Mental Disorders

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder What is it: Feelings of anxiety, fear, uncertainty or worry taken to extremes. An anxiety disorder where people become preoccupied with whether something could be harmful,dangerous, wrong or dirty- or with thoughts that bad stuff might happen.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Signs or Symptoms: People with OCD may worry about things not being “in order” or “just right”. People with OCD may have strong urges to do things repeatedly, rituals or compulsions, to make sure things are safe, clean or just right.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder How does it affect someone: Someone may have extreme worry thoughts such as about germs or getting sick. Strong urges or behaviors such as washing a lot, cleaning things, trying not to touch things. Might feel if things are not arranged a certain way bad things will happen.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Other names or forms: OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder How is it diagnosed: Psychologist or Psychiatrist has to ask questions about obsessions and compulsions

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder How is it treated: Therapy (Exposure therapy and Ritual therapy) Medications Support Groups

Bipolar Disorder What is it: Medical condition called depressive disorders. Depressive disorders affect the way a persons brain functions

Bipolar Disorder Signs or symptoms: Mania (highs) Racing speech and thoughts, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, elevated mood, increased physical and mental activity, poor judgment, irritability, reckless behavior, difficulty concentrating Depression (lows) Loss of interest, prolonged sadness or mood, loss of energy, feeling of guilt, sleep too much, drop in grades, appetite loss, anger, worry, anxiety, thoughts of death/suicide Intense or severe mood swings

Bipolar Disorder How does it affect someone: Affects men and women and can occur as early as in children or adolescents Rapid mood changes Irritability High levels of anxiety

Bipolar Disorder Other names or forms: Manic depression Manic-depressive disorder Manic-depressive illness Bipolar mood disorder Bipolar affective disorder Bipolar I Bipolar II Cyclothymic Disorder

Bipolar Disorder How is it diagnosed: Psychiatrist or Psychologist must diagnose Mental health professional will observe behavior carefully Complete history or persons past and present experiences from individual, family and friends

Bipolar Disorder How is it treated: No cure Need to work closely with doctor on Treatment plan Medication (Mood stabilizer) Counseling or psychotherapy

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder What is it: Development of symptoms following exposure to a traumatic event. Any kind of extreme stress can lead to PTSD. Usually involves direct personal experience such as a threat, death or injury, witnessing a stressful event, or learning about an unexpected or violent death or injury

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Signs or symptoms: Reliving the traumatic event Avoiding reminders of the trauma Emotional numbness Hypervigilance (easily startled, on edge, jumpy, irritable, tense)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder How does it affect someone: Feeling super stressed Strong emotions Easily irritated Jitters Trouble sleeping Trouble eating Hard time concentrating Frequent thoughts/images of what happened Nightmares

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Other names or forms: PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder How is it diagnosed: Mental health professional (Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Counselors)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder How is it treated: Speaking with a Mental Health Professional (Psychologists, Psychiatrists and Counselors) about their experience or past Learning relaxation techniques Medication

Social Phobia What is it: Anxiety problem sometimes referred as Social Anxiety Extreme feelings of shyness and self-consciousness built into a powerful fear Person feels uncomfortable in everyday social situations

Social Phobia Signs or symptoms: Extreme shyness Self-consciousness Fear of embarrassment Dread social activities Fear (fast heartbeat and breathing)

Social Phobia How does it affect someone: Thoughts and fears about what others think get exaggerated. Focus on the embarrassing things that could happen Feeling lonely or disappointed over missed opportunities for friendship and fun Not getting the most out of school Missing a chance to share their talents and learn new skills

Social Phobia Other names or forms: Social Anxiety Selective Mutism

Social Phobia How is it diagnosed: Self diagnose Speaking with family, friends and/or therapist

Social Phobia How is it treated: Speaking with Therapists Speaking with family and friends Having patience, courage to face fears and try new things

Seasonal Affective Disorder What is it: Form of depression that appears at same time each year. Person usually has symptoms of depression and unexplained fatigue as winter approaches and daylight hours shorten. When Spring arrives mood and energy levels increase.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Signs or symptoms: Change in mood Lack of enjoyment Low energy Changes in sleep Changes in eating Difficulty concentrating Less time socializing

Seasonal Affective Disorder How does it affect someone: Lower than usual grades Less energy Less socializing Low self esteem Feeling disappointed, isolated, lonely

Seasonal Affective Disorder Other names or forms: SAD

Seasonal Affective Disorder How is it diagnosed: Doctor and mental health professional make diagnosis after careful evaluation Medical checkup to be sure symptoms are not caused by another medical condition that need treatment

Seasonal Affective Disorder How is it treated: Increased light exposure (brighter lights, more time spent outside) Light therapy (special lights simulate daylight) Talk therapy Medication

Depression What is it: Depression is a strong mood involving sadness, discouragement, despair, or hopelessness that’s last for weeks, months or even longer

Depression Signs or symptoms: Negative feelings and mood Negative thinking Low energy and motivation Hard to concentrate and focus Upset stomach or loss of appetite Social withdraw

Depression How does it affect someone: People with depression may not realize they are depressed Might be understood for a bad attitude Intensify feelings of worthlessness and inner pain

Depression Other names or forms:

Depression How is it diagnosed: Medical checkup Medical/self evaluation or diagnoses Talk to a counselor

Depression How is it treated: Get support from parents, friends and other adults Speak to a therapist Daily exercise, eating healthy, getting enough sleep