1. MNA Mosby’s Long Term Care Assistant Chapter 43 Mental Health Problems

2. Basic Concepts Mental relates to the mind Stress Mental health
Mental illness
Response or change in the body. Caused by emotional, physical, social or economic factors
Able to cope with and adjust to everyday stress
Unable to cope with or adjust to stress. Behavior and ability to function is impaired

3. Causes of Mental Illness
Unable to cope with stress
Chemical imbalances
Genetics
Drugs or substance abuse
Social and cultural factors

4. Anxiety Disorder Vague, uneasy feeling Sense of danger or harm
Some anxiety is normal
High and constant levels of anxiety is not normal

5. Panic Disorder Highest level of anxiety
Intense feeling of terror or dread
Unable to function
Panic attacks can last for 10minutes or longer

6. Phobias Intense fear, panic or dread Avoids what is feared
Unable to function if faced with fear.

7. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive -Recurrent, unwanted thought, idea or image
Compulsion – repeating an act over and over. Ritual
OCD

8. Schizophrenia
“Split Mind”
Sever
Chronic
Disabling

9. Schizophrenia Includes: Psychosis Unable to know real from not real
Delusions
Hallucinations
Unable to know real from not real
A false belief
Seeing, hearing, smelling or feeling something that is not real.
“voices” are most common

10. Schizophrenia Includes: Paranoia
Delusions of Grandeur
Delusions of Persecution
Has delusions. Is suspicious about a person or situation.
Exaggerated belief about one’s importance, powers or talents
Exaggerated belief that one is being mistreated, harassed, abused

11. Will exhibit unusual behaviors:
Schizophrenia
Will exhibit unusual behaviors:
Grimacing
Sitting for hours w/o moving, speaking
Involuntary movements
Talking to themselves
Usually begins in men in their early 20s
In women between the age of 20 – 30.
Some attempt suicide

12. Mood Disorders Feelings and emotions Bipolar - two poles or ends
Severe extremes in mood
Extreme High – mania
Extreme Low - depression
Chronic
Tends to run n families

13. Depression Very sad Losses interest in day to day activities
Suicide is a risk
Body functions are depressed
Common in older persons
Often overlooked or misdiagnosed

14. Personality Disorders
Rigid and maladaptive behavior
Does not function well in society

15. Personality Disorders
Antisocial personality disorder
Borderline personality disorder
At least 18 y/o
Has poor judgment and Lacks responsibility
Hostile
Lacking in morals and ethics. No guilt
Does not learn from experience
Problems with moods, relationships, self image
Intense bouts of anger, depression
Aggression, self injury
Drug or substance abuse is common

16. Substance Abuse and Addiction
Over uses or depends on alcohol or drugs
Physical and mental health are effected

17. Substance Abuse and Addiction
Alcoholism
Alcohol slows down brain activity
Effects judgment and reaction time
Damages brain,liver, heart, stomach, kidneys
Chronic
No cure

18. Substance Abuse and Addiction
Drug abuse
Interferes with normal brain function
Long term effects on brain
Develops a tolerance
Will have withdrawal symptoms w/o the substance

19. Treatment for Mental Health Problems
Psychotherapy
Family counseling
Exploring thoughts and feelings
Drugs
Communication is important