Mental Disorders Mental Disorders What is a mental

Mental Disorders

Mental Disorders What is a mental disorder? • It is an illness of the mind that can affect the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of a person, preventing him or her from leading a happy and healthy way of life.

Types of Mental Disorders Anxiety Disorders Somatoform Disorders Affective Disorders Personality Disorders

Anxiety Disorders A disorder in which real, imagined or persistent fears prevent a person from enjoying life.

Examples of Anxiety Disorders Phobias Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD Panic Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, i. e. 9/11

Phobias and OCD http: //www. phobialist. com/ OCD • Obsessive thoughts or behaviors

Panic Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Panic Disorders • Panic attacks • Increased heart rate, sweating, dizziness Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders • Flashbacks * Nightmares • Sleeplessness * Guilt

Somatoform Disorders This is when a person complains of disease symptoms, but no physical cause can be found. Hypochondria Body dysmorphic disorder

Affective Disorders An illness often with an organic cause that relates to emotions and may involve mood swings or mood extremes that interfere with everyday living.

Affective Disorders Depression: A feeling of helplessness and despair that lasts for more than a few weeks and interferes with daily activities.

Affective Disorders Bipolar Disorder: Also known as manic depression. • Extreme mood swings between depression and happiness. • Each phase can last a couple of weeks at a time.

Personality Disorders Personality disorders affect a person’s ability to get along with others. Examples of Personality Disorders • Anti-social • Passive Aggressive • Schizophrenia

Personality Disorders Anti-social Behavior: Someone in constant conflict with society, i. e. a recluse, etc. Passive Aggressive: Often uncooperative with others.

Personality Disorders Schizophrenia: A serious mental disorder , which affects about 1 -2% of the population and often appears between the ages of 15 -35 years old • Paranoia • Hallucinations • Withdrawn and/or abnormal behavior

Suicide Prevention Suicide: the taking of one’s own life. Cluster suicides: a rash of suicides in a short period of time, involving several people in the same community.

Suicide Statistics http: //www. afsp. org/index. cfm? fuseaction=home. viewpage&page_id=04 EB 7 CD 1 -9 EED-971289 C 9540 AFCB 44481 http: //www. afsp. org/index. cfm? fuseaction=home. view. Page&page_id=04 ECB 949 -C 3 D 9 -5 FFADA 9 C 65 C 381 BAAEC 0 http: //www. afsp. org/index. cfm? fuseaction=home. view. Page&page_id=05114 FBE-E 445 -7831 F 0 C 1494 E 2 FADB 8 EA

Suicide Risk Factors Substance Abuse Violence Emotional, physical or sexual abuse Prior attempts or exposure to previous suicides

Warning Signs Observable signs of serious depression: Unrelenting low mood Pessimism Hopelessness Desperation Anxiety, psychic pain and inner tension Withdrawal Sleep problems Increased alcohol and/or other drug use Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Warning Signs Recent impulsiveness and taking unnecessary risks Threatening suicide or expressing a strong wish to die Making a plan: Giving away prized possessions Sudden or impulsive purchase of a firearm Obtaining other means of killing oneself such as poisons or medications Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Warning Signs Abnormally “Happy” as if nothing is wrong Unexpected rage or anger Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Prevention Take any and all talk of potential suicide attempts seriously. Demonstrate empathy Stress the temporary nature of their feelings and stress getting parent and professional help. Stress that suicide is “not” the answer.

Prevention DO NOT LEAVE THE PERSON ALONE Do not agree to keep it a secret

Getting Help for Mental Disorders When they affect your life. Psychotherapy: dialogue between patient and psychiatrist. Psychoanalysis: analyzing the patients past to get to the root of the problem.

Getting Help for Mental Disorders Medical Psychotherapy: Using medication to treat a mental disorder

Types of Mental Professionals Neurologist: a physician who specialize in organic disorders of the brain and nervous system. Psychiatrist: A physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental disorders, able to prescribe medication.

Types of Mental Professionals Psychologist: diagnosis and treats mental disorders through psychotherapy, cannot prescribe medication.