2025 HOSA Behavioral Health

Autism

A neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior.

Key Characteristics of Autism

Difficulty with social interactions, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, sensory sensitivities.

Treatment for autism

Early intervention, behavior therapy (ABA), speech and occupational therapy.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

A neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity.

ADHD treatment

behavior therapy and Medication (stimulants like Adderall) organizational strategies.

ADHD Symptoms

Inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, difficulty following instructions.

Schizophrenia

a psychological disorder characterized by distorted thinking, perception, and emotions.

Schizophrenia symptoms

Hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, lack of motivation, social withdrawal.

Schizophrenia treatment

Antipsychotic medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, support services.

bipolar disorder

A mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings between manic and depressive episodes.

Bipolar symptoms

Mania (elevated mood, high energy), depression (low mood, fatigue), irritability.

Bipolar treatment

Mood stabilizers (Lithium), antidepressants, psychotherapy, lifestyle management.

Depression

A mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest.

Depression symptoms

Persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite, trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.

Depression treatment

Antidepressants (SSRIs), psychotherapy (CBT, interpersonal therapy), lifestyle changes.

Anxiety Disorders

A group of disorders characterized by excessive fear or anxiety.

Anxiety disorders types

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Phobias.

anxiety disorders treatment

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medication (benzodiazepines, SSRIs), relaxation techniques.

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

A disorder marked by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions).

OCD symptoms

Repeated, persistent, and unwanted ideas, thoughts, images, or impulses.

OCD treatment

exposure and response prevention, antidepressants

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event.

PTSD symptoms

Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness and anxiety

PTSD treatment

Trauma-focused therapy, CBT, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), medication (SSRIs).

Personality Disorders

Psychological disorders characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience. (usually don't reflect real life)

Personality Disorders types

Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Avoidant Personality Disorder.

Personality Disorders treatment

Psychotherapy (DBT, CBT), medications for mood stabilization, social skills training.

Dissociative Disorders

Disorders involving a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory.

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

a rare dissociative disorder in which a person exhibits two or more distinct and alternating personalities. Formerly called multiple personality disorder.

DID symptoms

Amnesia, identity confusion, dissociative fugue, depersonalization/derealization.

DID treatment

Psychotherapy (including trauma-focused therapy), medication for co-occurring conditions, grounding techniques.

eating disorders

abnormal or disturbed eating habits and an unhealthy focus on body weight or shape.

types of eating disorders

anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder

Eating disorder treatment

correct dangerous eating patterns, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family-based therapy, nutritional counseling, medication for co-occurring symptoms.