Module 5 - Prevention, Early Recognition, Support Flashcards
Define what it means to “manage distress”
Learning how to cope w/ difficult emotional states; form of self-regulation
Define a person’s “tipping point”
Point at which someone begins to show signs/symptoms of the strain of perceived stress.
T/F: Everyone has the same tipping point
False
Define the “stress diathesis model” (Review: Mod 01)
A psychological theory that attempts to explain a disorder or behaviour as an interaction between genetic predisposition and a risk exposure.
Define “diathesis”
The concept of vulnerability: a person’s predisposition to medical condition.
“A diathesis can be biological through _________ inheritance, a psychosocial vulnerability created by exposure to a _________ early in life, or created by the interaction between __________ and ___________ factors.”
genetic
stressor
hereditary
environmental
Results from a study by McEwan and Gianaros (2010) indicate that stress can trigger allostasis-induced _______ _______
Brain plasticity
Define “brain plasticity”
(aka. neuroplasticity)
The ability of the nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli by reorganizing its structure, functions, or connections.
Define the “steeling effect”
More resistance to later stress having successfully coped with a stress/challenge.
T/F: the steeling effect promotes resilience and good health
True
Define the “physiological response” of the stress diathesis model
Response from perceived stress in the brain is translated to the physiological response, which includes signalling from various systems (ie. HPA axis, autonomic nervous system, gut, immune)
List some interventions that alleviate allostatic load
- Healthy diet
- Regular cardiovascular exercise
- Social support
- Connectedness
- Good quality sleep
The two most common MH disorders in Canada are:
- Anxiety disorders (generalized, social, phobias, panic disorder)
- Depressive disorders (major depressive disorder)
“In 2013, an estimated __________ Canadians reported an anxiety and/or mood disorder. ____% of these individuals reported they have not sought treatment in the last ____ months.”
3 million
23%
12
“One study found that ____% of Canadian youth have experienced a/an ________ disorder and ____% have experienced a/an ________ disorder.
10.2%
Depressive
12.1%
Anxiety
T/F: Depression and anxiety disorders are more prevalent in males compared to females.
False: opposite is true
What are some signs and symptoms associated with anxiety?
EMOTIONAL: feeling on edge, irritable, not fully enjoying things
PHYSICAL: restlessness, chest tight, muscle tension, shortness of breath, gastro, headaches, sweaty palms, butterflies
BEHAVIOURAL: avoidance of feared situations, short temper, difficulty sleeping/concentrating
COGNITIVE: apprehension, over-worry, distraction
T/F: the symptoms of anxiety do not generally overlap with other types of problems (ie. ADHD, depression, cardiovascular issues)
False: they do overlap
What are some signs and symptoms of depression?
EMOTIONAL: feeling sad, non-reactive, despair, loss of enjoyment
PHYSICAL: changes in sleep/appetite, feeling slowed down, agitated, headaches/pain
BEHAVIOURAL: withdrawing from friends/family, staying in more, missing work at uni
COGNITIVE: feelings of guilt, suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, difficulty concentrating, dwelling on -ve
List the four main indicators that may suggest an MH concern or problem.
- Disproportionate reaction (severity/intensity of symptoms and level of distress are disproportionate to the situation)
- Time (persistent symptoms)
- Impairment
- Out of character (the person does not seem themselves)
T/F: Mental health concerns/conditions require assessment by an MH professional who considers the whole person
True
What information is important to assess MH status?
- Developmental history (ie. early trauma and abuse)
- Family history - predisposition?
- Symptoms
- Treatment (response or paradoxical worsening to any treatment)
- Other factors (ie. substance abuse)
- Relational/social factors (relationships, social connectedness, environment)
T/F: Psychological therapy services are NOT suited to help support young people with emotional, social, and MH problems of moderate severity.
False: it IS suited!
Define “psychiatry” in the context of MH support
Particularly well-suited for assessing and treating moderate to severe MH conditions or disorders that require a combined psychological/pharmacological treatment approach.
T/F: Counselling provided through Student Wellness Services is often SHORT-TERM and PROBLEM-FOCUSED, addressing healthy coping during periods of stress, strengthening, etc
True
Define “peer support”
Refers to the act of gaining support from other students who are going through (or have been through) what you are experiencing. They can offer guidance for where to go for further help
Define “self-help”
Refers to using available resources (books, websites, apps) to work through a problem. Accessible and convenient!
