1. Mental Health Disorders
Health- Ms. Davenport

2. Mental Health Disorders
An illness that affects the mind and prevents a person from being productive, adjusting to life situations, or getting along with others.
Labeling a person as mentally ill is difficult
Involves making a judgement based on signs that are not always easy to identify
i.e. really sad vs. depressed

3. Characteristics
Characterized by abnormal thoughts, feelings, or behaviors.
Makes them uncomfortable with themselves or at odds with others

4. Causes Organic Functional The cause is physical (i.e. Dementia)
Are not traced back to a physical cause
Inborn – inherited or passed on
Early Experiences – unpleasant experiences
Current Causes – recent experiences

5. Anxiety Disorder Fear that does not have an identifiable source
Phobia – when anxiety is related to a specific situation or object
Example: Claustrophobia
General Anxiety Disorder – Where a person feels anxious, but cannot specify the cause
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – an unreasonable need to behave a certain way

6. Mood Disorders a person whose moods or emotions become extreme and interfere with his or her daily life
Clinical Depression – person is overwhelmed by sad feelings for months and is unable to carry on with everyday activities.
Bipolar – Also known as manic depression because of the extreme shifts from happiness to sadness

7. Personality Disorder Characterized by behavior that is inflexible and interferes with a person’s pursuit of a happy, healthy life.
Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder – Depend on others to direct them, and at the same time resent being told what to do.
Antisocial Personality Disorder – People with this disorder perform cruel and violent acts without feeling any guilt.

8. Schizophrenia “Split Mind”
A disorder characterized by unpredictable disturbances in thinking, mood, awareness, and behavior.

9. Getting Help Mental Health influences every aspect of a person’s life.
A person should seek help when:
They feel trapped or worry all the time
Sleep, eating habits, schoolwork, job performance, or relationships are affected
They become involved with alcohol or other drugs to cope
They become increasing aggressive, violent, or reckless

10. Treatment
Psychotherapy – on going dialogue between patient and professional
Finds the cause of a problem
Behavioral Therapy – focuses on changing unwanted behaviors through rewards
Cognitive Therapy – Designed to identify and correct distorted thinking patterns
Prevents behaviors that may be troublesome, self-deflating, or self-destructive

11. Treatment
Family Therapy – focuses on helping the family function in a more positive and constructive way
Effective when entire family is present
Group Therapy – Involves treating a group of people who have similar problems and who meet regularly
Whatever is said is private and not discussed with others
Drug Therapy – Use of certain medications to treat or reduce the symptoms
Often used in combination with other treatment options

12. Mental Health Professionals
Counselor – professional who handles personal and educational matters
School Psychologist – Specializes in the assessment of learning, emotional, and behavioral problems
Psychiatrist – Physician who diagnoses and treats mental disorders
Neurologist – Specializes in physical disorders of the brain and nervous system

13. Mental Health Professionals
Clinical Psychologist – Diagnoses and treats emotional and behavioral disorders with counseling
Psychiatric Social Worker – Provides guidance and treatment for emotional problems in a hospital.

14. Mental Health Project Topics
Schizophrenia
Depression
Anxiety
Bi Polar
Social Phobia
Panic Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Eating Disorders
Substance Dependence/Abuse
ADHD
Suicide