3 Caring for Your Mind

In This Chapter, You Will Learn To: LIST Key structures of the brain Depression symptoms and treatment Suicide symptoms and prevention DESCRIBE Neurons and their role in the brain Difference between mental health and mental illness Options for yourself in case of mental illness

The Brain: The Last Frontier Figure 3.1. The Brain

Communication within the Brain What are the parts of a neuron? Cell Body Contains nucleus Axon Long fiber that carries electrical signal Axon Terminal Where the axon ends and its signal is transferred to the dendrite of a different neuron Dendrite Shorter fiber that receives signal from the axon terminal

Communication within the Brain (cont’d.) WHERE At Synapses: Area between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron HOW Through Neurotransmitters: Packets of chemicals released from the axon terminal of the neuron sending the signal

Brain Messaging: Anatomy of a Neuron Figure 3.2. Brain Messaging: Anatomy of a Neuron

Understanding Mental Health Figure 3.3. The Mentally Healthy Individual

What is a Mental Disorder? ‘Clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern that is associated with present distress, disability or significantly increased risk of suffering death pain, disability or an important loss of freedom’ Diagnostic and Statistical Manual ‘…mental, behavioral or emotional disorders that interfere with one or more major activities in life like dressing eating or working.’ U.S. Government

The Mind-Body Connection A positive mental attitude decreases the risk of disease Mental Illness increases risk for many diseases Complex relationships between mental and physical health have been found Heart Disease and Depression Diabetes and Depression Bone Density and Depression

diagnosable mental disorder Mental Health in America Almost half of all Americans will experience a diagnosable mental disorder in their lifetime

Mental Health in America (cont’d.) Mental Disorder High Risk Group Depression Women & Girls Anxiety Migraines Alzheimer’s Substance Abuse Men Alcohol Abuse

Mental Health on Campus In a nationwide study of college students: 15.4% reported having been diagnosed with depression 28.4% reported feeling depressed (regardless of diagnosis) But only 8.3% were receiving treatment

Mental Health on Campus (cont’d.)

Depressive Disorders Fewer or Extreme Feelings Alterations In Thinking Depressed Helpless or hopeless Restless or slow No interest in pleasurable activities Physical symptoms Alterations In Thinking Difficulty concentrating or thinking critically Persistent thoughts of death New Actions Withdrawal from others Eating more or less

Depressive Disorders (cont’d.) STRESS SUBSTANCE ABUSE SLEEP LOSS

Depressive Disorders (cont’d.) Which Groups Are More Likely To Experience Major Depression Women Racial and Ethnic Minorities Those Without a High School Education Divorced or Never Married Jobless Those Without Health Insurance

Depressive Disorders (cont’d.) Depression Symptoms in Men Irritability Tremendous fatigue Headaches and pain Insomnia Self-medication with alcohol or drugs Men may not become ‘sad’ and are more likely than women to take their own life

Treating Depression Psychotherapy Antidepressant Medication Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interpersonal Therapy Antidepressant Medication Electroconvulsive or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy Exercise Behavior Change

Bipolar Disorder Defined Who is affected Symptoms Treatment Manic states of feeling euphoric and energetic to depressive states of utter despair Who is affected 50% have family member with bipolar More women than men affected Symptoms Mood swings Changes in thinking and behavior Changes in physical condition Treatment Medication Professional therapy is essential

Anxiety Disorders Specific Phobia Treatment Out-of-the-ordinary, irrational, intense, persistent fears of certain objects or situations Treatment Behavioral therapy for systematic exposure to feared object Medical hypnosis

Anxiety Disorders (cont’d.) Panic Attack Rapid heart rate, light-headed, hyperventilation, numb fingers or toes Terrible sense that something horrible is about to happen Panic Disorder When panic attacks recur OR Apprehension of panic attack impairs normal function Treatment Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Medication

Anxiety Disorders (cont’d.) Generalized Anxiety Disorder Constant fear or apprehension Irrational or unwarranted reaction to everyday objects Treatment Psychotherapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Medication

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Obsession Recurring idea, thought or image Compulsion Repetitive behavior performed according to certain rules Other Features Cannot resist or control thoughts or behavior Behaviors consume time and impact normal function Treatment Cognitive Therapy Behavioral Techniques Medication

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Features Inattention (wandering off task, difficulty sustaining focus, being disorganized, lacking persistence) Hyperactivity (excessive movements) Impulsivity (behaviors done without forethought) Treatment Drugs Dietary interventions No evidence of success with psychological treatments

Autism Spectrum Disorders Features Repetitive patterns of thoughts and behavior No verbal communication before age 3 Four times more likely to occur in boys than girls Treatment Behavior therapy Speech-language therapy Physical therapy School-based educational programs

Schizophrenia Features Treatment Causes Affects every aspect of psychological functioning Hallucinations and delusions Inability to think in logical manner Showing few, if any emotions Treatment Antipsychotic medication Causes Failure in brain development very early in life Heredity

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Features Deliberately hurting oneself without intention of suicide Can take the form of cutting, burning, stabbing, hitting Treatment Hospitalization

Suicide Two-thirds of college students who killed themselves experienced depressive symptoms at the time of their death

Suicide (cont’d.) Table 3.1. Suicide Risk

Factors that Lead to Suicide Suicide (cont’d.) Factors that Lead to Suicide Impulsivity High level of arousal and aggression Past suicidal behaviors Hopelessness

Overcoming Problems of the Mind Self-Help Strategies Eating right Exercise Peer support

Overcoming Problems of the Mind (cont’d.) 1. Talk to a mental health professional 2. Talk to someone you trust 3. Write down positive thoughts 4. Avoid drugs and alcohol 5. Go to the hospital

Overcoming Problems of the Mind (cont’d.) Therapy Many types of therapists Many types of therapy Medication Work closely with health professional to choose medication Alternative Activities Can combine therapy and medication with other treatments to enhance results (yoga, meditation)

Chapter Summary List Explain Describe Discuss Key structures of the brain and the communication functions of neurons Explain Differences in mental illness and mental health Describe Major mental illnesses, including depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and others Discuss Factors leading to suicide and suicide prevention strategies