Chapter 10: Mental Disorders

What Are Mental Disorders? Illnesses 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. People who suffer from mental disorders are often identified by their inability to cope in healthful ways with life’s changes, demands, problems, or traumas.

Types of Mental Disorders 2 General Types Organic Disorders: mental disorder clearly caused by a physical illness or injury to the brain. Brain tumors, alcoholism, meningitis, lupus, and stroke. Could be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Functional Disorders: occur as the result of psychological cause in which no clear brain damage is involved. Generally result from stress, emotional conflict, fear, or poor coping skills. Anxiety disorders, somatoform disorders, affective disorders, and personality disorders.

Anxiety Disorders Some anxiety (worry/nervousness) is normal. An anxiety disorder is an illness in which real, imagined, or persistent fears prevent a person from enjoying life. Continuous, chronic anxiety. People affected live their lives as to avoid the object or situation that makes them anxious or fearful.

4 Types of Anxiety Disorders Phobias Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Panic Disorder Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

1. Phobias Specific fear that is so strong, a person goes to extreme measures to avoid the fear- producing object of activity. Acrophobia – fear of heights Claustrophobia – fear of enclosed spaces Coulrophobia – fear of clowns Some mental health experts believe that a phobia is related to some past experience that was traumatic for the individual. Although there is no longer a threat or danger, the fear remains real.

2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Someone trapped in a pattern of repeated behaviors or thoughts. Obsessions are persistent, recurrent, unwanted thoughts or ideas that keep people from thinking about other things. Compulsions are urgent, repeated, irresistible behaviors. When these activities (ex: hand washing 20-30 times/day) interfere with other daily functions or commitments, they are considered a problem.

3. Panic Disorder Condition in which fear or anxiety prevails and gets in the way of functioning and enjoying life. Panic Attacks (usually caused by trigger – object, condition, or situation). Symptoms: trembling, racing heartbeat, shortness of breathe, dizziness, or fear of losing control or even dying.

4. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Condition in which a person who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event feels sever and long-lasting aftereffects. (very common in veterans, rape survivors, and survivors of disasters/crashes). Symptoms (may appear months or even years after initial event): flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, dreams about the event, sleeplessness, feelings of guilt, or extreme reaction to an image or sound that reminds the person of the event.

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

Affective Disorders Illness often with an organic cause that relates to emotions and may involve mood swings or mood extremes that interfere with everyday living. Clinical Depression Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair last for more than a few weeks and interfere with daily activities and interests. Depression often runs in families and can be hereditary, but can also be caused by life events and accumulated traumas or stress. Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression Phycological illness characterized by extreme mood swings between depression and extreme happiness (or mania).

Personality Disorders Variety of psychological conditions that affect a person’s ability to get along with others. Antisocial Personality Disorder Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder Schizophrenia

1. Antisocial Personality Disorder Characterized by a person’s conflict with society. May display behavior that is cruel, uncaring, irresponsible, and impulsive. Knows right from wrong but does often not care about others’ needs or society’s rules. Often in trouble with the law.

2. Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder Often uncooperative with others. Resent being told what to do. Get angry over issues of control.

3. Schizophrenia Means “split mind” Affects about 1-2% of population (appears most frequently between 15-35) Symptoms: paranoid, hear voices, withdrawal, hallucinate, talk to themselves, neglect care for themselves. Professional help and chemical intervention are always recommended.

Depression and Teen Years Depression – feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness (more than a few weeks) Common during teen years when new challenges, responsibilities, and pressures can pile up and seem overpowering. Could lead to alienation (feeling isolated and separated from everyone else). When painful feelings go unchecked over long periods, some teens may feel so filled with hurt and despair that they will try drastic, self- destructive measures to escape.

Suicide Risk Factors Suicide and suicidal behavior are NOT normal responses to the stresses experienced by most people. Suicide risk factors: Depressed Isolated Angry/Violent Substance/Physical/Emotional/Sexual abuse Prior suicide attempts, firearms in house, jail time, family history, exposure to other suicides

Accidental Suicide Results of alcohol or drug abuse Misuse of a firearm

Multiple Suicides Cluster Suicides – rash of suicides occurring within a short space of time and involves several people from the same school or community. Suicide Pact – oral or written agreement between 2 or more people to take part in a join suicide.

Warning Signs Verbal Signs “I want to die” “I don’t want to live anymore” “I wish I were dead” “I/You won’t have to put up with this much longer” “I just want to go to sleep and never wake up” “Nothing matters” “They’ll be sorry when I’m gone” Poems, song lyrics, or social media posts that deal with death.

Warning Signs Nonverbal Signs Depression and hopelessness Lack of energy and zest for life Withdrawal from family, friends, and social activities Drop in grades Giving away possessions Increased risk taking Sudden upbeat mood Neglect or dramatic change in appearance Irrational or bizarre behavior Drug and alcohol use Violent actions

Preventing Suicide Most suicide thoughts are temporary, but death is permanent. With help, people suffering from depression or mental disorders can often find new levels of purpose and happiness.

How Can YOU Help? Remember that people who are suicidal often feel that no one cares. SHOW YOU CARE Take any and all talk of potential suicide seriously. BE CALM, LISTEN, and SHOW SUPPORT STRESS THE TEMPORARY NATURE OF THE PROBLEMS AND FEELINGS AND EMPHASIZE THERE IS HELP AVAILABLE MAKE CLEAR YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THE PERSON WANTS TO END HIS/HER PAIN BUT EMPHASIZE SUICIDE IS NOT THE ANSWER MAKE SURE NO WEAPONS OR DRUGS ARE AVAILABLE DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE IF THREAT IS IMMEDIATE SUGGEST TALKING TO A PARENT OR TRUSTED ADULT DO NOT KEEP A SECRET

Getting Help Asking for help is a sign of strength. It shows responsibility for one’s well-being. Serious disorders, compulsions and addiction are complex and require professional intervention. Don’t think you can do it on your own. Help is as close as a trusted adult, friend, preacher, phone call. Finding help is NOT difficult. Many state and community facilities offer low-cost or no-cost help. You can afford it.

Kinds of Help Psychiatrist Medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental disorders and CAN prescribe medications. A psychiatrist may use many therapies including: Psychotherapy – ongoing dialogue between patient and psychiatrist designed to get to the root of the problem AND find a solution. Psychoanalysis – analysis of the patients past to determine early roots of a mental problem (used rarely today). Medical psychotherapy – medication in conjunction with talk therapy.

Other People Who Can Help Neurologist A physician who specializes in organic disorders of the brain and nervous system. Clinical Psychologist Diagnoses and treats emotional and behavioral disorders but CANNOT prescribe medications. Counselors Many kinds: school, pastoral, addiction, etc. All may help with mental disorders Psychiatric Social Worker One who has concentrated on psychiatric casework, doing fieldwork in a mental hospital, mental health clinic, or family service agency that provides guidance and treatment for clients with emotional problems.