Ch. 1: Mental Health & Illness Flashcards
Good question to first ask a pt (relating to Maslow’s Hierarchy)
“Have you eaten recently?” or questions asking if their basic needs have been met.
Mental health definition
“The successful adaptation to stressors..” How well do we adapt?
Mental illness definition
“Maladaptive responses to stressors from the internal or external environment…”
Physical response to stress
FFF. Tachycardia, hyperventilation, sweating, etc.
Selye’s general adaptation syndrome has three distinct stages: Stage 1
Alarm reaction stage. responses of FFF are initiated.
Selye’s: stage 2
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.
Selye’s: Stage 3
Stage of exhaustion. Occurs when there is prolonged exposure to the stressor to which the body has become adjusted. Leads to disease/possible death.
Physical responses to stress cont. –> effects of sustained stress
- Decreased immune and inflammatory response
- Fluid retention
- Increased glucose
- Decreased libido & impotence
Psychological responses to stress (anxiety, grief)
- 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
Adaptation is determined by…
the extent to which the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interfiere with an individuals functioning.
Anxiety
- A vague diffuse apprehension. Feelings of uncertainty & helplessness.
- Extremely common in our society
- Mild anxiety is adaptive and can provide motivation for survival.
Peplau’s four levels of anxiety
Mild: seldom a problem
Moderate: Perceptual field begins to diminish
Severe: perceptual field diminishes greatly
Panic: Really intense. People feel like they’re dying.
Ego defense mechanisms are employed for protection in times of stress and crisis
most can be problems if used in excess. Some are OK for short amount of times etc.
Compensation
covering up a real or perceived weakness by emphasizing a trait one considers more desirable
Denial
Refusing to acknowledge situation/feelings
Displacement
The transfer of feelings from one target to another that is considered less threatening or that is neutral
Identification
An attempt to increase self-worth by acquiring certain attributes and characteristics of an individual one admires
Intellectualization
An attempt to avoid expressing actual emotions associated with a stressful situation by using the intellectual processes of logic, reasoning, and analysis
Introjection
Integrating the beliefs and values of another individual into one’s own ego structure
Isolation
Separating a thought or memory from the feeling, tone, or emotion associated with it
Projection
Attributing feelings or impulses unacceptable to one’s self to another person
Rationalization
Logical reasons for unacceptable behaviors/feelings
Reaction formation
Preventing unacceptable or undesirable thoughts by using opposite thoughts/behaviors
Regression
Going to an earlier developmental level to deal with stress
