Chapter 5

What are Mental Disorders?

Mental Disorders Illness of the mind that can affect thinking,

feeling, behaviors and disrupt normal life In the past, mental disorders were

misunderstood Mental disorders are imbalances in the

chemistry of the brain

Types of Disorders Organic disorder – caused by physical illness

or an injury Examples – syphilis, meningitis, lupus, brain

tumors, alcoholism, and stroke Functional disorder – caused by psychological

disorders such as stress, emotional conflict, fear, or poor coping skills

Anxiety Disorders Illness in which real, imagined, or

persistent fears prevent a person from enjoying life

Types of anxiety disorders – phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic disorders, and post traumatic stress disorders

Phobia Specific fear that is so strong a person goes

to extreme measures to avoid it Prevents people from carrying out daily

activities

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Pattern of repeated behaviors or thoughts Obsessions – persistent, recurring,

unwanted thoughts Compulsions – urgent ,repeated,

irresistible behaviors

Panic Disorders Condition in which fear or anxiety prevails

and gets in the way of functioning and enjoying life

Symptoms include trembling, racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or feel of losing control and dying

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Condition caused by witnessing or being

involved in a traumatic event that produces long lasting aftereffects

Veterans, rape survivors, survivors of natural disasters

Somatoform Disorders Condition in which a person complains of

disease symptoms, but no physical cause can be found

Hypochondria – fear of presumed diseases that aren’t present

Affective Disorders Mood disorder that involves mood swings

or mood extremes - often inherited Clinical Depression – hopelessness or

despair that lasts for more than a few weeks

Bipolar Disorder – psychological illness characterized by severe mood swings between extreme depression or happiness

Personality Disorders Variety of psychological conditions that

interfere with a person’s ability to get along with others

Antisocial personality disorder – constant conflict with society. This person may display uncaring, cruel, and irresponsible behavior

Personality Disorders Passive Aggressive Disorder – people that

are uncooperative and resent being told what to do, yet they rely on others direction

Schizophrenia – split personality Symptoms- inappropriate behavior, abnormal

emotional responses, hallucinations, talk to themselves, hear voices, withdrawal, and lost sense of time

Lesson 2 – Suicide Prevention Teen Depression – results from new

challenges and life changes that can overwhelm a person

Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and sadness

Suicide Risk Factors Over 50% of suicidal youths are

considered depressed Substance abuse, violence, or physical,

emotional, or sexual abuse Prior suicide attempts, firearms in the

house, jail time, exposure to other suicide, family history of emotional disorder

Warning Signs Verbal Signs – “I wish I were dead”, “I

want have to put up with this much longer”, “I want be a problem for you much longer”

Nonverbal Signs – depression, lack of zest for life, withdrawal, poor grades, giving away possessions, increased risk taking, change in appearance, sudden upbeat mood, drug and alcohol abuse

Preventing Suicide Take any potential suicide talk seriously Stress the temporary nature of the problem Make it clear that you want the persons

pain to end, but not with suicide Ask the person if they have specific plans Suggest talking to a trusting adult or

counselor Do not agree to keep it a secret

Kinds of Help Psychiatrist – doctor who specializes in

mental disorders and can prescribe medication Psychotherapy – ongoing dialogue between

doctor and patient in order to solve a problem Psychoanalysis – analysis of the patients past

in order to get to the root of a problem Medical psychotherapy – use of medication to

treat mental disorders

Kinds of Help Neurologist – physician who specializes in

organic disorders of the brain The neurologist becomes involved in organic

disorders to determine if surgery is required

Kinds of Help Clinical Psychologist – diagnoses and treats

emotional and behavior disorders but cannot prescribe medication

Counselors -