PSY313 UNIT 2 LECTURE 2 Flashcards
Definition of mental health according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The capacity of each of us to feel, think, and act in ways that enhance our ability to enjoy life and deal with challenges. It includes emotional and spiritual well-being, respecting culture, equity, social justice, interconnections, and personal dignity.
What does it mean that mental health is “not just about experiencing mental distress”?
Mental health involves the ability to enjoy life, acknowledge cultural experiences, meet cultural expectations, and live with dignity while interacting with others.
What qualifies as a psychological disorder?
Range of behaviors and experiences that fall outside of social norms and create difficulty for the individual on a daily basis, and put the individual or others at risk of harm.
How has the perception of homosexuality changed in psychology?
Once labeled a disorder in the DSM, it’s now recognized as a normal variation of human sexuality due to evolving cultural and medical views
What are the key differences between DSM and ICD
DSM: More detailed, for psychological issues, used mostly in North America. ICD: Broader, includes all health conditions, used worldwide.
Who can diagnose using DSM-5?
Only trained psychologists.
How does mental health change with age?
Generally improves, but dementia, a neurocognitive disorder, may increase.
Why might older adults have fewer psychological disorders?
Possible reasons include shorter lifespans for those with early diagnosed disorders and a cohort effect where older generations, stigmatized about mental health, underreport issues.
Example of stigma affecting mental health treatment.
A woman with postpartum depression quickly diagnosed and treated, contrasting with older relatives concerned about the stigma of mental health diagnoses, advising secrecy.
Why might some psychological disorders go undiagnosed in older adults?
Older adults’ symptoms may differ from those in younger people, and they often see family doctors who may lack specific training in mental health and geriatrics.
What healthcare challenges do older adults face in Canada regarding mental health?
Many don’t have private health care, and while psychological counseling is covered by general plans, long waitlists can delay treatment.
What is the most common symptom of Major Depressive Disorder?
Dysphoria, which must be significantly lower than the individual’s usual mood, present most of the time, and last for at least 2 weeks.
What are other common symptoms associated with Major Depressive Disorder?
Changes in appetite, sleep patterns, feelings of guilt, reduced self-esteem, and reduced focus.
How does the prevalence of depression change with age?
Depression is more common in younger adults, with a lifetime prevalence of 17%, but the rate drops in those over 60.
How do gender differences in depression change with age?
While young women are more likely to experience depression than young men, this difference diminishes in older age, possibly due to hormonal changes.
Why might depression in older adults be underdiagnosed?
Older adults often report physical rather than emotional symptoms, like loss of appetite or body pains, which can be mistaken for typical aging or physical illnesses
What is a significant risk among older adults with depression?
Suicide rates are highest among older adults worldwide, often linked to co-occurring physical disorders.
What are common treatments for depression in older adults?
SSRI medications, which should be started at low doses, and CBT, which may require more sessions but is just as effective as in younger adults.
How do treatment side effects differ in older adults?
Tricyclic antidepressants may cause more side effects, particularly adverse interactions with blood pressure medications.
Why was the classification “dementia” replaced with “neurocognitive disorders” in the DSM-5?
The term “dementia” suggests a memory disorder, but not all neurocognitive disorders involve memory impairment. The new classification better captures the broader spectrum of cognitive and behavioral issues that may not include memory problems.
What does the term “dementia” imply and why is it still used?
“Dementia” implies a disorder primarily experienced by older adults and traditionally focused on memory loss. Despite the DSM-5’s update, it remains a common term in medical settings
What characterizes neurocognitive disorders?
A group of disorders marked by cognitive and behavioral decline, always involving some form of brain damage, and generally worsening over time.
What are the different classifications within neurocognitive disorders in the DSM-5?
Disorders can be major or minor (severity), progressive or nonprogressive (whether symptoms worsen), and primary or secondary (whether it’s the main problem or a symptom of another condition).
Example of a progressive major neurocognitive disorder.
Alzheimer’s disease, which worsens over time and significantly impacts cognitive functions.
