Understanding Mental Illness Notes

Chapter 7: Understanding Mental Illness

Definition of Mental Illness
  • Health Condition: Mental illness is a health condition where negative or unhelpful feelings and thoughts become so severe that they interfere with daily life activities.
Factors Affecting Mental Illness
  • Genetic Makeup: Inherited traits that may predispose individuals to mental health disorders.
  • Life Experiences: Past experiences that can shape mental health outcomes.
  • Cognitive Patterns: Established ways of thinking that can contribute to or exacerbate mental health conditions.
  • Pre-Birth Effects: Factors such as alcohol/drug use, poor nutrition, and trauma during pregnancy can significantly influence mental health.
Anxiety Disorders
  • Definition: Mental illnesses characterized by excessive feelings of anxiety and dread that disrupt daily activities.
  • Types of Anxiety Disorders:
    1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life.
    2. Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations, leading to avoidance behaviors.
    3. Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks and fear of their unpredictability.
    4. Phobias: Irrational fear of specific objects or situations that lead to avoidance.
Other Mental Disorders Overview

  • A. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Characterized by difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

  • B. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Presence of recurring and uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions) leading to repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that hinder daily functioning.

  • C. Mood Disorders: Includes conditions such as:

    • Major Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.
    • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depressive episodes related to seasonal changes.
    • Bipolar Disorder: Characterized by extreme mood swings from highs (mania) to lows (depression).

  • D. Personality Disorders: Types include:

    • Antisocial Personality Disorder: Disregard for others’ rights.
    • Borderline Personality Disorder: Instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions.
    • Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Grandiosity and need for admiration.
    • Paranoid Personality Disorder: Distrust and suspicion of others.
    • Schizoid Personality Disorder: Detachment from social relationships and restricted emotional expression.

  • E. Behavioral Disorders: Includes:

    • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): Pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior.
    • Conduct Disorder: Violation of social norms and rights of others.

  • F. Substance Use Disorders: Characterized by the recurrent use of substances that lead to health issues and an inability to fulfill responsibilities. Addictive disorders may involve psychological dependence on behaviors or processes such as gambling and gaming.

Signs to Seek Help
  1. Feeling persistently sad, angry, or not like yourself.
  2. Constant feelings of anxiety or being unorganized.
  3. Difficulty maintaining attention; trouble sitting still.
  4. Using drugs, alcohol, or food to cope with emotions.
  5. Experiencing a serious loss.
  6. Going through traumatic events.
  7. Lack of enjoyment in previously pleasurable activities.
  8. Engaging in self-harm behaviors.