1. Mental Health Disorders
An illness of the mind that can affect thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a person, preventing him/her from leading a happy, healthful and productive life.
Each year, 57.7 million people in the US are affected by mental disorders. (1:4)

2. Anxiety Disorders
A condition in which real or imagined fears are difficult to control
As many as 13% of teens experience an anxiety disorder.
There are several different types of anxiety disorders.

3. Types of Anxiety Disorders
Phobia
a strong, irrational fear of something specific, such as heights or social situations
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Persistent thoughts, fears, or urges leading to uncontrollable repetitive behaviors
Panic Disorder
Attacks of sudden, unexplained feelings of terrors
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
A condition that may develop after exposure to a terrifying event.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Exaggerated worry and tension for no reason

4. Somatoform Disorders
An illness in which a person complains of disease symptoms, but no physical cause can be found
Hypochondriac: a preoccupation with the body and fear of presumed diseases that are not present

5. Affective (Mood) Disorders
A mood disorder—an illness often with an organic cause that relates to emotions and may involve mood swings or mood extremes that interfere with everyday living

6. Affective (Mood) Disorders
Clinical Depression
Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair last more than a few weeks and interfere with daily activities & interests
Can be biologically based or cause by life events & stressors
Bipolar Disorder
Psychological illness characterized by extreme mood swings between depression and extreme happiness, or mania
Manic periods: extremely happy or energetic
Depressive periods: lack of energy or activity

7. Personality Disorders
Variety of psychological conditions that affect a person’s ability to get along with others
No apparent signs/symptoms
Respond in ways that offend others
Antisocial Personality Disorder:
Person’s constant conflict with society
Displays behaviors that are:
Cruel
Uncaring
Irresponsible
Impulsive
Does not care about others’ or society’s rules

8. Personality Disorders
Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder
Often uncooperative with others
Resent directions, but rely on others leading them
Schizophrenia
Serious mental disorder meaning “split mind”
Affects 1-2% of population
Person loses contact with reality
Symptoms: delusions, hallucinations, and thought disorders

9. When Help is Needed Feeling trapped or worrying all the time
Feelings that affect sleep, eating habits, schoolwork, job performance, or relationships
Becoming involved with alcohol or other drugs
Becoming increasingly aggressive, violent, or reckless

10. Barriers & Counter Barriers to Help
Perception that the problem will just go away =
Many mental health disorders will become progressively worse unless treated
Perception that a mental health problem means one is weak or crazy =
Some mental disorders are the product of an organic illness and change in body chemistry (over which the person has no control) and need to be treated with medication or intensive psychotherapy.
Lack of awareness of resources at school or in the community =
A first step may be to speak to a parent or trusted adult, such as a physician, nurse, or counselor to seek referral.
Embarrassment to acknowledge problem =
A problem can be fixed only if it is acknowledged.
Perception that one should be able to fix the problem without help =
Just as one cannot “will away” a physical illness, a mental disorder may require professional assistance.

11. Mental Health Professionals
Counselor: personal & educational matters
School Psychologist: learning, emotional, & behavioral problems in school children
Psychiatrist: physician who can diagnose & prescribe medications for mental disorders
Neurologist: physical disorders of the brain & nervous system
Clinical Psychologist: treats emotional & behavioral disorders with counseling
Psychiatric Social Worker: provides guidance in treatment at hospital, health agency, family service agency

12. Treatment Methods
Psychotherapy: ongoing dialogue between a patient & mental health professional
Behavior Therapy: treatment process that focuses on changing unwanted behaviors through rewards & reinforcements
Drug Therapy: use of medications to treat symptoms of mental disorder
Cognitive Therapy: identify & correct distorted thinking patterns
Family Therapy: helping family function in positive & constructive way
Group Therapy: group of people with similar problems meet with a counselor