Module 5: Mental health awareness Flashcards

1
Q

Managing distress

A

Learning how to cope with negative or difficult emotional states; form of self-regulation

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2
Q

The “tipping” point

A

The point at which someone begins showing signs and symptoms of strain/burden of perceive stress
Diff for each individual

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3
Q

Stress diathesis model

A

A psychological theory that attempts to explain a disorder or behaviour as an interaction btwn a genetic predisposition (vulnerability) and a risk exposure event (stressor)

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4
Q

Components of stress diathesis model

A
  1. Stress
  2. Diathesis
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5
Q

Stress diathesis model: stress

A

Triggers several interconnected biological systems

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6
Q

Allostasis

A

The process by which the body adapts to changes; essential for maintaining balance in face of challenges

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7
Q

Stress diathesis model: diathesis

A

A concept of vulnerability, a person’s predisposition or vulnerability to a medical condition

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8
Q

What can a diathesis be?

A

Can be biological through genetic inheritance, a psychological vulnerability created by exposure to stressor early in life or a vulnerability created by the interaction btwn hereditary (genetic) and environmental factors (G x E)

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9
Q

Brain plasticity

A

The ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by recognizing its structure, functions or connections

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10
Q

Stress and allostasis-induced brain plasticity

A

Stress can trigger allostasis-induced brain plasticity which suggests that stressful experiences can affect brain structure and function

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11
Q

Findings from publication “Stress and allostasis-induced brain plasticity” by McEwan and Gianaros

A
  1. The brain and regulation
  2. Stress
  3. Stress and health
  4. Brain structure
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12
Q

What is the brain central in?

A

Stress diathesis model; determines what are threatening/adverse and what are positive experiences/exposures

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13
Q

What does the brain regulate?

A

An individual’s physical, emotional, behavioural and cognitive response to stressors, events, experiences

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14
Q

Findings: stress

A

Stress must be balance and can lead to positive growth and adaptation (steeling effect)

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15
Q

Steeling effect

A

Refers to evidence of more resistance to later stress having successfully coped with a stress or challenge

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16
Q

Findings: stress and health

A

Too much stress, either chronic or acute overwhelming stress, takes a toll on the brain and body and is associated w poor mental and physical health outcomes

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17
Q

Findings: brain structure

A

When stressed, the brain changes its structure in an adaptive or maladaptive way ; the loss of resilience is a key feature of disorders related to stress (anxiety and depression)

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18
Q

The brain and perceived stress

A

The brain processes info from your internal (level of hydration, hormonal state) and external (work, family, friends) environment
Given your genetics and life experience, your brain reacts diff to the same stress and these factors determine your individual perceived level of stress

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19
Q

What does the brain control and coodinate?

A

Physiological, psychological and behavioural responses to perceived stress

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20
Q

Physiological, psychological and behavioural responses to perceived stress

A

Influencing metabolism, heart rate, anxiety levels, emotions, what you tell yourself and how you behave

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21
Q

How do the physiological responses result?

A

Signalling various systems including the HPA axis, the autonomic NS, the metabolic system, the gut and the immune system

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22
Q

Allostatic load

A

Wear and tear on the body and brain resulting from chronic dysregulation or overactivity/strain related to the process of allostasis (allostatic mediators)

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23
Q

Interventions that alleviate allostatic load

A

Healthy diet, regular cardiovascular exercise, social support, connectedness and good quality sleep

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24
Q

How GxE interactions appear to influence susceptibility to all experiences, good and bad

A
  1. Reduce risks
  2. Flourish
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25
Q

GxE: reduce risks

A

Your genetic makeup interacts w life experiences to determine resiliency and sensitivity to stress; developing healthy ways to cope with stress and adversity can reduce the risk of feeling overwhelmed and developing symptoms

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26
Q

GxE: flourish

A

Young people are at imp time in development where a healthy lifestyle together with accelerated brain development increases the likelihood of positive effects on well-being

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27
Q

Two most common mental health problems in Canada

A

Anxiety and depression

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28
Q

What gender is depression and anxiety more prevalent in?

A

Females

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29
Q

Signs and symptoms associated with anxiety

A
  1. Emotional
  2. Physical
  3. Behavioural
  4. Cognitive
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30
Q

Emotional signs and symptoms of anxiety

A
  • Feeling on edge
  • Feeling irritable
  • Not fully enjoying things
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31
Q

Physical signs and symptoms of anxiety

A
  • Restlessness
  • Chest tightness
  • Muscle tension
  • Shortness of breath
  • GI upset
  • Headaches
  • Sweaty palms
  • Butterflies
  • Changes in appetite
  • Blushing/flushing
  • Fatigue
  • Repaid pressured speech
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32
Q

Behavioural signs and symptoms of anxiety

A

-Avoidance of feared situations (public speaking)
-Short temper and at times angry
-Difficulty sleeping
-Difficulty concentrating, distracted by worries, forgetfulness

