Section 4.4 Treating Mental Disorders Objectives List reasons that might prevent a person from seeking help for a mental disorder. Identify four types of mental health professionals. Describe some general types of treatment for mental disorders.

Dear Advice Line, Lately, I spend a lot of time just staring at the ceiling or crying for no reason at all. I haven’t told anyone about my problems. I don’t want to be labeled as “a mental case.” What advice would you give to this person? What would you say about the person’s fear of being labeled?

Locating Community Resources Sometimes people don’t recognize the signs of a mental disorder. Or they may have been told that, with willpower alone, they can overcome the problem. Or they may not know where to go for help. The first step toward recovery is recognizing the need for help.

Types of Mental Health Professionals Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors are four types of mental health professionals.

Psychiatrists A psychiatrist is a physician who can diagnose and treat mental disorders. A psychiatrist will do a medical exam to rule out physical causes. Then, he or she will talk with a patient to find out what symptoms the patient has. A neurologist is a physician who treats physical disorders of the nervous system.

Clinical Psychologists A clinical psychologist is trained to recognize and treat behavior that is not normal. A psychiatric social worker helps people with mental disorders and their families to accept and adjust to an illness. Social Workers Some mental health counselors focus on specific problems or work with specific groups of people. Mental Health Counselors

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Kinds of Treatment Three methods used to treat mental disorders are psychotherapy drug therapy hospitalization

Psychotherapy During psychotherapy, a person talks with a therapist. These talks help people understand and overcome their mental disorders. Insight Therapy This type of therapy helps people better understand the reasons for their behavior. Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy This type of therapy helps a person to identify situations, objects, or thoughts that trigger abnormal behaviors. Group Therapy In group therapy, people meet with other people who have similar disorders.

Drug Therapy Doctors prescribe drugs to treat many mental disorders. The drugs can relieve symptoms and allow patients to function normally.

Hospitalization Sometimes people with mental disorders need constant attention or are in danger of harming themselves or others.

Vocabulary psychiatrist A physician who can diagnose and treat mental disorders. neurologist A physician who treats physical disorders of the nervous system. clinical psychologist A mental health professional who is trained to recognize and treat behavior that is not normal. psychiatric social worker A mental health professional who helps people with mental disorders and their families to accept and adjust to an illness. therapy A treatment method.

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End of Section 4.4 Click on this slide to end this presentation.