Healthy Minds

Question 1

How are mental disorders diagnosed?

Answer 1

DSM-V - diagnostic and statistical manual to diagnose mental illness
The DSM-V outlines the main diagnoses and related characteristics and statistics relating to all types of mental illness
Diagnosis can only made by a qualified health professional

Question 2

What do people need to be considered mentally unhealthy?

Answer 2

Maladaptive
Everyday behaviour is impaired or affected
Ie. drugs, alcohol consumed in excess
Deviance from normal
Clients social and cultural context, as well as developmental stage
Personal distress
Frequent diagnosis made on basis of report of great personal stress

Question 3

What is depression?

Answer 3

An extended experience of negative emotions, thoughts, behaviours and functioning for at least two weeks. One of the most common mental health disorders. Each symptom of depression fits into one of the four levels of explanation of behaviour. Has to occur longer than two weeks

Question 4

Biological aspect of depression?

Answer 4

Whilst no one is sure how depression develops,
Change in the brain chemistry is likely Reduced levels of serotonin (feeling content)
Common amongst families, thought to be hereditary
Overuse of substances such as alcohol and drugs is associated with higher vulnerability to depression

Question 5

Biological symptoms of depression

Answer 5

Headache
Digestion issues
Chronic pain
Insomnia
Increase or decrease in appetite
Imbalance of neurotransmitters (serotonin)
Inactive left frontal lobe of brain (during the depression)
Genetic inheritance
Increased daytime fatigue
Many people with depression have difficulty concentrating and making decisions
memory is often poorer than normal
Appear to access negative thoughts and emotions more readily than positive ones

Question 6

Basic processes symptoms of depression

Answer 6

Feelings of increase sadness/unhappiness
Low self-esteem
Unclear thinking
Learned helplessness
Depressive thinking styles - pessimistic
Thoughts of suicide and/ or self harm in serious cases

Question 7

What is learned helplessness?

Answer 7

Results when a person or animal is prevented repeatedly from avoiding some aversive stimulus and becomes passive and depressed

Question 8

Person aspect of depression

Answer 8

Research shows people who develop depression have personality types which include
Less flexibility
Strongly emotional
Worrier
Women more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men - vulnerable at beginning of adolescents, childbirth and menopause → estrogen levels reduce and testosterone increase
Men appear to be more vulnerable at retirement during ling periods of unemployment and following

Question 9

Person symptoms of depression

Answer 9

Loss of once pleasurable activities 
Inflated / deflated sense of self importance 
Poor judgement 
Lowered comprehension 
Impulsivity

Question 10

Socio-cultural level of depression

Answer 10

People without supportive social networks are more vulnerable to depression
In some cultures, depression is considered shameful and stigma of mental illness is very apparent

Question 11

Socio-cultural symptoms of depression

Answer 11

Diminished involvement with others
Strained relationship with family/ friends
Loss of social skills
inappropriate/ maladaptive social behaviour
Abuse

Question 12

Biological treatments for depression

Answer 12

Antidepressant medication
Several different types of antidepressants
SSRIs - help to enhance the function of nerve cells in the brain that can regulate emotions
Intake serotonin

Electric shock therapy (electroconvulsive therapy) -ECT
Extreme, severe depression
Involves passing a carefully controlled electric current through the brain which affects the brains activity with the aim of reducing severe depressive symptoms
Modern day ECT is very safe however has risk factor of reducing memory, so is only used when absolutely necessary

Question 13

Basic process treatment for depression

Answer 13

Cognitive behavioural therapy
Structured psychological treatment which recognises the way we think (cognition) and act )beh) affects the way we feel
Involves a professional therapist to identify thought and behaviour patterns that make someone more likely to be clinically depressed
Most effective and used on all age groups

Thoughts → Behaviour

Interpersonal therapy

Question 14

What is interpersonal therapy?

Answer 14

Basic process treatment for depression
Focuses on problems with personal relationships and the impact they can have on developing depression
IPT helps to recognise patterns in relationships that make people more vulnerable to depression and by identifying patterns can help client improve on these relationships, acne, reduce symptoms of dep

Question 15

Person treatments for depression

Answer 15

Assertiveness training
Depressions can develop due to a lack of confidence in environment
Aims to help clients become more assertive without becoming aggressive with the aim of reducing depressive symptoms
Role Playing - I statements
Minimal risk - very ethical

Question 16

Socio-cultural treatments for depression and anxiety

Answer 16

Support groups
Belonging to a recognised support group for depression seen to have positive results
Hearing and talking to other who know what client is going through promotes feelings of belonging and not being alone
Can do this in person and online

Question 17

What is anxiety?

Answer 17

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, however all of them have the experience of strong and/ or frequent anxiety or fear.

Question 18

What are some types of anxiety disorders?

