Mental Health Introduction Flashcards
What is the definition of mental health?
Mental health is a state of well-being in which the individual realises his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his or her community
What is a mental health disorder?
Results in significant changes in a person’s thinking, emotional state and behaviour, and ability to function in social and occupational settings. Meets defined diagnostic criteria
What are some examples of mental health disorders?
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Bipolar disorders
- Schizophrenia
What is a mental health problem?
Broad term that includes mental health disorders and less severe mental health symptoms that do not meet diagnostic criteria but may disrupt personal, social, and occupational functioning. Experienced and expressed uniquely by individuals.
What are some examples of mental health problems?
- Stressed
- Tired
- Anxious
- Worried
What patient behaviours are associated with voluntary admission to a mental health centre?
Patient is seeking treatment and they have insight that they are mentally unwell
What three professions can administer a psychiatric exam to result in an involuntary hospitalization?
- Physician or prescribed health professional
- Peace officer
- Provincial Court Judge
What are the implications of a involuntary admission to a mental health centre for healthcare providers?
The attending physician paternalistically takes care of the patient’s psychiatric condition, but is prohibited from treating non-mental health conditions
What are the three criteria for involuntary admission into a mental health centre?
All three of the following criteria must be met including:
1. Being found to be a person with mental disorder who needs inpatient care
2. Not being fully capable of making an admission or treatment decision
3. Likely to harm self or other or suffer substantial mental or physical deterioration
What are the components of the psychiatric interview?
- Patient demographics
- Chief complaint
- History of presenting illness
- Past psychiatric /substance use/legal history
- Medical/medication history
- Family psychiatric history
- Social history
- Suicide and homicide risk assessment
- Differential diagnosis
- Impression
- Treatment plan
What are the components of a mental status exam (MSE)?
- Observation of patient (throughout clinical psychiatric interview)
- Questions about patient’s thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, and cognitions
- Creates a picture of the patient
Review slide 18
What is the main suicide risk assessment tool called?
Columbia Risk Assessment Tool
Review slide 24
What are the limitations of the current psychotropic drug nomenclature?
- Outdated (based on an earlier understanding of neuroscience and pharmacology)
- Does not support clinical decision making
- Inconsistent with other areas of medicine (classification is not based on drug target)
- Current terminology may confuse patients and exacerbate non-adherance (ex. anti-depressant for anxiety)
- Negatively contributes to stigma
What is the role of medications in mental health and substance use care?
Medications are only one component of mental health and substance use care. Non-pharm strategies are incredibly important and valuable
Medications do not cure mental illness, but they can significantly improve symptoms
