1.03 - The Impact Of The Psychological On Physical Health II

Question 1

List some mental disorders and the physical symptoms that they can present with

Answer 1

Depressive disorders: insomnia, fatigue, sedation, changes to diet –> weight loss, death (suicide), substance abuse leading to other health problems

Bipolar Disorder: distractability, decreased need for sleep, psychomotor agitation, consequences from high risk activities

Agoraphobia: restlessness, difficulty concentrating, sings of extreme anxiety (sweating, SOB, dizzy, shaky, increased HR), anxiety linked with GIT problems, heart disease and can also disturb appetite.

Bulimia Nervosa: lack of nutrition and weight loss –> amenorrhoea, thyroid dysfunction, osteoporosis, hypoglycaemia. purging –> GIT problems, cardiomyopathies, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, dental caries, renal failure

Question 2

List some common mental illness that may present in general practice

Answer 2

Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, Bulimia Nervosa & Schizophrenia

Question 3

Describe how mental illness can impact upon a person’s physical health and wellbeing

Answer 3

Poor health resulting from poor hygiene, nutrition and lack of exercise
Disease resulting from physiological changes introduced by the disorder (liver/heart disease)
Increased risk of death (mainly form suicide, risky behaviour and impaired functioning