Mental Health

Objectives Define mental health and understand what constitutes both good mental health and poor mental health. Understand the magnitude of mental illness and the changing perspective on mental illness and treatment of the mentally ill. Understand the effects of genetics and environment on mental health. (continued)

Objectives (continued) Identify the major theories of mental health that guide treatment of mental disorders. Explain how the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is used to diagnose mental illness. Recognize signs that people may be a danger to themselves or others.

Defining Mental Health Mental health describes the level of functioning of the mind. The level of functioning affects –daily functioning, –relationships, and –capacity to enjoy life.

Good Mental Health Good mental health includes the ability to –engage in productive activities, –have fulfilling relationships with other people, –adapt to change, –cope with adversity, –balance life responsibilities, –maintain self-care, and –feel self-confident.

Poor Mental Health Poor mental health is characterized by abnormalities in –cognition, –emotion, and –mood. There is cause for concern when a person’s mental state causes ongoing impairment.

Impact of Poor Mental Health About 1 in 4 adults in the United States suffers from a mental disorder. About 1 in 5 children under 18 suffers from a mental disorder. Poor mental health is the leading cause of disability for people aged 15 to 44.

Young Adults and Mental Health Stressful transitions –One in 4 people will have a depressive episode by age 24. –Half of college students report that at some time they were so depressed they had difficulty functioning. –Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. Alcohol –Alcohol can mask underlying mental illness. –Prevalence of binge and heavy drinking peaks at age 21. –Half of college students report binge drinking.

Treatment Methods Over Time Lobotomy Electroconvulsive therapy Medication –Antipsychotic medication –Antimanic medication –Antidepressant medication –Antianxiety medication

Psychological Theories Freud’s psychodynamic theory (treatments: psychotherapy) Behaviorism and social learning theories –Cognitive-behavioral therapy –Rational emotive behavior therapy Eclectic approaches

Balance Between Id, Ego, and Superego

What Determines Mental Health: Nature and Nurture Brain –Neurotransmitter functioning –Genetics –Impact of environment on genes Environment –Family –Socioeconomic status –Neighborhood –Religion –Culture –Social groups

Diagnosing Mental Illness Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM) –Guides diagnosis and treatment of disorders. –First published in –Four major revisions since first release. DSM contains five axes: –Axis I: Clinical disorders –Axis II: Developmental disorders and personality disorders –Axis III: General medical conditions –Axis IV: Psychosocial or environmental factors –Axis V: Global assessment functioning

Axis I: Clinical Disorders Anxiety disorders Eating disorders Mood disorders Psychotic disorders Impulse disorders Somatoform disorders Substance use disorders

Axis II: Developmental Disorders and Personality Disorders Childhood disorders Mental retardation Borderline personality disorder Narcissistic personality disorder Paranoid personality disorder

Axis III: Current Physical Health Issues Chronic illness Temporary illness or physical condition Physical disability

Axis IV: Psychosocial and Environmental Factors Relationships Employment Starting school Illness of family member

Axis V: Global Assessment of Functioning Scale to measure person’s ability for self-care and daily task completion

Treatment Modalities Individual therapy Family therapy Group therapy Support groups Self-help Online options

Getting Help for Yourself and Others Finding help for yourself –Seek professional services, medical treatment, or support. –Mental health problems aren’t a sign of weakness. Helping friends –Talk, don’t lecture. –Recognize warning signs of suicide: threats of killing oneself, giving away prized possessions or saying goodbye, or saying there’s no hope.

Recognizing Signs of Potential Violence in Others They lose their temper frequently. They get in fights. They vandalize property. They use illegal substances more than usual. They take more risks. They carry a weapon. They injure animals. They make threats.

Three Core Activities for Prevention of Mental Illness Prevention Treatment Maintenance

Mental Health Professionals Psychiatrist Psychologist Licensed clinical social worker Marriage and family therapist Mental health technician or aide Substance abuse counselor