Ch. 1: Mental Health & Illness

Question 1

Good question to first ask a pt (relating to Maslow’s Hierarchy)

Answer 1

“Have you eaten recently?” or questions asking if their basic needs have been met.

Question 2

Mental health definition

Answer 2

“The successful adaptation to stressors..” How well do we adapt?

Question 3

Mental illness definition

Answer 3

“Maladaptive responses to stressors from the internal or external environment…”

Question 4

Physical response to stress

Answer 4

FFF. Tachycardia, hyperventilation, sweating, etc.

Question 5

Selye’s general adaptation syndrome has three distinct stages: Stage 1

Answer 5

Alarm reaction stage. responses of FFF are initiated.

Question 6

Selye’s: stage 2

Answer 6

Stage of resistance. physiological responses of the 1st stage as a defense in the attempt to adapt to the stressor - if adaptation occurs, 3rd stage is prevented or delayed.

Question 7

Selye’s: Stage 3

Answer 7

Stage of exhaustion. Occurs when there is prolonged exposure to the stressor to which the body has become adjusted. Leads to disease/possible death.

Question 8

Physical responses to stress cont. –> effects of sustained stress

Answer 8

• Decreased immune and inflammatory response
• Fluid retention
• Increased glucose
• Decreased libido & impotence

Question 9

Psychological responses to stress (anxiety, grief)

Answer 9

• Anxiety and grief have been described as two major primary psychological response patterns to stress
• A variety of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are associated with each of these response patterns

Question 10

Adaptation is determined by…

Answer 10

the extent to which the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interfiere with an individuals functioning.

Question 11

Anxiety

Answer 11

• A vague diffuse apprehension. Feelings of uncertainty & helplessness.
• Extremely common in our society
• Mild anxiety is adaptive and can provide motivation for survival.

Question 12

Peplau’s four levels of anxiety

Answer 12

Mild: seldom a problem
Moderate: Perceptual field begins to diminish
Severe: perceptual field diminishes greatly
Panic: Really intense. People feel like they’re dying.

Question 13

Ego defense mechanisms are employed for protection in times of stress and crisis

Answer 13

most can be problems if used in excess. Some are OK for short amount of times etc.

Question 14

Compensation

Answer 14

covering up a real or perceived weakness by emphasizing a trait one considers more desirable

Question 15

Denial

Answer 15

Refusing to acknowledge situation/feelings

Question 16

Displacement

Answer 16

The transfer of feelings from one target to another that is considered less threatening or that is neutral

Question 17

Identification

Answer 17

An attempt to increase self-worth by acquiring certain attributes and characteristics of an individual one admires

Question 18

Intellectualization

Answer 18

An attempt to avoid expressing actual emotions associated with a stressful situation by using the intellectual processes of logic, reasoning, and analysis

Question 19

Introjection

Answer 19

Integrating the beliefs and values of another individual into one’s own ego structure

Question 20

Isolation

Answer 20

Separating a thought or memory from the feeling, tone, or emotion associated with it

Question 21

Projection

Answer 21

Attributing feelings or impulses unacceptable to one’s self to another person

Question 22

Rationalization

Answer 22

Logical reasons for unacceptable behaviors/feelings

Question 23

Reaction formation

Answer 23

Preventing unacceptable or undesirable thoughts by using opposite thoughts/behaviors

Question 24

Regression

Answer 24

Going to an earlier developmental level to deal with stress

Question 25

Repression

Answer 25

Involuntary blocking of bad feelings/memories

Question 26

Sublimation

Answer 26

Rechanneling drives or impulses (that are socially unacceptable) into something constructive

Question 27

Suppression

Answer 27

Voluntarily blocking bad feelings/memories

Question 28

Undoing

Answer 28

Symbolically negating a bad experience. i.e buying gifts as an apology for horrible behavior.

Question 29

Chronic unresolved anxiety/stress can lead to

Answer 29

physiological disorders: migraines, IBS, cardiac arrythmias

Question 30

Repressed severe anxiety can result in…

Answer 30

Psychoneurotic patterns of behaving: anxiety disorders & somatoform disorders (physical pain from mental illness)

Question 31

Extended periods of functioning at the panic level of anxiety may result in …

Answer 31

Psychosis

Question 32

Examples of psychotic disorders

Answer 32

Schizophrenia, schizoaffective, and delusional disorders

Question 33

Grief: 5 stages

Answer 33

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance

Question 34

Guilt often ___ the grieving process

Answer 34

Lengthens

Question 35

Maladaptive grief responses

Answer 35

• Prolonged response
• Delayed/inhibited response
• Distorted response (can involve delusions)