Lecture on Mental Health Disorders

Topics Covered

• Bipolar Disorders
• Stress
• Anxiety Disorders
• Trauma
• Dissociative Disorders

Bipolar Disorders

Types

• Bipolar 1: Includes severe depression and episodes of mania. Manic episodes last at least 7 days. Risk of psychosis.
• Bipolar 2: Involves severe depression and hypomania. Does not reach full-blown mania.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: Mood swings that do not reach full depression or hypomania.

Key Characteristics

• Bipolar 1: Manic episode risks include high energy, reduced need for sleep, potential for psychosis.
• Bipolar 2: Hypomania allows some control, mania leads to impulsive actions.
• Cyclothymic Disorder: Rapid mood changes but less severe than bipolar disorder.

Concerns and Management

• Monitor for suicidal thoughts during depression.
• Encourage regular sleep and nutrition.
• Use mood stabilizers like lithium, watch for toxicity.

Stress

Types of Stress

• Distress: Negative stress leading to anxiety and harmful effects.
• Eustress: Positive stress that can motivate and improve performance.

Responses to Stress

• Fight or flight response.
• Physical and psychological impacts.

Management Techniques

• Cognitive reframing, relaxation techniques, meditation, breathing exercises.
• Additional support through journaling, priority restructuring, and assertiveness training.

Anxiety Disorders

Levels of Anxiety

• Mild: Normal experience with slight discomfort.
• Moderate: Causes concentration difficulties.
• Severe: May lead to confusion, impending doom.
• Panic: Loss of reality, potential immobility.

Types of Disorders

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry for 6+ months.
• Panic Disorder: Sudden, intense fear with physical symptoms.
• Phobias: Irrational fears of objects or situations.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurring thoughts and ritualistic behavior.

Management

• SSRIs for long-term management.
• Benzodiazepines for short-term relief.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for OCD.

Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

Disorders

• PTSD: Symptoms persisting beyond 30 days post-trauma.
• Acute Stress Disorder: Symptoms within 30 days of the event.

Management

• Early intervention and support groups to mitigate PTSD risk.
• Use of SSRIs and possible EMDR therapy.

Dissociative Disorders

Types

• Dissociative Identity Disorder: Multiple personalities.
• Dissociative Fugue: Sudden travel with identity confusion.
• Dissociative Amnesia: Memory loss of personal information.
• Depersonalization Disorder: Feeling detached from one's body or surroundings.

Management

• Grounding techniques, psychotherapy, and SSRIs.

Conclusion

• Importance of understanding and managing mental health disorders.
• Encouragement to use available resources and interventions effectively.