Mental Disorders An illness that affects the mind and reduces a person’s ability to function, to adjust to change, or to get along with others.

Causes of Mental Disorders Physical Factors- Damage to the brain-growth or tumor-prolonged use of drugs or alcohol. Heredity- Disorders may be inherited. Early childhood experiences- ex; a child who is neglected or abused. Recent experiences- ex; death of a loved one.

Anxiety Disorders Generalized Anxiety Disorder- intense worry, fears, restlessness, fatigue, trouble falling asleep, and trouble concentrating. Phobias- anxiety associated to a specific situation or object. Panic Attacks- fast heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, trembling or shaking etc.

Anxieties cont. Obsessive compulsive Disorder (OCD)- an unwanted thought or image takes control of the mind and the person has unreasonable need to behave in a certain way to prevent feared outcome. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder- Survivors of life-threatening events-flashbacks, nightmares-produce intense fear or horror.

Other Mental Disorders Mood Disorders- experience extreme emotions-ex; bipolar disorder also called manic-depressive disorder-overly excited and restless-periods of deep depression. Schizophrenia-severe disturbances in thinking, mood, awareness and behavior- means “Split mind”. Hear voices and often talk to themselves.

Depression & Suicide Clinical Depression- Mood disorder- characterized by feeling sad or hopeless for months maybe longer. Risk Factors- A parent or other close biological relative with a mood disorder A major life change or a prolonged stressful situation Being a victim of a violent crime or witnessing violence A previous bout with depression A sense of hopelessness

Signs of Clinical Depression Change in appetite, significant weight loss or gain Change in sleep patterns, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much Change in activity level; sluggish (slow) or frantic (fast-paced) Loss of interest in usual activities Loss of energy; always tired Hopelessness; excessive guilt Difficulty thinking or concentrating Repeated thoughts of death and suicide

Depression Cont. Treatment Medication Learn new strategies to cope with problems

Eating Disorders An eating disorder is a mental disorder that reveals itself through abnormal behaviors related to food. Anorexia Nervosa- Extreme weight loss, slowed heart and breathing rates, dry skin, lowered body temperature, menstrual period problems. Possible causes- Lack of a chemical that regulates mood, low self-esteem, strong desire to please someone. Most often it’s a matter of control!

Eating Disorders Bulimia- uncontrolled eating binges followed by purging. Health Risks- dehydration, kidney damage, lack of necessary vitamins and minerals, acid in vomit irritates throat and erodes enamel on teeth, depression and possible suicide. Possible Causes- Use of food to feel better emotionally.

Eating Disorders Binge Eating Disorder- Uncontrollable urge to eat large amounts of food- Ex; intend to eat 1-2 slices of bread and they eat the entire loaf! Health Risks- Excess weight, unhealthy dieting, diabetes, high blood pressure, tendency to turn to extreme diets. Possible Causes- avoid difficult emotions, such as anger or stressful situations.