Answer 18

Phobia 
Panic disorder 
Obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) 
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) 
Social phobia

Question 19

Biological aspect of anxiety

Answer 19

Fight or flight response much more active
Research suggests that there are genetic markers for vulnerability to anxiety disorders
Evidence to also support it is genetic

Question 20

Biological Symptoms of Anxiety

Answer 20

Headaches -dehydration
Trembling - adrenalin 
Nausea - blood away from digestion area 
Muscle tension 
Dizziness 
Insomnia 
Genetic factors 
Heart palpitations 
Chest pain 
Sweating

Question 21

Basic Processes aspect of anxiety

Answer 21

Classical conditioning can shape some aspects of anxious responses
Anxious people often have interpretation bias where they perceive information form others as negative towards themselves
Often memory is impaired due to an inattention to task and worry about other aspects
Always triggered in a negative way
E.g fire siren cause stress to 9/11 victims

Question 22

Basic process symptoms for anxiety

Answer 22

Magnify threats and failures 
Fear, worrisome thoughts 
Irrational fears 
Fears of panic and public scrutiny 
Hypersensitive to criticism 
Worried about potential mistakes 
Avoidance 
Persistent unwanted thoughts 
Feelings of anxiety, confusion, resentfulness

Question 23

Person aspect of anxiety

Answer 23

Takes into account an individual’s past experiences, personality style, attitudes and beliefs and stress management skills
Women are more likely to have anxiety.

Question 24

Person symptoms of anxiety

Answer 24

personality traits of people with anxiety
Unable to cope
Not confident, focus on perceived threats
High stress levels
Neuroticism

Question 25

Socio-cultural aspect of anxiety

Answer 25

Anxiety disorders can develop from a traumatic event based on a person’s social, socio economic, political, religious or cultural affiliation E.g war, abuse, poverty

