Mental illness is the most stigmatizing & disabling abnormality found in humans

1) Define mental health, mental Illness, and the wellness continuum

2) Compare & contrast neurotic and psychotic disorders and discuss etiologies of each

3) Differentiate between effective and ineffective coping

4) Identify main defense mechanisms

What is mental health?

What is illness?

Mental HealthAbility to:1)Be flexible2)Be successful3)Form close relationships4)Make appropriate judgments & problem

solve5)Cope with daily stress6)Have a positive self concept or image

Mental IllnessImpaired ability to:1)Think &/or feel2)Make appropriate judgments3)Adapt and cope with reality4)Forming close personal relationships

Mental Health/Illness ContinuumEbb and flowEmotional balance or homeostasisMentally healthy individuals are able to keep

stress in perspective and employ healthy coping mechanisms.

Mental Health/Illness Continuum

Mental Health Neurosis Psychosis

NeurosisAn unconscious conflict that produces

prolonged stress and anxiety leading to a maladaptive use of coping mechanisms. The individual is capable of performing ADLs.

A maladaptive psychological disorder that affects behavior, mood, or personality.

PsychosisA mental disorder characterized by a loss of

contact with reality. This may be evidenced by bizarre behaviors, delusions, hallucinations, or disorganized speech patterns.

Present with disorders such as substance withdrawal or abuse, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders.

Etiologies of Mental IllnessNature vs. nurtureOrganic vs. inorganicConnections between emotional and physical

health are closely intertwinedMany physical disorders may mimic mental

disorders Psychoanalytic vs. psychobiological

approaches

Psychoanalytic FactorsSocial, cultural, environmental, spiritual

Psychobiological FactorsCNS, Neurotransmitter levels, hyper or

hypothyroidism, electrolyte imbalances, drug effects

Many physical disorders can mimic mental disorders: testing to rule out / confirm disorders

Categorizing Mental DisordersDiagnostic & Statistical Manual of

Mental Disorders (DSM)

American Psychiatric Association Universal diagnosis criteria Provides diagnostic guidelines and

standards Provides a numeric ICD code

Global Assessment Functioning

Handout Used by Mental health workers to assign an

over-all numeric value to adult functioning. Social, psychological, & occupational factors Score is most often given as a range

GAF: Critical ThinkingFor each of the situations, determine the GAF

range that would be assigned. 1) Marvin has had intermittent episodes of

lethargy and inattentiveness over the past year. He reported frequent disagreements with his spouse during this time. Last week he and his spouse made the decision to divorce. Marvin’s supervisor reports that on occasions he appears to have difficulty concentrating and falls behind with his work.

GAF: Critical Thinking2) Ms. Muffit is a 36 y/o who was dismissed

from her third job this year. Her family reports that she has no real friends. She was arrested for shoplifting 3 months ago and her family suspects that she continues to shop lift. Ms. Muffit now reports that she has been contemplating suicide.

Mini-Mental Exam•Hand-out•30 Point Questionnaire•Measures presence & severity of cognitive deficits•Simple questions & problems related to time & place, repeating lists of words, serial sevens, comprehension, & basic motor skills

Mini-Mental ExamSeverity ranges:27-30: normal cognition25-27: Borderline impairment19-24: Mild impairment10-18: moderate impairment9 or <: Severe impairment

Must first differentiate cognitive disorders from psychiatric disorders before diagnoses can be determined.

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Practice ActivitiesIdentify which axis each of the following

would apply to:Divorced Hypertension GAF 61-70Major depressive disorderUnemployed Borderline personality

disorderSchizophrenia Social phobiaRheumatoid arthritis

Guided Reading Activity (handout) Review Activity