chapter 3 elizabeth lytle, mph, bsn, rn los altos school district caring for your mind
TRANSCRIPT
Chapter 3
Elizabeth Lytle, MPH, BSN, RN Los Altos School District
Caring for Your Mind
In This Chapter, You Will Learn To:
LIST
Key structures of the brain
Depression symptoms and treatment
Suicide symptoms and prevention
DESCRIBE
Neurons and their role in the brain
Difference between mental health and mental illness
Options for yourself in case of mental illness
Three Important Structures Of The Brain
Cerebrum
Brain Stem
Cerebellum
Brain Messages Are Sent Through Neurons
Neurons are nerve cells composed of:
Cell Body Contains nucleus
Axon Long fiber that carries electrical signal
Axon Terminal
Where the axon ends and its signal is transferred to the dendrite of a different neuron
DendriteShorter fiber that receives signal from the axon terminal
Neurons Communicate With Each Other
WHERE
At Synapses:
Area between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite of another neuron
HOW
Through Neurotransmitters:
Packets of chemicals released from the axon terminal of the neuron sending the signal
Brain Messaging: Anatomy of a Neuron
The Many Factors of Mental Health
Definitions of Mental Illness
‘Clinically significant behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern that is associated with present distress, disability or significantly increased risk of suffering death pain, disability or an important loss of freedom’
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Ed
‘…mental, behavioral or emotional disorders that interfere with one or more major activities in life like dressing eating or working.’
U.S. Government
Almost half of all Americans will experience a
diagnosable mental disorder
in their lifetime
Most Common Mental Disorders
Mood Disorders• Depression• Biploar Disorder
Anxiety Disorders• Phobias• Panic Disorders
Substance Abuse• Drugs and alcohol
Mental Health Risks Vary With Gender
Mental Disorder High Risk Group
Depression
Women & GirlsAnxiety
Migraines
Alzheimer’s
Substance AbuseMen
Alcohol Abuse
Mental and Physical Health Are Linked
Positive Mental Attitude decreases risk of disease
Mental Illness increases risk for many diseases
Complex relationships between mental and physical health have been found
Heart Disease and Depression Diabetes and Depression Bone Density and Depression
Effects Of Depression May Include:
Fewer or Extreme Feelings
Depressed Helpless or hopeless Restless or slow No interest in pleasurable activities
Physical symptoms
Alterations In Thinking
Difficulty concentrating or thinking critically Persistent thoughts of death
New Actions
Withdrawal from others Eating more or less
Minimize These Contributors To Depression
STRESS
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
SLEEP LOSS
Depression Has Inequitable Impact
Groups More Likely to Experience
Major Depression
Women
Racial and Ethnic Minorities
Those Without a High School Education
Divorced or Never Married
Jobless
Those Without Health Insurance
Men Experience Depression Differently
Depression Symptoms
of Men
Irritability
Tremendous fatigue
Headaches and pain
Insomnia
Self-medication with alcohol or drugs
Men may not become ‘sad’ and are more likely than women to take their own life
Depression Treatment Is Individualized
Psychotherapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interpersonal Therapy
Antidepressant Medication
Electroconvolusive or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy
Exercise
Behavior Change
Antidepressants Have Risks For Young
More than 20 years old
Less likely to commit suicide after beginning treatment
Less than 20 years old
May be at higher risk of suicide shortly after beginning treatment
Side effects of aggression or hostility
Bipolar Disorder
DefinedManic states of feeling euphoric and energetic to depressive states of utter despair
Who is affected
50% have family member with bipolar More women than men affected
Symptoms
Mood swings Changes in thinking and behavior Changes in physical condition
Treatment Medication Professional therapy is essential
Phobias – Anxiety Disorders
DefinedOut-of-the-ordinary, irrational, intense, persistent fears of certain objects or situations
Treatment
Behavioral therapy for systematic exposure to feared object
Medical hypnosis
Panic Attacks And Panic Disorder
Panic Attack
Rapid heart rate, light-headed, hyperventilation, numb fingers or toes Terrible sense that something horrible is about to happen
Panic Disorder
When panic attacks recur OR Apprehension of panic attack impairs normal function
Treatment Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Medication
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsession Recurring idea, thought or image
CompulsionRepetitive behavior performed according to certain rules
Other Features
Cannot resist or control thoughts or behavior
Behaviors consume time and impact normal function
Treatment
Cognitive Therapy Behavioral Techniques Medication
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Features
Repetitive patterns of thoughts and behavior
No verbal communication before age 3
Four times more likely to occur in boys than girls
Treatment
Behavior therapy Speech-language therapy Physical therapy School-based educational programs
Schizophrenia
Features
Affects every aspect of psychological functioning Hallucinations and delusions Inability to think in logical manner Showing few, if any emotions
Treatment Antipsychotic medication
Causes
Failure in brain development very early in life Heredity
Two-thirds of college students who killed themselves
experienced depressive symptoms at the time of their death
Suicide Is Increasing in the United States
Risk of Suicide
Are You At Risk For Suicide?
Factors that Lead to Suicide Impulsivity High level of arousal and aggression Past suicidal behaviors Hopelessness
Factors that Protect from Suicide Feeling connected to family and parents Girls - Emotional well-being Boys - Grade-point average
Recognize When Friends Need Help
Express your concern and use guidelines below
Ask concerned questions
Suggest solutions or alternatives to problems
Ask if they have contemplated suicide
Know that people who talk about killing themselves may carry it out
Watch for changes in behavior
Avoid trite reassurances
5 Things To Do If Considering Suicide
1. Talk to a mental health professional
2. Talk to someone you trust
3. Write down positive thoughts
4. Avoid drugs and alcohol
5. Go to the hospital
Help For Mental Disorders Is Available
TherapyMany types of therapists
Many types of therapy
MedicationWork closely with health professional to choose medication
Alternative Activities
Can combine therapy and medication with other treatments to enhance results (yoga, meditation)