Introduction to Mental Health Flashcards
Definition of affective disorders
Low mood, unhappiness, sadness
eg, major depression (unipolar), manic depressive illness, bipolar depression
Definition of anxiety disorders
Fearfulness, apprehension, anxiety
eg, GAD, panic disorders, phobias
Definition of psychosis
Can’t distinguish between whats real and whats unreal
Definition of positive symptoms
The presence of symptoms
Definition of negative symptoms
The absence of symptoms
Definition of dysthymia
Few mild but persistent symptoms characteristic of depression
Definition of anhedonia
Loss of interest and enjoyment
What are the 2 types of emotional disorders
What are a few examples of each
What should we consider when defining mental health conditions
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
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
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
Describe typical features of depression
- mild
- severe
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
Describe the typical features of anxiety
Exaggerated fear, anxiety and worry that interfere with normal functioning => immense distress
Characterised by constant/intense feelings of apprehension, uncertainty and fear
What are the 3 possible biopsychosocial treatments
Biological
-drugs
Psychological
-talking therapy/CBT
Social
-community, friends, family, social workers
Describe the 4 biological methods used to diagnose mental health
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
What are the 4 main positive symptoms of schizophrenia
Hypersensitivity, hyperawareness of thoughts, cognitions
Auditory, visual hallucinations
Paranoia, anxiety, delusions
Psychoses
What are the 2 main negative symptoms of schizophrenia
Loss of normal mental function
Lack of emotion, motivation
What are the 5 possible causes of schizophrenia
Genetics Birth defects Environmental triggers Imbalanced dopamine levels Communication, coordination failure in brain
What are the 6 main risk factors of depression
Family psychiatric history
Loss of parent in childhood/abuse in childhood
Alcohol/nicotine/recreational drug misuse
Threatening life events
Anxiety, panic syndrome
Workplace stress
What are 3 possible diagnoses of depression
Dysthymia
-few mild but persistent symptoms
Depressive disorder
-more numerous, increased severe symptoms
Severe depression
-psychoses/depressive stupor
What are the 3 core features of depression
Pervasive low mood
Anhedonia
Low energy, activity
What are 6 other features associated with depression
Low self esteem, confidence -ve view of past, present, future Fatigue Disturbed sleep Low appetite and concentration Self harm/suicide
Describe how stressful life events affect monoaminergic systems
Stress => HPA => CRF release => cortisol
Cortisol regulates monoaminergic systems
Contribute to modification of limbic system structural connections
Describe the pathway of stress and depression from a psychological perspective
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
Describe the monoamine hypothesis of mood disorders
Decreased [MA] released into synaptic cleft
Blockade of reuptake => normal [MA] => improve mood
Describe the network hypothesis of depression
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
What are the 3 treatment options for depression
- mild
- severe
- v severe
What can also be used
Mild => cognitive psychotherapy
Severe => psychotherapy + drug therapy/drug therapy alone
V severe => electroconvulsive therapy
Multitherapeutic approach with
- ECT
- drugs
- psychotherapy
