Mental Health Disorders An illness of the mind that can affect thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of a person, preventing him/her from leading a happy, healthful and productive life. Each year, 57.7 million people in the US are affected by mental disorders. (1:4)

Anxiety Disorders A condition in which real or imagined fears are difficult to control As many as 13% of teens experience an anxiety disorder. There are several different types of anxiety disorders.

Types of 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 leading to uncontrollable repetitive behaviors Panic Disorder Attacks of sudden, unexplained feelings of terrors Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) A condition that may develop after exposure to a terrifying event. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Exaggerated worry and tension for no reason

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

Affective (Mood) Disorders A mood disorder—an illness often with an organic cause that relates to emotions and may involve mood swings or mood extremes that interfere with everyday living

Affective (Mood) Disorders Clinical Depression Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair last more than a few weeks and interfere with daily activities & interests Can be biologically based or cause by life events & stressors Bipolar Disorder Psychological illness characterized by extreme mood swings between depression and extreme happiness, or mania Manic periods: extremely happy or energetic Depressive periods: lack of energy or activity

Personality Disorders Variety of psychological conditions that affect a person’s ability to get along with others No apparent signs/symptoms Respond in ways that offend others Antisocial Personality Disorder: Person’s constant conflict with society Displays behaviors that are: Cruel Uncaring Irresponsible Impulsive Does not care about others’ or society’s rules

Personality Disorders Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder Often uncooperative with others Resent directions, but rely on others leading them Schizophrenia Serious mental disorder meaning “split mind” Affects 1-2% of population Person loses contact with reality Symptoms: delusions, hallucinations, and thought disorders

When Help is Needed Feeling trapped or worrying all the time Feelings that affect sleep, eating habits, schoolwork, job performance, or relationships Becoming involved with alcohol or other drugs Becoming increasingly aggressive, violent, or reckless

Barriers & Counter Barriers to Help Perception that the problem will just go away = Many mental health disorders will become progressively worse unless treated Perception that a mental health problem means one is weak or crazy = Some mental disorders are the product of an organic illness and change in body chemistry (over which the person has no control) and need to be treated with medication or intensive psychotherapy. Lack of awareness of resources at school or in the community = A first step may be to speak to a parent or trusted adult, such as a physician, nurse, or counselor to seek referral. Embarrassment to acknowledge problem = A problem can be fixed only if it is acknowledged. Perception that one should be able to fix the problem without help = Just as one cannot “will away” a physical illness, a mental disorder may require professional assistance.

Mental Health Professionals Counselor: personal & educational matters School Psychologist: learning, emotional, & behavioral problems in school children Psychiatrist: physician who can diagnose & prescribe medications for mental disorders Neurologist: physical disorders of the brain & nervous system Clinical Psychologist: treats emotional & behavioral disorders with counseling Psychiatric Social Worker: provides guidance in treatment at hospital, health agency, family service agency

Treatment Methods Psychotherapy: ongoing dialogue between a patient & mental health professional Behavior Therapy: treatment process that focuses on changing unwanted behaviors through rewards & reinforcements Drug Therapy: use of medications to treat symptoms of mental disorder Cognitive Therapy: identify & correct distorted thinking patterns Family Therapy: helping family function in positive & constructive way Group Therapy: group of people with similar problems meet with a counselor