T/F: Your family doctor should be thought of as central to coordinating your health and mental health care.
True
“A stepped care approach aims to match _________ to the level of service indicated based on the _________ of need.”
Patients
Intensity
T/F: The steps of the stepped care approach only lists treatments corresponding to the level of intensity in the context of a mental disorder.
False: stepped care approach levels are also based on evidence-based treatment for a specific mental health disorder.
List some mental health professionals who can provide support:
- occupational therapist
- counsellor
- psychotherapists
- clinical psychologist
- psychiatrist
What do occupational therapists (OTs) do?
Specialize in assessment and intervention focused on helping people resume or maintain participation in a variety of activities (work, school, rec, daily activities)
What do counsellors do?
Can support healthy coping, emotional and behavioural regulation, and healthy lifestyle choices + achieving a good study-life balance.
What do psychotherapists do?
Well-suited to support individuals with emotional, social, and mental health problems of mild to moderate severity (licensed professionals, with different models of psychotherapy).
What do clinical psychologists do?
Receive extensive training in psychological, cognitive, and psychoeducational assessment. Well-suited to support mild to moderate mental health problems, and to work as part of a multidisciplinary team for more moderate to severe.
What do psychiatrists do?
Medical doctors with extensive speciality training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders (pharmaceutical treatment, medication). Rooted in medical approach. Occurs through a referral from a responsible family doctor.
T/F: The ideal mental health system model is a stepped care model.
True
List the steps of the ideal mental health system model.
- Welcoming clinic visit to determine student’s support needed
- Referrals to the appropriate level of service/support
*Seamless flow between levels of service and between community/campus-based services
How does QSWS support you?
Supports, personal, academic, social health development of students at Queen’s by providing programs and services including physical and mental healthcare.
How does QSAS (part of QWSW) support you?
Supports the personal and mental health of students, and their academic success through a range of resources and services.
How does the psychology clinic at Queen’s help?
Provides psychological assessments , treatment, and consultation for Queen’s students and members of the Kingston community. Operates fee-for-service model (w/ sliding scale offered based on family income).
List the three diff types of community-based services.
- Hospital-based services
- Publicly funded community-based services
- Private and fee-for-service options
T/F: In many cases, insurance coverage for private and fee-for-service programs are limited.
True
List a barrier young adults experience when trying to access/receive mental health care.
- stigma-related barriers
- attitudinal barriers
- practical barriers
“Recall from Mod 01, one research study found that only ____ of students entering uni with a mental health condition actually intend to disclose it.”
1/3
T/F: It is easy to invalidate one’s own (or others’) mental health concerns, even though there is a clear diagnosable test to determine if someone is suffering mentally or not.
False: there is NOT a clear diagnosable test
“Practical barriers include problems related to things such as __________, __________, or __________ of services.”
cost
time
available
List the four categories in which the severity and symptoms of distress have been divided.
- No symptoms (prevention and health promotion)
- Mild symptoms (self-help for targeted signs and symptoms)
- Mild to moderate symptoms (social and/or psychological approaches)
- Moderate to severe symptoms (pharmacological and psychological approaches)
T/F: Severe mental health symptoms will benefit from social approaches only.
False: mild mental health symptoms may benefit from social approaches.
What are some examples of therapy modalities for persisting/worsening mental health symptoms?
- Mindfulness-based stress reduction
- Behavioural activation
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT)
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Define “cognitive processing therapy”
Type of CBT therapy that focuses on evaluating + changing upsetting thoughts. It has been thought to be used for reducing symptoms of PTSD
Define “cognitive behavioural therapy”
May in include exposing yourself to situations that cause anxiety, like going into a crowded public space. Has been shown to be effective in treating mild-moderate sleep problems, anxiety, and depression.
Define “Interpersonal psychotherapy”
Focuses on relieving symptoms by improving interpersonal functioning. Focuses on understanding + strengthening your relationship with yourself and others.
Define “Psychodynamic therapy”
Focuses on unpacking our thoughts and feelings (unconscious thought processes that manifest in feelings, thoughts and behaviour.)
Define “behavioural activation”
Evidence-based treatment based on increasing your activity level, especially in pleasurable activities to combat low mood.
What are some considerations involved with medical and pharmacological approaches?
- Alternative medical explanation
- Medication
- Physical and mental health interaction
