SOC340 (Mental Illness) Flashcards
What are the key components of the DSM-IV definition of mental disorder?
1) A clinically significant behavioral/psychological syndrome
2) Associated with distress or disability
3) Not merely an expectable cultural response
4) A manifestation of dysfunction in the individual
5) Not merely deviant behavior or societal conflict unless symptomatic of dysfunction
How is a mental disorder different from deviant behavior?
Mental disorders are not the same as deviant behavior (political, sexual, religious) or conflicts between individual and society. Deviance/conflict is often a symptom of dysfunction within societal institutions rather than the individual.
What is the DSM and who publishes it?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). It’s used by psychiatrists to diagnose potential mental illnesses and construct treatment plans.
What percentage of American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year?
26.2% (about 1 in 4 adults)
Name the mental disorders that are among the 10 leading causes of disability.
Major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorde
What’s the difference between symptoms and signs in clinical settings?
Symptoms are patients’ self-reported descriptions of their problems (subjective), while signs are observations made by clinicians (objective) that can be directly observed or tested.
What is comorbidity and how common is it?
Comorbidity is having two or more disorders in the same individual. It’s quite common - 56% of individuals with a history of one disorder had 2 or more additional disorders.
How do mental illness diagnoses differ between men and women?
Women are diagnosed with more mood/anxiety disorders, while men are diagnosed with more substance abuse and antisocial personality disorder.
What is deinstitutionalization and what problems did it create?
Deinstitutionalization was a movement to reduce patients in psychiatric facilities and move them to community health centers. Problems include: communities can’t always provide care, patients don’t always check in with case workers, over-reliance on medication, and many ended up homeless (20-25% of homeless suffer from chronic mental illness).
What percentage of the US population is prescribed psychoactive medication annually?
Approximately 10% of the US population is prescribed some psychoactive medication each year.
What are the key symptoms of anorexia nervosa?
Refusal to maintain healthy body weight, intense fear of weight gain, feeling “fat” despite weight loss, loss of menstrual periods, extreme concern with body weight/shape
What are the key symptoms of bulimia?
Cycle of binge eating followed by purging, feeling out of control during binges, purging through vomiting/laxatives/exercise, frequent dieting, extreme concern with body weight/shape.
What characterizes binge eating disorder/compulsive overeating?
Periods of uncontrolled eating beyond feeling full, no purging but may have sporadic fasts/diets, feelings of shame after binges, may struggle with anxiety/depression/loneliness.
What are examples of anxiety disorders in the DSM-5?
Separation anxiety disorder, selective mutism, specific phobias, substance/medication-induced anxiety disorder, trauma and stressor-related disorders (e.g., PTSD).
What are the main symptoms of panic disorder?
Recurrent unexpected panic attacks with symptoms like heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, feelings of unreality, and fear of dying.
What’s the difference between unipolar and bipolar disorders?
Unipolar disorders involve depression only (more common), while bipolar disorders involve both mania and depression.
What are major consequences of depression?
Missed work, shrinking social support networks, disability, high treatment expenditures, and death (rising).
What’s the difference between Bipolar I and Bipolar II?
Bipolar I involves severe mania and depression, while Bipolar II involves depression but milder mania.
What are the symptoms of manic episodes?
Elevated mood, euphoria, violent outbursts, decreased need for sleep, loss of inhibition, and delusional behavior.
What is the lifetime suicide risk for someone with depression?
15%
When do 50% of suicides occur during depression treatment?
During the recovery phase of depression, when a person seems to be coming out of the worst of it.
How do suicide completion patterns differ from attempt patterns?
Completions: More men than women, more common in older adults, associated with chronic illness, men use more violent means. Attempts: Usually under 35 years old, women more likely to attempt, associated with life stress.
What are parasuicides and why are they significant?
Parasuicides are suicide attempts. They’re the strongest known indicator for future suicide attempts - 50% of those who commit suicide have a history of parasuicides.