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33
Q

Cognitive signs and symptoms of anxiety

A
  • Apprehension
  • Over-worry
  • Distracted
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34
Q

Signs and symptoms associated with depression

A
  1. Emotional
  2. Physical
  3. Behavioural
  4. Cognitive
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35
Q

Emotional signs and symptoms of depression

A
  • Feeling sad
  • Non-reactive mood
  • Feeling despair
  • Loss of enjoyment
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36
Q

Physical signs and symptoms of depression

A

-Changes in sleep (sleeping a lot less or a lot more)
-Changes in appetite (eating a lot less or a lot more than usual)
-Feeling slowed down in your movements or agitated and restless
-Pain, headaches

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37
Q

Behavioural signs and symptoms of depression

A

-Withdrawing from family and friends
-Staying in more, missing work or university

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38
Q

Cognitive signs and symptoms of depression

A

-Feelings of guilt
-Suicidal thoughts
-Feelings of hopelessness
-Difficulty concentrating
-Dwelling on the negative
-Thinking over past bad memories and experiences
-Difficulty making decisions
-Negative thoughts

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39
Q

Four main indicators that point to a mental health disorder

A
  1. Disproportionate reaction
  2. Time
  3. Impairment
  4. Out of character
40
Q

Four main indicators of mental health disorder: Disproportionate reaction

A

Severity or intensity of symptoms and level of distress are disproportionate to the situation

41
Q

Four main indicators of mental health disorder: time

A

Symptoms persist for an extended period of time

42
Q

Four main indicators of mental health disorder: impairment

A

Symptoms are associated w impairment and interfere with day-to-day life

43
Q

Four main indicators of mental health disorder: out of character

A

Others notice that the person does not seem themselves or it off

44
Q

Aspects of a mental disorder diagnosis

A

Mental health concerns and conditions require assessment by a mental health professional who takes into account the whole person (ie. Life course, family history, current context and symptoms)

45
Q

What is taken into account during the assessment and diagnosis of a mental health concern

A
  • Bullying
  • Academic problems
  • Relationship problems
  • Substance misuse
  • Family history
  • Recreation
  • Exercise
46
Q

Diagnostic assessment of a mental disorder

A
  1. Developmental history
  2. Family history
  3. Symptoms
  4. Treatment
  5. Other factors
  6. Relational and social factors
47
Q

Diagnostic assessment of a mental disorder- Developmental history

A

Learning, communication, neuromotor problems, childhood adversity

48
Q

Diagnostic assessment of a mental disorder- family history

A

History mental disorders to identify a predisposition or genetic and familial vulnerability

49
Q

Diagnostic assessment of a mental disorder- symptoms

A

The clinical course of distressing and impairing symptoms in terms of onset and nature (chronic or episodic) and relationship to context/stressors

50
Q

Diagnostic assessment of a mental disorder- treatment

A

The response or paradoxical worsening to any treatment tried to date and other physical or medical problems that might be contributing

51
Q

Diagnostic assessment of a mental disorder- other factors

A

Lifestyle (exercise, recreation), misuse of alcohol and or recreational/illicit drugs, current stressors etc.

52
Q

Diagnostic assessment of a mental disorder- relational and social factors

A

The nature of relationships, social connectedness and environment

53
Q

Circle of mental health care: care options

A
  1. Psychiatry
  2. Counselling
  3. Self-help and peer support
54
Q

Psyhiatry

A

Well-suited for assessing and treating moderate to severe mental health conditions or disorders to severe mental health conditions or disorders that require a combined psychological and pharmacological approach

55
Q

Counselling

A

Short term and problem-focused addressing healthy coping during periods of stress, strengthening problem-solving skills and managing emotional responses to an identified stressor

56
Q

Peer support

A

-Talking to others who are going through or have gone through similar experiences
-Most universities have peer mentor schemes, a buddy system and a confidential listening service where you can talk to other students

57
Q

Self-help

A

-Using available resources such as books, websites or apps to work through a problem
Ex. Digital platform Silvercloud is a self-help programme using cognitive behavioural therapy for low mood and anxiety

58
Q

Psychological therapy

A

Well-suited to help with and support young people w emotional social and mental health problems, typically of moderate severity

59
Q

Primary care provider

A

-Central to coordinating your health and mental health care
-First line for assessment of a mental health concern and provide continuity and coordinate your care
-Should be kept up to date with ant health of mental health support/care you receive

60
Q

Stepped care

A

Aims to match individual patients to the level of service indicated based on intensity of need

61
Q

Pyramid of stepped care

A

Each step in the pyramid represents a progressive increase in the level or intensity of treatment and the expertise brought to bear into that treatment

62
Q

Key to safe and effective stepped care

A
  1. The level of care an individual receives matches the indicated clinical need
  2. The steps represent evidence-based effective treatment
63
Q

Who provides mental health support?

