Psychological Health Chapter Three

Defining Psychological Health Psychological Health (Mental Health) is defined positively by the presence of wellness, or negatively as the absence of mental sickness

Defining Psychological Health Psychological Health is not: being normal, conforming to social norms, not having the need to seek help for personal problems, or personal appearance

Abraham Maslow’s “Toward a Psychology of Being” Studied very successful people He determined a hierarchy of needs Physiological needs (most urgent) Safety Being loved Maintaining self-esteem Self-actualization* (least urgent?)

Self-Actualization (A Closer Look) Maslow concluded that visibly successful people achieved self-actualization & that they share the following qualities: Realism Acceptance Self-image Self-esteem Autonomy Authenticity Intimacy Creativity

©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved. Chapter Three ©2008 McGraw-Hill Companies. All Rights Reserved.

Psychological Disorders

Physiological Basis for Psychological Disorders

Anxiety Disorders Anxiety Disorders Simple/specific phobia Fear of something definite Social phobia Fear of humiliation or embarrassment while being observed by others

Anxiety Disorders Panic disorders Sudden unexpected surges in anxiety Rapid and strong heart beat Shortness of breath Loss of physical equilibrium Feeling of losing mental control Can lead to agoraphobia

Anxiety Disorders Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) Excessive worry about future events Worries take over rational thought Obsessive-Compulsive disorder (OCD) Obsessions = recurrent, unwanted thoughts Compulsions = repetitive, difficult- to-resist actions Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD) Reaction to a severely traumatic event

Mood Disorders Depression Most common mood disorder Affects young and older adults Takes the form of: Feeling sad and hopeless Loss of pleasure Poor appetite, weight loss Insomnia Restlessness Thoughts of worthlessness Trouble concentrating Thoughts of death or suicide

Warning Signs of Suicide Expressing the ‘wish’ to be dead Increasing social withdrawal/isolation Sudden inexplicable lightening of mood Previous history of attempts

Facts About Suicide Strongest risk factor for suicide is depression In the U.S. suicide is higher in men White men over 65 have highest rate Women attempt 3X as many suicides as men, men succeed at more than 3X rate of women

Treating Depression Depends on severity and persons risk of suicide Antidepressants Prescribed for Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, etc. Prozac, paxil Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) Last resort for severe depression Mild seizure is produced 3-4 treatments/wk. for ~ 4 wks.

Mood Disorders Mania and Bipolar Disorder Restlessness Having abundant energy Requiring little sleep Talking nonstop Many manics swing between mania and depressive states = bipolar disorder

Psychological Disorders Schizophrenia General characteristics Disorganized thoughts Inappropriate emotions Delusions Auditory hallucinations Deteriorating social and work function Uncertain causes

Models of Human Nature and Therapeutic Change Four Perspectives can be applied to psychological disorders each with a distinct view of human nature

Models of Human Nature and Therapeutic Change Biological Emphasis is on the influence of the brain Therapy = Pharmacological Behavioral Emphasis on behavior/actions Behaviorists analyze behavior in terms of stimulus, response and reinforcement Therapy = exposure

Models of Human Nature and Therapeutic Change 3. Cognitive Emphasis on effect of ideas on behaviors and feelings This model states that behavior results from attitudes and expectations rather than reinforcements Therapy tries to expose and identify false ideas that produce anxiety and depression

Models of Human Nature and Therapeutic Change 4. Psychodynamic Emphasizes thoughts Thoughts are fed by unconscious ideas and impulses In psychodynamic therapy patients speak freely, trying to find basis of their feelings