MENTAL DISORDERS Understanding Mental Disorders Mental Disorder An

MENTAL DISORDERS

Understanding Mental Disorders � Mental Disorder- An illness of the mind that can affect the thoughts, feelings and behaviors of a person, preventing him or her from leading a happy healthful, and productive life. � 57. 7 � million people per year in the USA Stigma- Is a mark of shame or disapproval that results in an individual being shunned or rejected by others � People won’t seek help because of embarrassment or shame

� Mental disorders are medical conditions, and require diagnosis and treatment just like any physical illness or injury. � Many times, mental and emotional problems cannot be solved without professional help. � Mental disorders can begin as early as childhood.

Types of Mental Disorders � Anxiety Disorder- A condition in which real or imagined fears are difficult to control. � Most common in children and teens � Try to avoid situations that make them feel anxious or fearful

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 (obsessions) leading to uncontrollable repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Ex, fear of germs lead to constant hand washing Panic Disorder Attacks of sudden, unexplained feelings of terror. “Panic Attacks” are accompanied by trembling increase HR, SOB, or dizziness Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) A condition that may develop after exposure to a terrifying event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, guilt, sleeplessness, and problems concentrating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Exaggerated worry and tension for no reason. People with GAD startle easily and have difficulty concentrating, relaxing and sleeping.

Impulse Control Disorders � Cannot resist the urge to hurt themselves or others � May cause financial harm by over spending and gambling � Behaves in ways that will cause them to lose friends

Impulse Control Disorders Kleptomania Unplanned theft of objects Cutting Repetitive cutting on parts of the body that can be hidden Pyromania Setting fires to feel pleasure or release Excessive Gambling Continuing to gamble despite heavy losses Compulsive Shopping Spending money on items that you can’t afford and don’t need

Eating Disorders � � � Anorexia, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Commonly occurs in the teen years Puberty causes bodies to change, media makes teens put unrealistic ideas into their heads

Mood Disorders � Mood Disorder- An illness that involves mood extremes that interfere with everyday living � More extreme than normal highs and lows � Depression and Bi polar disorder � Bipolar Disorder or Manic Depressive- Marked by extreme mood changes, energy levels and behavior

� Conduct Disorder- Patters of behavior in which the rights of others or basic social rules are violated. � Stealing, Cruelty, Lying, Aggression, Violence, Truancy, Arson, and vandalism Treatment includes learning to adapt to the demands of everyday life � Schizophrenia- a mental disorder in which a person loses contact with reality. � Delusions, Hallucinations, and thought disorders � Behave unpredictably � Professional help and medication are needed

� Personality Disorders- Unable to regulate their emotions � May feel distressed in a social situation, or may behave in ways that are distressing to others.

Myths or Facts Having a mental disorder means that you are “crazy” Myth � Mental disorders can affect anyone and having one does not make you “crazy” Fact � Having a mental disorder means that you are dangerous to others Myth � People with mental disorders are less dangerous than the average person without a mental illness Fact � With treatment, many people with mental disorders can have a full recovery Fact � Mental disorders cannot be cured Myth �