Mental Disorders ObJ:9.MEH2.1: I will identify causes and symptoms of mental disorders. ObJ:9.MEH.2.2: I will design useful help-seeking strategies for mental disorders. ObJ:9.MEH1.2: I will plan effective methods to deal with anxiety

Read & Reflect Scholar: What are examples of mental disorders? Collegiate: What is the impact of mental disorders on the person and family? What are some positive coping mechanisms that a person with a mental disorder can do to be successful in their daily life? Genius: What may be the positive and negative impact of labeling kids with mental disorders?

Causes of Mental Disorders Genetics: a gene is passed from parent to child Substance abuse Abuse and neglect Death of a loved one Traumatic events Dysfunctional and unstable family life

What causes anxiety? Anxiety: an uneasy feeling or the act of worry about what may happen CAUSES: Hormonal changes Side effects of drug Stress in personal relationships Family problems Financial stress Use of illegal drugs Emotional trauma Stress from school Serious medical illness

Symptoms of Anxiety Increased heart rate Rapid breathing Stomach ache Feeling powerless Sweating Feeling weak or fatigue

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Definition: Severe, ongoing anxiety that interferes with day to day activities. Anxiety disorder is the most common mental disorder among children. It affects approximately 10% of all children.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms: Always worried – even when no signs of trouble Aches and pains, which cannot be traced to physical illness Tired easily yet has trouble sleeping Constant body tension

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Types of Treatment: Self-help coping strategies: Exercise Decrease stress in life Deep breathing and relaxation techniques Create a great support group of friends Medication Therapy

Social Phobia Social phobia is a strong fear of being judged by others and of being embarrassed.

Social Phobia Symptoms: Everyday, fears doing something embarrassing Stops going to social events and school – fear of meeting new people Sweats and shakes when people look at them Types of Treatment: Self-help techniques (relaxation, challenge negative thoughts, face your fears, support group) Medication Therapy

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder OCD is an anxiety disorder that leads people to perform repetitive tasks that interfere with everyday life.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Symptoms: Obsessed with hand washing – intense fear of germs Constantly checks doors/windows before leaving the house Terrified they will harm someone they care about Can’t get obsessive thoughts out of head Types of Treatment: Self-help techniques (education, relaxation, support group, practice skills learned in therapy) Medication Therapy

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD is a mental health condition that is triggered by a terrifying event.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Person has frequent nightmares Terrifying flashbacks Avoids places which remind person of the traumatic event Feels like they can not trust anyone Types of Treatment: Self-help techniques (support group, avoid drugs and alcohol which make symptoms worse, overcome sense of helplessness by engaging in empowering activities) Medication Therapy

PTSD: Grey’s Anatomy http://www. youtube. com/watch Watch 2:30 minutes

Panic Disorder Panic disorder is an involuntary anxiety or “panic” attack, triggering severe physical reactions.

Panic Disorder Symptoms: Heart starts pounding out of the blue Feels dizzy Can’t breathe Feels like they are about to die Has these symptoms over and over again Types of Treatment: Self-help techniques (education, learn how to control breathing, relaxation techniques, avoid caffeine and cigarettes) Medication Therapy

Bipolar Disorder A brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

Bipolar Disorder Symptoms: Serious shift in mood, energy, thinking and behavior from the highs of mania to the lows of depression Mania: feeling unusually “high” and optimistic or irritable, sleeping very little but has high energy, racing thoughts and easily distracted Depression: feeling hopeless, loss of energy, sleep problems, thoughts of suicide Types of Treatment: Self-help techniques (education, reduce stress in life, support system, stabilize mood by eating healthy, exercising and getting enough sleep) Therapy Medication

Why would someone be reluctant to seek help for a mental disorder?

Barriers to seeking help Perception that problem will “just go away” Perception that one is weak or crazy Lack of awareness of resources at school or in community Embarrassment to acknowledge problem Perception that one should be able to fix the problem without help

Determine the Mental Disorder? Based on the symptoms present in each case study, determine which mental disorder each individual is suffering from.

Question 1 It is 10:00 pm and Sam is struggling to finish his homework. He is stressed and exhausted. He unexpectedly begins to feel dizzy and short of breath. His heart is pounding and he feels like he is about to die. What mental disorder is he suffering from?

Question 2 Montrell and his brother, Daniel, were walking home from the store when shots were fired. Daniel was hit in the stomach. Montrell held his brother until Daniel took his last breath. One year later, Montrell is still having a very difficult time dealing with the death of his brother. Montrell frequently has nightmares and flashbacks relating to the death of his brother. What mental disorder is he suffering from?

Question 3 Julie has a hard time controlling her thoughts. At work, she constantly worries that she forgot to lock the doors or turn off lights in her house. She washes her hands at least twenty times through out the day for fear of germs and bacteria. What mental disorders is she struggling with?

Question 4 Susan experiences periods of time when she feels very “high” on life. She sleeps very little and spends a lot of time working on her art work. However, Susan also experience drastic “lows” where she sleeps often and is very depressed. What mental disorder is she experiencing?

Question 5 Joanna is having thoughts of dropping out of school. She is often worried about embarrassing herself at school. Students laugh at her when she shakes and breaks out in a sweat when she makes class presentations. She feels more comfortable being alone or with her family at her house. What mental disorder is Joanna experiencing?

Question 6 Kenya feels anxious and worried throughout the day. Due to her constant worry, she feels aches, pains, and tension throughout her body. She is often tired yet is not sleeping well. What mental disorders is Kenya experiencing?

Question 7 List 4 symptoms of depression.

Question 8 Chris is experiencing significant depression. He has decided to take action. What are three treatment options?

Additional Questions? If you have additional questions about mental health disorders, see our school nurse or our school psychologist. She can get you in contact with someone who can help you.