Foundations of Mental Health Nursing

Question 1

Mental Health: Definition

Answer 1

no single definition of mental health exists

dynamic ever changing state

“mental health is a state of emotional, psychological, and social wellness evidenced by satisfying interpersonal relationships, effective behavior and coping, positive self-concept, and emotional stability”

Question 2

Mental Illness: Definition

Answer 2

disorders that affect mood, behavior, and thinking

often cause distress or impaired functioning, examples are:

• depression
• schizophrenia
• anxiety disorders
• substance use disorders (tobacco use disorders is most common)

Question 3

Contributing Factors to Mental Health/Illness

Answer 3

individual: personal factors - person’s biologic makeup, autonomy and independence, self-esteem, capacity for growth, vitality, emotional resilience, ability to find meaning in life, sense of belonging, stress/coping abilities
interpersonal: relationship factors - effective communication, ability to help others, intimacy, balance of separateness and connectedness

social/cultural: environmental factors - sense of community, access to adequate resources, intolerance of violence, support of diversity among people, mastery of the environment, and a positive (yet realistic) view of one’s world

Question 4

DSM-5 Purpose

Answer 4

diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders

1. provides standardized nomenclature and language
2. defines characteristics or symptoms that differentiate specific diagnoses
3. to assist in identifying underlying causes of disorders

Question 5

Historical Perspectives of Psychiatry

Answer 5

1940-50s: insulin shock therapy, psychosurgery (lobotomy)

asylum -> deinstitutionalization/community-based care

• safe refuge for those with mental illness
• Dorothea Dix: opening of asylums/state hospitals (shelter, food, warm clothing)

1950: development of psychotropic drugs
- Chlorpromazine (Thorazine): first psychotropic drug developed (antipsychotic)

Question 6

Hildegard Peplau

Answer 6

nursing theorists

described the Therapeutic nurse-client relationship w/ phases

forms the foundations of practice today

Question 7

Self-Awareness

Answer 7

process by which the nurse gains recognition of their own feelings, beliefs, and attitudes

• you may keep a journal on experiences and related feelings
• engage in supervision on a regular basis, share your feelings as it relates to challenging client situations
• try to put yourself in the shoes of the client