Mental / Emotional Problems

Functional disorder: Has a psychological cause & does not involve brain damage Organic disorder: Caused by a physical illness or injury that affects the brain

Condition in which real or imagined fears are difficult to control Anxiety Disorders: Condition in which real or imagined fears are difficult to control Phobia: A strong & irrational fear of something specific Ex: Arachnophobia – a fear of spiders Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Trapped in a pattern of repeated thoughts or behaviors Ex: Excessive hand washing Panic disorder: Sudden, unexplained feelings of terror “panic attacks” Ex: trembling, pounding heart, shortness of breath or dizziness Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Ex: Rape, wrecks, 9-11, Katrina, etc…

Mood Disorders: An illness, often with an organic cause, that involves mood extremes that interfere with everyday living Clinical Depression: “the blues” feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair last for more than a few weeks & interfere with daily activities Bipolar Disorder (manic-depressive): Extreme mood changes, energy levels, & behavior; high highs & low lows; teens alternate rapidly b/t the 2 extremes

Eating Disorders: Psychological pressures, possible genetic factors, & an obsession with body image & fatness Anorexia: Anti –eating; go long periods without eating or very little Bulimia: Binge and purge; usually maintain a normal body wt. & can also have anorexia Obesity: Over eating to the extreme; more than being overweight

Conduct Disorders: A pattern of behavior in which the rights of others or basic social rules are violated FYI: People with this disorder generally have low self-esteem & suffer from anxiety, depression, and substance abuse; Ex: lying, theft, aggression, violence, truancy, arson, & vandalism

Mental Disorders: An illness of the mind that can affect the thoughts, feelings, & behaviors of a person, preventing them from living a happy, healthful, & productive life Schizophrenia: A severe mental disorder in which a person loses contact with reality; delusions, hallucinations, and thought disorders; 1% of pop affected; onset is b/t ages of 15-35

An individual’s unique traits & behavior patterns Personal Disorders: An individual’s unique traits & behavior patterns Antisocial personality disorder: Irritable, aggressive, impulsive, & violent; unable to show remorse for behavior Borderline personality disorder: Troubled, engage in high-risk behaviors, poor self-esteem; they fear abandonment & lash out at people needed most Passive-aggressive personality disorder: Often uncooperative; resent being told what to do, yet they rely on others’ direction; show anger indirectly; Ex: they may forget to show up or arrive late & leave early