Serious Mental Illness (Week 5)

Question 1

Define serious mental illness?

Answer 1

Group of psychiatric disorders, most of which are pimarily biological in origin, that can significantly affect functioning and one’s quality of life, especially if they go untreated.

4% of all adults in United States have SMI.

Question 2

What are examples of serious mental illness?

Answer 2

1) Major depressive disorder
2) Biploar disorder
3) Schizophrenia
4) Schizoaffective disorder
5) Panic disorder
6) PTSD
7) Eating disorders
8) Obsessive compulsive disorder

Question 3

What are some issues younger adults face with SMI?

Answer 3

Limited experience with formal treatment and their experiences are typically brief, disjointed short-term hospitalizations. Cycles of brief recovery, and relapse. They typically have more legal difficulties, homelessness, substance about and unemployment.

Question 4

What are some issues older adults with SMI face?

Answer 4

The longer the patients have battled with mental health issues they become more dependent on services and structure and were unable to function independently.

With mental illness comes other medical/mental illnesses

Question 5

What are some issues confronting those with SMI?

Answer 5

1) They have a hard time establishing a meaningful life.

2) They suffer with comorbities such as physical disorders, depression/suicide (#1 risk factor), and substance abuse.

3) They suffer with social problems like stigma around the conditions as well as isolation and loneliness, victimization.

4) They face economic challenges such as unemployment, and homelessness. Their caregivers burnout/burden as well.

Question 6

What are some issues confronting those with SMI?

Answer 6

Treatment issues:
1) Anosognosia
2) Nonadherance
3) Medication side effects
4) Treatment inadequacy
5) Residual symptoms
6) Relapse

Question 7

What are some resources for people with SMI?

Answer 7

Left off Slide 10