Introduction to Mental Health

Question 1

Definition of affective disorders

Answer 1

Low mood, unhappiness, sadness

eg, major depression (unipolar), manic depressive illness, bipolar depression

Question 2

Definition of anxiety disorders

Answer 2

Fearfulness, apprehension, anxiety

eg, GAD, panic disorders, phobias

Question 3

Definition of psychosis

Answer 3

Can’t distinguish between whats real and whats unreal

Question 4

Definition of positive symptoms

Answer 4

The presence of symptoms

Question 5

Definition of negative symptoms

Answer 5

The absence of symptoms

Question 6

Definition of dysthymia

Answer 6

Few mild but persistent symptoms characteristic of depression

Question 7

Definition of anhedonia

Answer 7

Loss of interest and enjoyment

Question 8

What are the 2 types of emotional disorders
What are a few examples of each
What should we consider when defining mental health conditions

Answer 8

Affective disorders

• low mood, unhappiness, sadness
• eg, major depression, manic depressive illness, bipolar depression, postnatal depression

Anxiety disorders

• fearfulness, apprehension, anxiety
• eg, GAD, phobias, OCD

DEFINITIONS CAN CHANGE

Question 9

Describe the prevalence of emotional disorders

• by gender
• in 5-15 y/o
• link between educational attainment
• link between employment status

Describe the prevalence of suicide
-by gender

Answer 9

Increased prevalence of emotional disorders in females than males

Increased prevalence in 5-15 y/o

Increased prevalence in lower educational attainment and employment status

Women more likely to have mental health illness
Men more likely to commit suicide

Question 10

Describe typical features of depression

• mild
• severe

Answer 10

Low mood for a long time, affects everyday life

Mild
-can live normal life but everything is harder and less worthwile

Severe
-can be life threatening, suicidal

Question 11

Describe the typical features of anxiety

Answer 11

Exaggerated fear, anxiety and worry that interfere with normal functioning => immense distress

Characterised by constant/intense feelings of apprehension, uncertainty and fear

Question 12

What are the 3 possible biopsychosocial treatments

Answer 12

Biological
-drugs

Psychological
-talking therapy/CBT

Social
-community, friends, family, social workers

Question 13

Describe the 4 biological methods used to diagnose mental health

Answer 13

Mental illness <= abnormal brain biology

Looking for evidence of hereditary vulnerability in genes

Changes in brain structure <=> mental health problem

Changes in brain function <=> mental health problem

Question 14

What are the 4 main positive symptoms of schizophrenia

Answer 14

Hypersensitivity, hyperawareness of thoughts, cognitions

Auditory, visual hallucinations

Paranoia, anxiety, delusions

Psychoses

Question 15

What are the 2 main negative symptoms of schizophrenia

Answer 15

Loss of normal mental function

Lack of emotion, motivation

Question 16

What are the 5 possible causes of schizophrenia

Answer 16

Genetics
Birth defects
Environmental triggers
Imbalanced dopamine levels
Communication, coordination failure in brain

Question 17

What are the 6 main risk factors of depression

Answer 17

Family psychiatric history
Loss of parent in childhood/abuse in childhood
Alcohol/nicotine/recreational drug misuse
Threatening life events
Anxiety, panic syndrome
Workplace stress

Question 18

What are 3 possible diagnoses of depression

Answer 18

Dysthymia
-few mild but persistent symptoms

Depressive disorder
-more numerous, increased severe symptoms

Severe depression
-psychoses/depressive stupor

Question 19

What are the 3 core features of depression

Answer 19

Pervasive low mood
Anhedonia
Low energy, activity

Question 20

What are 6 other features associated with depression

Answer 20

Low self esteem, confidence
-ve view of past, present, future
Fatigue
Disturbed sleep
Low appetite and concentration
Self harm/suicide

Question 21

Describe how stressful life events affect monoaminergic systems

Answer 21

Stress => HPA => CRF release => cortisol

Cortisol regulates monoaminergic systems
Contribute to modification of limbic system structural connections

Question 22

Describe the pathway of stress and depression from a psychological perspective

Answer 22

Understanding of situation
Awareness of acute problem

Both lead to stress

Feel discouraged and disengaged
Denial of problem/responsibility

Can lead to anxiety/depression => stress if
-problem remains

OR

Denial of problem/responsibility
Reacting aggresively/creatively to problem

Can lead to stress relief if

• problem goes away
• action succeeds

Question 23

Describe the monoamine hypothesis of mood disorders

Answer 23

Decreased [MA] released into synaptic cleft

Blockade of reuptake => normal [MA] => improve mood

Question 24

Describe the network hypothesis of depression

Answer 24

Problems in activity dependent neuronal communication
Some neurons have died/damaged

Treatments should target and enhance connectivity and plasticity of neuron networks
Leads to recovery of connections in damaged networks

Question 25

What are the 3 treatment options for depression

• mild
• severe
• v severe

What can also be used

Answer 25

Mild => cognitive psychotherapy
Severe => psychotherapy + drug therapy/drug therapy alone
V severe => electroconvulsive therapy

Multitherapeutic approach with

• ECT
• drugs
• psychotherapy