Lecture on Mental Health Disorders

Overview

• Topics covered: bipolar disorder, stress, anxiety disorders, trauma, dissociative disorders.

Bipolar Disorders

• Types:
  • Bipolar 1
  • Bipolar 2
  • Cyclothymic Disorder
• Key Differences:
  • Bipolar 1: Severe manic episodes lasting at least 7 days, can lead to psychosis.
  • Bipolar 2: Severe depression with hypomania, but not full-blown mania.
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: Mild depression and hypomanic episodes, less severe.
• Management:
  • Monitor for severe depression and risk of self-harm.
  • Encourage regular sleep and eating habits during manic episodes.
  • Use mood stabilizers, especially lithium.

Anxiety Disorders

• Levels:
  • Mild: Common, manageable symptoms like restlessness.
  • Moderate: Increased symptoms, more noticeable physical effects.
  • Severe: Confusion, withdrawal.
  • Panic: Extreme symptoms, severe withdrawal, and physical reactions.
• Interventions:
  • Active listening, calming techniques, encouraging exercise, and safe environments.

Stress Management

• Responses:
  • Acute and prolonged stress can lead to health issues like anxiety and depression.
• Techniques:
  • Cognitive reframing, behavioral techniques, relaxation, meditation, and exercise.

Trauma and Dissociative Disorders

• Dissociative Disorders:
  • Dissociative Identity Disorder: Multiple personalities due to trauma.
  • Dissociative Fugue: Amnesia and travel or wandering.
  • Dissociative Amnesia: Memory loss, often linked to stress.
  • Depersonalization: Detachment from body or self.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
  • Symptoms last over 30 days; associated with severe trauma.
  • Acute Stress Disorder is similar but lasts less than 30 days.

Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurring thoughts and compulsions.
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Preoccupation with perceived physical defects.
• Hoarding Disorder: Difficulty discarding items, leads to clutter.

Treatment Approaches

• Medications:
  • SSRIs for depression and anxiety-related disorders.
  • Benzos for short-term anxiety relief.
  • Mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder.
• Therapies:
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD.
  • Exposure therapy for phobias.
  • Group therapy and support groups for PTSD.

Key Points

• Ensure patient safety, especially during manic or severe anxiety states.
• Educate about medication side effects and encourage adherence to treatment plans.
• Use therapeutic communication to support patients and guide them through management strategies.

These notes cover the core points discussed in the lecture to aid in understanding and reviewing the material on mental health disorders. They provide a structured outline for studying and understanding the different disorders and their management.