UNDERSTANDING MENTAL DISORDERS1. Describe what mental disorders are.2. List seven signs of mental disorder.

3. Summarize causes of mental disorders.4. Identify community resources available for

mental health.

What are Mental Disorders? MENTAL DISORDER: An illness that affects a persons thoughts,

emotions, and behavior.

Mental disorders are often misunderstood and lots of people are afraid of mental disorders .

Many mental disorders are treatable. Learning signs and symptoms will help people better understand mental

disorders.

SYMPTOMS: A change that a person notices in their body or mind and that is caused by a disease or disorder.

Signs of Mental Disorders1. Too much or too little sleep2. Feeling extreme sadness3. Unexplained mood changes4. Drug or alcohol abuse5. Inability to concentrate6. Extreme anxiety or irrational fear7. Personality changes8. False perceptions of reality

Types of Mental DisordersDepression: Extreme feelings of sadness or

hopelessness that prevent a person from carrying out everyday activities.

Signs of depression:Lack of energyWithdrawal from peopleLoss of appetite or overeatingToo much or too little sleepFeeling of helplessness or hopelessness.

Suggestions for DepressionFace the Problem: Seek professional help

immediately…do not use drugs or alcohol to solve problems…

Identify the Problem: Find what is causing the depression. Is it the result of loss, loneliness, or a biological cause.

Take Action: Change negative thinking, seek support from others, and be active. Your body produces chemical to make you feel better.

ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: a

person who has this is frequently inattentive or impulsively hyperactive to the point that they cannot accomplish daily activities.

The cause is unknown…treatment is available to help them concentrate.

Panic Disordersudden feelings of terror that strike without

warning

putting oneself in danger by desperately trying to escape the situation

Phobiasirrational fear of something that causes no

real danger, such as spiders, elevators, or giving a speech

possible panic attacks

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

repeated, disturbing, and unwanted thoughts

ritual behaviors that are perceived as impossible to control such as repeatedly washing one’s hands

Eating Disordersobsessive behavior and thoughts about

weight control

starvation of oneself such as anorexia nervosa

consumption of large amounts of food followed by vomiting

Bipolar Disorderuncontrollable cycles of extreme happiness

and then depression

Schizophreniafalse perceptions of reality

hallucinations and/or delusions

CAUSES OF MENTAL DISORDERS

1. TRAUMATIC AND STRESS EXPERIENCES: LIKE DEATH, ACCIDENTS, AND ABUSIVE EVENTS.

2. INHERITED: LIKE SCHIZOPHERNIA AND BI-POLAR DISORDER

3. INJURY AND PHYSICAL ABUSE: LIKE BRAIN TUMORS, ALCOHOLISM, AND INFECTIONS.

HELP FOR MENTAL DISORDERSIN OUR COMMUNITY: HOSPITALS,

CLINICS, AND PRIVATE AGENCIES LINK WITH SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE HELP.

PSYCHOTHERPY, GROUP THERPY, AND MEDICATION ARE ALL PROVIDED TO HELP THE MENTALLY ILL.