Mental Health Disorders

As a caregiver, you may work with people with mental health problems.

What are they?How will I know?

You may work with the following mental health problems:

Anxiety Disorders

Schizophrenia

Mood Disorders

Anxiety:

Aaarrgh!I just can’t

cope!

Anxiety Disorders:

The four most common forms:

Panic disorder;

Phobias;

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder;

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Schizophrenia:

Early onset – typically late teens to the 20s and 30s.

Symptoms include: Delusions; Hallucinations; Paranoia; Psychosis.

Check for appropriate use of medication.

Aging individuals with Schizophrenia:

Help me Distract

me please

Know any good

jokes?

Am I going to be ok?

Mood Disorders:

The two most common forms:

Bi-polar disorder (or manic-depressive disorder); and

Serious depression.

How you can identify individuals with Bi-polar disorder:

Manic: high energy; racing thoughts; irritability; restlessness; or

Depressive: hopelessness; loss of interest in life; decreased energy; suicidal thoughts or actions.