Wk 10 Neuro Common Mental Illnesses

Flashcards related to the common mental illnesses

According to the DSM-5, what are the various categories of mental illness?

Psychotic disorders, Mood (affective) disorders, Anxiety disorders, Substance use and addiction disorders, Trauma-related disorders, Personality disorders, Eating disorders

In 2021, what was the lifetime prevalence for a depressive episode?

9.4% in males and 12.8% in females

In 2021, what percentage of males and females experienced anxiety disorders

12.4% (over 1.2 million) of males and 21.0% (almost 2.1 million) females experiencing it in a 12-month period

List the mental health disorders from most to least common

Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders (including depression), Substance use disorders

The proportion of Indigenous Australians who self-report a diagnosis of a mood or anxiety disorder was how many times greater than non-Indigenous Australians?

1.6 times greater than non-Indigenous Australians

Psychological distress was how many times higher for Indigenous people compared to non-Indigenous Australians?

2.5 - 3.3 times higher for Indigenous people

According to Santanmauro et al. (2021), how many more cases of major depressive disorder resulted from COVID-19?

53.2 million more cases of major depressive disorder.

What are neurotransmitters?

Chemicals which get exchanged to allow neurons to communicate.

Name examples of neurotransmitters that are under- or over-firing in mental health conditions:

Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF), serotonin, dopamine, glutamate and noradrenaline

Name Areas of the Brain shown to be Impacted by Depression:

Prefrontal Cortex, Amygdala, Hippocampus, Nucleus Accumbens, Frontal-Limbic Pathways

What is the first step that occurs in the HPA axis and the stress response?

Hypothalamus releases a hormone called corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) when stressed

What does Aetiology refer to?

cause or origin of a condition

Name Risk factors of common mental illnesses:

Social disconnectedness, Isolation, Trauma (e.g., bullying, abuse, neglect), Substance abuse, Family history of mental illness,

Name Protective factors of common mental illnesses:

Strong social support networks, Healthy social relationships and attachment, Safe and supportive environments, Good resilience and coping skills

What is Mood?

Pervasive and sustained emotional state experienced by an individual.

What is Affect?

Experience of feeling or emotion.

What are the core symptoms of MDD as outlined in the DSM-5?

Persistently low or depressed mood, or Anhedonia

What factors are involved in the aetiology of anxiety?

Combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors.

How is a SUD defined in the DSM-5?

Problematic pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.

How many criteria are listed for substance use disorders (SUD)?

12

What is the diagnostic threshold for SUD?

Two or more symptoms out of the 12 criteria

When working with individuals with substance use disorders, how should approach conversations:

Empathy and a non-judgmental attitude

Name Common assessments used in clinical practice to assess mental state:

Mental State Examination (MSE), Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HONOS)

Name Self-report tools used in clinical and research settings for Depression and anxiety:

Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Kessler psychological distress scale (K10)

Name Self-report tools used in clinical and research settings for Substance Use Disorders:

Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use (TAPS)

Name Self-report tools used in clinical and research settings for Sleep:

Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

Name Self-report tools used in clinical and research settings for Quality of Life:

Short form health survey (SF-12), The World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF)

What are the general approaches to mental health treatment?

Psychosocial, Psychological and Pharmacological

Name Medication Classes to treat mental disorders:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI), Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

What are the Physical Health Co-morbidities in Common Mental Illness:

Heart Disease, Stroke, Diabetes mellitus, Asthma, Cancer, Arthritis and osteoporosis

How are Sedentary behaviour and mental health disorders linked?

Sedentary behaviour = increase risk of depression and anxiety

List two possible mechanisms to explain how physical activity improves mental health:

Exercise training/ maintenance leading to Neurobiological changes and also Enhanced learning of adaptive behavioural responses

List three Neurobiological mechanisms that may explain how physical activity improves mental health:

Downregulation of the serotonin neurotransmitter (stress hormone) system, Adaptations in the norepinephrine neurotransmitter (regulatory stress hormone) system, Upregulation of the GABA neurotransmitter (anti-anxiolytic) system

List three Behavioural/ psychosocial theories that may explain how physical activity improves mental health:

Exposure therapy (used in CBT) in a safe, controlled environment, Distraction from negative thoughts, Improved sleep quality

What should the exercise physiologist discuss with clients regarding their mental health?

Their diagnoses and medications, Their individual strengths and barriers to activity, Safety and comfort

List two key recommendations to optimise the mental health benefits of physical activity, according to Vella et al., (2023) consensus statement:

Activity selection be guided by factors associated with adherence and enjoyment as opposed to any specific type, Facilitators should deliver structured physical activity sessions using an instructional style that satisfies individuals' basic needs for autonomy, competence, and social connection

Name Observational Signs for Further Action, as an Exercise Physiologist:

Sudden difficulty engaging in conversations, Withdrawal from usual activities, Noticeable decrease in motivation

Name Explicit Verbal Indicators for Further Action, as an Exercise Physiologist:

Reports of increased substance use, Disclosure of experiencing a traumatic or stressful event, Expressions or thoughts related to suicide or self-harm

What are MHFA principles if mental health concerns arise:

Address concerns empathetically and without judgment, Discuss observed changes openly and sensitively, Ask directly about support needs and preferred assistance, Facilitate referral to mental health professionals if appropriate