A
  1. Occupational therapist
  2. Counsellor
  3. Psychotherapist
  4. Clinical psychologist
  5. Psychiatrist
64
Q

Occupational therapist

A

Regulated health care professionals that specialize in assessment and intervention focused on helping people resume or maintain participation in a variety of activities, including work, school, recreation and activities of daily living

65
Q

Occupational therapist role in university settings

A

Help with learning approaches and improving performance in the context of learning activities and achieving a healthy schedule/ study/life balance

66
Q
A
67
Q

Counsellor

A

Can support healthy coping, emotional and behavioural regulation and healthy lifestyle choices as achieving a good study-life balance

68
Q

Models of psychotherapy

A

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) and psychodynamic psychotherapy

69
Q

Clinical psychologist

A

Registered healthcare professionals regulated by the college of psychologists of Ontario (CPO); provide psychological support and treatment for mild to moderate mental health problems and disorders and work as part of a multidisciplinary team supporting patients w more moderate to severe mental disorders

70
Q

Psychiatrist

A
  • Medical doctors w extensive specialty training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, integrating pharmacological treatment with other aspects of educational, psychological and social and family care
  • takes into account developmental and family history, psychosocial context, early adversity, onset and clinical course and nature of symptoms and any contributing risk factors
71
Q

Current campus resources at queens

A
  1. Queen’s student health and wellness services (QSWS)
  2. Queen’s student accessibility services (QSAS) *part of QSWS
  3. Psychology clinic at queen’s university
72
Q

Community based services

A
  1. Hospital based services
  2. Publicly funded community-based services
  3. Private and fee-for-service options
73
Q

Hospital based services

A

Emergency or urgent care and various subspecialty programs (eating disorders, early psychosis) which typically have defined criteria for admission

74
Q

Publicly funded community based services

A

High demand plus limited funding means that publicly funded community-based services have long waitlists and prioritize the most ill people

75
Q

Private and fee-for-service options

A

Some insurance companies offer coverage and for those under 25 years you might qualify under your parents insurance

76
Q

Barriers to mental health care

A
  1. Stigma-related barriers to mental health care
  2. Attitudinal barriers
  3. Practical barriers
77
Q

Stigma-related barriers to mental health care

A

The Canadian mental health association is working to combat mental health stigma by education the public on outdated terms and encouraging person first language

78
Q

Attitudinal barriers

A

People invalidate their own or others mental health concerns or diagnosis as there is not a clear diagnosable test
Misunderstandings about mental health or fears about others reactions can get in the way of reaching out for help

79
Q

Practical barriers

A

Problems related to things such as cost, time or availability of services

80
Q

Examples of practical barriers

A
  • long wait times
  • financial barriers
  • challenges navigating the system
81
Q

Severity of symptoms and distress

A
  1. No symptoms
  2. Mild symptoms
  3. Mild to moderate symptoms
  4. Moderate to severe symptoms
82
Q

No symptoms

A

Prevention and health promotion

83
Q

Mild symptoms

A

Self-help for targeted signs and symptoms

84
Q

Mild to moderate symptoms

A

Social and/or psychological approaches

85
Q

Moderate to severe symptoms

A

Pharmacological and psychological approaches

86
Q

Mental health promotion

A

-Striking a healthy study-life balance
-Getting good quality sleep
-Maintaining healthy lifestyle choices
-Taking time to feel connected to others
-Spending time in nature
-Involving yourself in hobbies and activities that are enjoyable
-Regular cardiovascular exercise
-Reducing use of alcohol and caffeine
-Avoiding recreational drugs

87
Q

Social approaches

A

Social skills workshops
Interest groups
Clubs
Health promotion and support groups
**Mild mental health symptoms may benefit from these

88
Q

Social prescribing

A

Getting out in nature, spending time w others, investing in interests and taking part in recreation activities all support your well-being and mental health

89
Q

Examples of therapy modalities and their areas of focus

A
  1. Mindfulness-based stress reduction
  2. Behavioural activation
  3. Supportive counselling
  4. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)
  5. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  6. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
90
Q

Cognitive behavioural therapy: (CBT)

A

Evidence bases therapy that involves addressing and changing maladaptive thinking patterns and modifying behaviour

91
Q

What mental disorders are CBT based therapies effective for treating?

A

Anxiety
Depression
Eating disorders
Trauma

92
Q

Mindfulness exercises

A

-Focusing on an object
-Focusing on your breathing

93
Q

Considerations involved with medical and pharmacological approaches

A
  1. Alternative medical explanations
  2. Medication
  3. Physical and mental health interaction
94
Q

Alternative medical explanation

A

For example thyroid problems may cause depression like-symptoms
Family history

95
Q

Medication

A

-Central part of treatment for specific disorders and severity disorders
-Family doctors work in collaboration with psychiatrists to identify when medication is required is required and to assess the tolerability and treatment response

96
Q

Physical and mental health interaction

A

Imp to take a holistic approach and develop a care plan that considers the whole person