Mental Illnesses
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Eating Disorders
Depression/Manic Depression/Bi-Polar
Anxiety Disorders
Suicide Prevention
ADHD
Schizophrenia
Addictive Disorders
Bell Ringer #1
 Define the following terms using your
textbook or your notes:
 1. Mental Illness
 2. OCD
 3. Panic Disorder
 4. PTSD
Once you have completed this, pick up the
handout, Making a Diagnosis, and
complete the handout.
WRITING
 Imagine somebody whom you love---parent, brother, sister, boyfriend,
girlfriend, etc. Write down everything
you love about that person for three
minutes.
WRITING
 Imagine that this person was
killed/injured by someone with a
mental illness, how would you feel?
WRITING
 NOW……Imagine the same person you
loved and wrote about developed a
mental illness and
injured/harmed/killed someone else.
How would you feel now?
 READ ARTICLE: Schizophrenic Man
Beheaded Friend
Who is Responsible????
 EVERYONE has responsibilities to care for
those with mental illness (laws, hospitals,
family, friends) because people suffering
with mental illnesses are limited by what
they can do for themselves.
 We need to start thinking along the lines
of….
 Stricter laws
 Better preventative care being instated
 Family/friends being more vigilant and
proactive
Schizophrenia
 Definition:
A medical illness that interferes with a
person’s abilities to think clearly, to
distinguish reality from fantasy, to
manage emotions, make decisions,
and relate to others.
Schizophrenia
 First signs usually show up in teenage
years or late twenties
 Can be chronic or episodic
 Does not mean “split personality”
 Almost all people with schizophrenia are
not dangerous or violent towards others
when they are receiving treatment.
 Several stigmas about schizophrenia in society
Schizophrenia
 Diagnosis
 Difficult
 Doctor must examine the patient over a
course of at least 6 months
Symptoms
 Divided into three categories: Positive,
Disorganized, and Negative Symptoms
Schizophrenia
 Positive Symptoms also know as “psychotic
symptoms.
 Delusion and hallucinations
 Delusions: may cause the patient to believe
that people are reading their thoughts or
plotting against them, that others are secretly
monitoring or threatening them, or that they
can control other people’s minds.
 Hallucinations: causes people to hear or see
things that are not there
 Positve = overt symptoms or characteristics
that should NOT be there.
Schizophrenia
 Disorganized Symptoms
 Confused thinking and speech
 Behavior that does not make sense
 Difficulty making sense of every day sights or
sounds
 Negative Symptoms
 Emotional flatness or lack of expression
 Inability to start and follow through with
activities
 Negative = lack of characteristics that SHOULD
be there.
Schizophrenia
 CAUSE
 Unknown
 Scientists have shown that people with
Schizophrenia display brain images from
MRI or CAT scans that are different from
a person who does not have the
disorder.
 Linked to genetics (but genes DO NOT
cause the illness)
Schizophrenia
 Treatment
 No cure, but highly treatable
 Hospitalization (highly sever cases)
 Medication
 Antipsychotic drugs
 Attempts to correct imbalance of the brain
 Psychosocial Rehabilitation
 Program for Assertive Community Treatment
(PACT)
 Support available 24 hrs. 7 days a week
 Professionals teach people with schizophrenia
how to live a life with the disorder
Schizophrenic Man Beheaded
Friend
 Everyone has responsibilities to care
for those with mental illnesses (law,
hospitals, doctors, friends, families)
because people suffering with mental
illness are limited by why they can do
for themselves. This is a caveat
PTSD
 Bell Ringer #2
What is PTSD? Who suffers from PTSD?
Use your book to help you find the
answer to these questions.
PTSD Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghX
CrsTVXtc
PTSD Activity
 In a few minutes we are going to read an important
selection from a book. To help you better understand it,
I’ve prepared a “preview” by cutting out just eight
sentences from a longer piece. You will be picking these
sentences from a hat.
 Now that everyone has a piece of the puzzle. If you
could see all the sentences other people have, you could
probable make a good prediction as to what the who
thing is about. That’s what we’re going to do now….
 Try to compare your quote with at least 10 other
people’s sentences in the next 5 or 6 minutes. GO!!!!
PTSD Activity
 In your notebooks (or discuss in
groups of 4), answer the following
questions:
1. What do you thing the passage is
going to be about?
2. What time and place are depicted?
3. Any guesses about who wrote this?
PTSD Activity
 Read excerpt from Soldier’s Heart
 Discussion If Charley survived the war-which we cannot
tell from this passage-how do you think he
would do? Would he be able to go right back
to normal life, or do you think he might have
had to struggle with his memories? Do you
think Charlie suffers from PTSD? (refer back
to your definition)
Mental Illnesses
 Bell Ringer: PTSD ARTICLE
 Read article and T4 it! Fill out handout that
accompanies article. (10-15 minutes)
 Activity
 Now everyone is going to get a chance to
read an article of their own choice to learn
more about PTSD. Today we have four
choices. The first two are very intense
accounts from a battlefield.
Activity continued….
 A Soldier’s Letter Home from WWII-This was written by
an American GI serving in the Pacific, graphically telling
his parents about the combat casualties he had seen.
 “The Forever War of the Mind”: Max Cleland, who served
as head of the Veterans Administration, recounts how he
lost an arm and both legs in battle-and describes the
mental anguish that accompanied his physical wounds.
 “Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder”: Basic problems
associated with PTSD.
 Blog Post-”Daddy’s Home”: Written by the wife of a
decorated soldier who suffers from PTSD, this article
offers tips for families in the same situation.
Activity continued….
 Once you have selected your articles, sit with
small groups (3-4) with students who have
picked the same article.
 In your groups discuss and write the answers
to the following questions:
 What struck you about the piece you chose?
 What are some things family members and
friends can do to help someone suffering
from PTSD? