Mental Health Disorders Health- Ms. Davenport

Mental Health Disorders An illness that affects the mind and prevents a person from being productive, adjusting to life situations, or getting along with others. Labeling a person as mentally ill is difficult Involves making a judgement based on signs that are not always easy to identify i.e. really sad vs. depressed

Characteristics Characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. Makes them uncomfortable with themselves or at odds with others

Causes Organic Functional The cause is physical (i.e. Dementia) Are not traced back to a physical cause Inborn – inherited or passed on Early Experiences – unpleasant experiences Current Causes – recent experiences

Anxiety Disorder Fear that does not have an identifiable source Phobia – when anxiety is related to a specific situation or object Example: Claustrophobia General Anxiety Disorder – Where a person feels anxious, but cannot specify the cause Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – an unreasonable need to behave a certain way

Mood Disorders a person whose moods or emotions become extreme and interfere with his or her daily life Clinical Depression – person is overwhelmed by sad feelings for months and is unable to carry on with everyday activities. Bipolar – Also known as manic depression because of the extreme shifts from happiness to sadness

Personality Disorder Characterized by behavior that is inflexible and interferes with a person’s pursuit of a happy, healthy life. Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder – Depend on others to direct them, and at the same time resent being told what to do. Antisocial Personality Disorder – People with this disorder perform cruel and violent acts without feeling any guilt.

Schizophrenia “Split Mind” A disorder characterized by unpredictable disturbances in thinking, mood, awareness, and behavior.

Getting Help Mental Health influences every aspect of a person’s life. A person should seek help when: They feel trapped or worry all the time Sleep, eating habits, schoolwork, job performance, or relationships are affected They become involved with alcohol or other drugs to cope They become increasing aggressive, violent, or reckless

Treatment Psychotherapy – on going dialogue between patient and professional Finds the cause of a problem Behavioral Therapy – focuses on changing unwanted behaviors through rewards Cognitive Therapy – Designed to identify and correct distorted thinking patterns Prevents behaviors that may be troublesome, self-deflating, or self-destructive

Treatment Family Therapy – focuses on helping the family function in a more positive and constructive way Effective when entire family is present Group Therapy – Involves treating a group of people who have similar problems and who meet regularly Whatever is said is private and not discussed with others Drug Therapy – Use of certain medications to treat or reduce the symptoms Often used in combination with other treatment options

Mental Health Professionals Counselor – professional who handles personal and educational matters School Psychologist – Specializes in the assessment of learning, emotional, and behavioral problems Psychiatrist – Physician who diagnoses and treats mental disorders Neurologist – Specializes in physical disorders of the brain and nervous system

Mental Health Professionals Clinical Psychologist – Diagnoses and treats emotional and behavioral disorders with counseling Psychiatric Social Worker – Provides guidance and treatment for emotional problems in a hospital.

Mental Health Project Topics Schizophrenia Depression Anxiety Bi Polar Social Phobia Panic Disorder Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Eating Disorders Substance Dependence/Abuse ADHD Suicide