Lecture on Mental Health Disorders

Introduction

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

Bipolar Disorder

• Types:
  • Bipolar 1: More severe, includes mania (unsafe behavior)
  • Bipolar 2: Includes hypomania (controlled energy)
  • Cyclothymic Disorder: Rapid cycling but less severe
• Key Concerns:
  • Risk of self-harm, especially during severe depression
  • Unipolar mania: Experience highs without depression
• Diagnosis:
  • Bipolar 1: Manic episode lasts 7+ days
  • Bipolar 2: Manic states less than 7 days
• Characteristics of Mania:
  • Extreme energy, inflated self-importance, reduced sleep
  • High-risk behaviors: gambling, unprotected sex
• Interventions:
  • Ensure safety, prompt rest and nutrition, manage psychosis
  • Use calm, simple communication

Stress and Stress Management

• Types of Stress:
  • Distress: Unpleasant
  • Eustress: Positive outcome
• Responses:
  • Acute stress: Short-term physical symptoms
  • Prolonged stress: Chronic anxiety, depression, health issues
• Management Techniques:
  • Cognitive reframing, behavioral relaxation techniques
  • Meditation, guided imagery, structured routine

Anxiety Disorders

• Levels of Anxiety:
  • Mild: Discomfort, restlessness
  • Moderate: Difficulty concentrating, increased vitals
  • Severe: Dazed, confused, physical symptoms
  • Panic: Immobile, irrational thinking
• Interventions for Severe/Panic Anxiety:
  • Stay with patient, quiet environment, firm communication
  • Use medications as last resort

Specific Disorders

• Acute Stress Disorder vs PTSD:
  • Acute stress: Symptoms within 30 days
  • PTSD: Symptoms persist beyond 30 days
• Separation Anxiety:
  • Excessive fear of separation, must last 4 weeks in children, 6 months in adults
• Panic Disorder:
  • Four or more symptoms e.g., palpitations, shortness of breath
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD):
  • Excessive worry lasting 6 months+
• Phobic Disorders:
  • Systematic desensitization, cognitive restructuring
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
  • Obsessions and compulsions to reduce anxiety
  • Medications: SSRIs
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder:
  • Preoccupation with perceived physical defects

Trauma and Dissociative Disorders

• Dissociative Disorders:
  • Involuntary escape from reality
  • Types: Identity disorder, Fugue, Amnesia, Depersonalization
• Intervention and Treatment:
  • Use SSRIs, ensure safety, grounding techniques

Medications and Treatments

• Bipolar Treatments:
  • Mood stabilizers like lithium
  • Monitoring sodium levels and potential for lithium toxicity
• Anxiety Medications:
  • SSRIs for long-term, benzodiazepines short-term
• ECT as a potential treatment for severe cases

Miscellaneous

• Defense Mechanisms:
  • Projection, reaction formation, sublimation
• Cultural and Social Mediators:
  • Impact of social support and cultural perceptions on stress and mental health

Conclusion

• Emphasis on individualized treatment and safety