Question 26

Socio-cultrual symptons of anxiety

Answer 26

``` Fast paced lives Environmental stressors Decreased job security Lack of family support Avoidance of group or work colleagues Avoidance of social contact - crowds Social phobia DIFFERENT FOR EVERY CULTURE ```

Question 27

Biological treatment for anxiety

Answer 27

Anti anxiety meds Most common types are benzodiazepines – type of tranquilisers and/or sleeping pills (depends on type). Promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension. Should only be used for a short amount of time as they become addictive. Should also be used in conjunction with other treatments, not as only treatment for anxiety. Antidepressant medication Some types of antidepressants are effective for anxiety, even if the client is not experiencing depression symptoms. Correct the imbalance of chemical messages between nerve cells and the brain.

Question 28

Basic process treatments for anxiety

Answer 28

CBT Change thoughts about the act, object or event → change beh To improve the way you cope with situations and highly effective Usually combo with meds Up to person to be committed

Question 29

Person treatments for anxiety

Answer 29

Assertiveness training Anxiety can develop due to lack of trait confidence in the workplace, at home or in social situations. Assertiveness training aims to help clients become more assertive without becoming aggressive with the aim of reducing anxious symptoms and thoughts. Role playing exercises conducted with ‘I’ statements. Minimal risk involved – very ethical treatment

Question 30

What is stigma

Answer 30

There is no evidence to suggest there is a link between mental illness and violence, and this notion should not be used to reinforce stigma and discrimination against people.

Question 31

What are risk factors?

Answer 31

situations which could cause anxiety or depression | E.g Genetic predisposition - risk factors (natural disaster) could trigger it

Question 32

What are protective factors?

Answer 32

what could prevent anxiety or depression

Question 33

What are coping strategies?

Answer 33

there are coping strategies that people can employ to deal with everyday symptoms of depression and anxiety. Coping strategies are things that you can do to help yourself, before seeking help from professionals (if needed) Collectively known as ‘Stress Management Therapy.’ Strategies use in treating depression and/or anxiety both in and outside of therapy sessions. Psychologists will identify triggers, causes and accelerators of mental illness symptoms, then recommend several coping strategies. Some may include yoga, meditation, exercise, time management techniques, proper nutrition, saying ‘no’ more often, and many more.

Question 34

biological coping strategies

Answer 34

Physical exercise Can be helpful for depression and ‘down’ emotional state. Can also be helpful for anxiety as it burns away stress chemicals of cortisol and epinephrine. Increases self esteem. Proper Nutrition Lowering fat, salt and sugar intake and increasing protein, vitamin and mineral intake. Circadian rhythms not affected, therefore more energy. Physically feel better.

Question 35

Basic process coping strategies

Answer 35

Challenging negative thoughts Often we make predictions of ourselves and we are our own worst enemy. Such thoughts can be challenged by thinking of helpful or beneficial ways of thinking about the situation > make us realise they are just perceptions and not reality. E.g. Invitation to a party > ‘No one will talk to me’ > Challenge: I don’t know they wont talk to me; I could invite my friend along; I could just start talking to people etc.’ > situation does not seem as daunting > more positive outlook. Planning and problem solving Writing down how you plan to tackle problems/goals is helpful. Helps to prioritise what is most important and what is not as important at the time. Decide which task/s you can do on your own and which you need help with.

Question 36

Person coping strategies

Answer 36

Will depend on the individual differences of each person and their individual needs. ``` Common person coping strategies include: Art/colouring books Reading books Video games Music – listening and/or playing Etc. ```

Question 37

socio-cultural coping strategy

Answer 37

Social involvement People with a network of friends and family are less likely to experience mental disorders. Sense of belonging. Discussion helps us feel more supported and might help our perception of issue.Can come in many forms such as: Sporting clubs Dance/drama/clubs Music bands Online groups and chat rooms Friendship groups Support network of parents, family, teachers, counsellors etc.

Question 38

Ethics of healthy minds

Answer 38

There is a duty of care and ethical code for professionals working with people who have a mental illness to protect their rights and dignities Diagnosis of mental illness is far from straightforward and adequate evidence needs to be compiled before a diagnosis should be made Diagnosis of a mental illness can be both helpful and harmful. Diagnosis is fraught with difficulty, so to is treatment and what is most effective for patients There are laws in place to protect people with a mental illness, this may mean involuntary admission to a psychiatric ward if people are considered a danger to themselves or others, however most psychiatric wards in Australia have a majority of patients that are there on a voluntary basis. No psychological/ physiological stress Consent Debrief

Question 39

Method of assessing depression and anxiety

Answer 39

Clinical interviews Uses qualitative data to gain more information and make possible diagnosis. Self-reports Diaries, rating scales etc. Uses subjective quantitative and qualitative data. Objective quantitative methods EEG machines, heart rates, blood pressure, blood tests etc - cat scans show stimulation

Question 40

What is resilience?

Answer 40

is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress - such as family, relationship problems, serious health problems or workplace and financial stressors. Means to bounce back from difficult situations

Question 41

What are the three types of resilience?

Answer 41

Overcoming the odds Sustained competence under stress Recovery from trauma

Question 42

What other points are important to note with resilience?

Answer 42

Being resilient does not mean that someone experiences stress of difficulty Emotional pain and sadness are common in people who have suffered major adversity or trauma in their lives Road to resilient involves immense emotional distress It is not a trait It involves behaviour, thoughts and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone.

Question 43

biological factors influencing resilience

Answer 43

sleep, exercise, eating, minimal drug use

Question 44

basic processes factor influencing resilience

Answer 44

cognition (positive mindset), perspective, emotions, learning, memory

Question 45

Person factor influencing resilience

Answer 45

Eysenck theory - people with better impulse control are able to navigate means for stability

Question 46

socio-cultrual factor influencing resilence

Answer 46

caring and supporting relationships, socio-economic advantage, positive school/ work environment, school acheivement - recognition of acheivements in school or work, cultrual pride - active, positive involvement in cultrual and community pride

Question 47

What are psychological or biological interventions

Answer 47

``` CBT (basic processes) Assertiveness Training (person) Systematic Desensitisation (basic processes) ECT (biological) Drug Treatment (biological) ```

Question 48

Ad and dis for CBT

Answer 48

Advantages Evidence for longer, more extended success Can use strategies again if symptoms resurface Applicable to all age groups and demographics, men and women. Disadvantages Sometimes difficult to change thought process for severe depression and/or anxiety. Can be very confronting being diagnosed. Can be very expensive.

Question 49

ad and dis for systematic desensitisation

Answer 49

Advantages Gradual process of extinguishing strong conditioned response. Can be more ethical due to gradual approach. Disadvantages Can be very slow process. Can be expensive due to the time it can take for some clients. Risk of it not being effective.

Question 50

ad and dis for assertiveness training

Answer 50

Advantages Minimal risk involved – seen to be a very ethical treatment. Very practical form of therapy using role plays – can be more successful due to this. Disadvantages People can still find therapy intimidating – may make depression/anxiety worse. Not relevant if cause of mental illness is not in the work place. Not as widely available/well known as other therapies.

Question 51

ad and dis for ECT

Answer 51

Advantages Modern day ECT very safe – delivered by trained health professionals. Can be very effective in treating severe mental illness. Disadvantages Is an intrusive procedure. Can cause memory problems due to changes in brain. May not work for everyone.

Question 52

ad and dis for drug treatment medication

Answer 52

Advantages Can allow people to function day to day far more effectively. Used in conjunction with psychological therapy > typically more successful in reducing mental illness. Readily available in Australia - not every country has access to support them Disadvantages May have negative side effects. Can become addictive. May refuse to take it May take several trials of different medications to find the right one, as well as the right dosage. = lots of time Can take a long time to work i.e. more than two weeks.