social changes Movement in and out of new and old roles Dichotomy: Need to learn to be independently responsible while learning to comply with expectations Unhealthy behaviors are substitutes for rituals? Possible role performance confusion Adolescent Development

Accept physical changes Establish adult relationships with others Develop sexual orientation (Food for thought: Does this typically happen during adolescence or earlier?) Develop social roles Develop executive functions such as judgment, abstract reasoning, coping, and problem-solving skills (major focus of Gateway Teen Groups) Establish personal philosophy and unique values and attitudes Normal Developmental Tasks

 Nature vs. nurture arguments  A variety or combination of psychosocial stressors may affect mental health  Moving to a different neighborhood.  Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.  Bullying.  Traumatic events.  Dysfunctional family system Etiology

 Economic hardship can contribute to mental health issues.  Cultural factors.  Violence Etiology

 Prevention: focuses on avoidance of risk factors.  Promotion: focuses on improving protective mechanisms, for example, self-esteem, mastery, well-being, and social inclusion Prevention and Promotion of mental health

 Most common diagnoses treated in inpatient programs:  Major depression.  Bipolar disorder.  Decompensation: harm to self, for example, self mutilation  Harm to others.  Suicidal ideation  Psychosis Disorders

 Oppositional defiant disorder  Conduct disorder.  ADHD  Personality disorders.  Attachment disorders.  OCD.  PTSD.  Eating disorders  See table 13 – 1 Disorders

 Inability to perform ADLs, I ADLs, education, work, sleep/rest, play and leisure, and social participation.  Schizophrenia: includes changes in grooming and isolation.  Auditory hallucinations, flattened affect, and avolition  It is important to view mental illness as a continuum in which individuals move back and forth Presenting Problems

 Changes in behavior.  Changes in affect or mood  Changes in relationships.  Presenting danger to self or others Presenting Problems

 Third leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24 (2007)  Women are more likely to attempt suicide than men  Men and boys are more successful at completing the attempt.  Common step: making a plan Suicide

 Depression and other mental health disorders.  Prior suicide attempt.  Family history.  Family violence, physical or sexual abuse.  Firearms in the home.  In c arceration  Exposure to suicide behavior in others. New Contributing factors to Suicide

 Feelings of hopelessness.  Impulsivity.  Aggressive tendencies.  Life stressors. Contributing Factors to Suicide

 All suicidal verbalizations or gestures must be taken seriously  Suicidal ideation: thoughts of committing suicide.  Unable to reflect on positive aspects of the past  Plan: means of carrying out suicide  Intent: whether the person is planning to carry out the plan Issues about suicide

 Anyone with intent needs immediate mental health treatment.  Attempt to get person to seek help from Doctor or ER.  Call 911.  Eliminate access to harmful items, firearms, medications  Take personal responsibility to keep the person safe Interventions for Individuals with PIans

Commonly treated by OT: Anxiety Disorders Schizophrenia: commonly diagnosed during adolescence Mood disorders, i.e., Bipolar Disorder Substance abuse Eating Disorders ADD/ADHD Learning Disabilities Conduct Disorders Oppositional Defiant Disorder Adolescent Mental Health Disorders