Objectives Explain the differences between mental health and mental illness and list some effects of mental illness on physical health. Name the major mental illnesses and their characteristic symptoms. List the key structures of the brain and describe the role of neurons in communication within the brain.

Chapter 4 Objectives Describe the treatment options available for those with psychological problems. Name the option you will consider if you have a mental health problem, and describe the reasons for your choice. Discuss some of the factors that may lead to suicide, as well as strategies for prevention.

Are Men’s and Women’s Brains Different? Men Have bigger brains. Have eyes which are more sensitive to bright light. Retain ability to see well at long distances longer in life. Loses brain tissue more rapidly than women. Women Use more neurons. Hears a broader range of sounds. Hearing remains sharper, longer. Responds more intensely to emotions. The Bottom Line Neither gender’s brain is “better”.

The Mentally Well Individual Fig. 4-3, p. 84 Establishes and maintains close relationships Carries out responsibilities Perceives reality as it is Feels a sense of fulfillment in daily living Accepts own limitations and possibilities Values himself/ herself Pursues work that suits talents and training

What is a Mental Disorder? A behavioral or psychological syndrome associated with distress or disability with a significantly increased risk of suffering death, pain, disability, or loss of freedom.

Gender and Depression Depression is twice as common in females versus males, but male depression is an “under” disease “underdiscussed”, “underrecognized”, “underdiagnosed”, and “undertreated”. Factors Contributing to Depression Genes, brain chemistry, sex hormones, childhood abuse, chronic stress, divorce, job loss, or career setbacks.

Major Depression Characteristic Symptoms Feeling depressed Loss of interest Eating more or less Having trouble sleeping Feeling slowed down Lack of energy Feeling helpless Difficulty concentrating Difficulty thinking clearly Persistent thoughts of death Withdrawal from others Headaches, digestive problems, aches and pains

Depressive Disorders Treatments Psychotherapy Cognitive-behavior therapy Interpersonal therapy Medications Antidepressants Exercise Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Bipolar Disorder Manic Depression Characteristics Mood swings that take individuals from manic states of feeling euphoric and energetic to depressive states of utter despair. Involves mood swings, changes in thinking, changes in behavior, and changes in physical condition. Treatment Mood-stabilizing medications Psychotherapy

Anxiety Disorders Phobias Panic Attacks and Panic Disorders Generalized Anxiety Disorder Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Anxiety Disorders Phobias Definition An anxiety disorder masked by an inordinate fear of an object, a class of objects, or a situation, resulting in extreme avoidance behaviors. Common Phobias Involve animals (dogs, snakes, insects, and mice); sight of blood; claustrophobia, acrophobia; and agoraphobia. Treatment Behavior therapy including systematic desensitization.

Anxiety Disorders Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder Panic Attack A short episode characterized by physical sensations of lightheadedness, dizziness, hyperventilation, and numbness of extremities, accompanied by an inexplicable terror, usually of a physical disaster such as death. Panic Disorder An anxiety disorder in which the apprehension or experience of recurring panic attacks is so intense that normal functioning is impaired.

Anxiety Disorders Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Definition An anxiety disorder characterized as chronic distress. Common Symptoms Faster heart rate, sweating, increased blood pressure, muscle aches, intestinal pains, irritability, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating. Treatment Psychotherapy. Behavioral therapy. Antianxiety drugs.

Anxiety Disorders Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Definition An anxiety disorder characterized by obsessions and/or compulsions that impair one’s ability to function and form relationships. Obsession A recurring idea, thought or image. Compulsion Repetitive behavior performed according to certain rules or in a stereotyped fashion Treatment Cognitive therapy Behavioral therapy Medications

Attention Disorders Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Definition A spectrum of difficulties in controlling motion and sustaining attention, including hyperactivity, impulsivity, and distractibility. Potential Complications Academic difficulties, poor concentration, difficulty making decisions, relationship difficulties, sleep problems, increased risk of depression, anxiety disorders and substance abuse. Treatments Medications Stimulants: Ritalin Nonstimulants: Strattera Psychotherapy

Schizophrenia Symptoms Hallucinations; delusions; inability to think in a logical manner; talking in rambling or incoherent ways; making odd or purposeless movements; mimicking gesture or words; showing few, if any, emotions; lacking will or motivation; and functioning at a much lower level. Causes Failure in brain development early in life and genetics. Not due to upbringing, social conditions, or traumatic experience. Treatment Antipsychotic medications

What Leads to Suicide? Mental Disorders Antidepressant Medications Substance Abuse Hopelessness Family History Physical Illness Brain Chemistry Access to Guns Life Crises

Suicide Prevention Encourage your friend to talk. Don’t offer trite reassurances. Suggest solutions or alternatives to problems. Don’t be afraid to ask whether your friend has considered suicide. Don’t think that people who talk about killing themselves never carry out their threat.

Types of Therapists Psychiatrists Licensed medical doctor with additional training n psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and treatment of mental disorders.

Types of Therapists Psychologists Mental health-care professionals who have completed doctoral or graduate programs in psychology and are trained in a variety of psychotherapeutic techniques, but who are not medically trained and so not prescribe medications.

Types of Therapists Certified Social Workers A person who has completed a two- year graduate program in counseling people with mental problems.

Types of Therapists Psychiatric Nurses A nurse with special training and experience in mental health care.

Types of Therapists Marriage and Family Therapists A psychiatrist, psychologist, or social worker who specializes in marriage and family counseling.

Types of Therapy Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) Psychiatric Drugs Alternative Mind-Mood Products

Surviving and Thriving Accept yourself. Respect yourself. Trust yourself. Love yourself. Stretch yourself. Look at challenges as opportunities for personal growth. Think not only where but also who you want to be a decade from now.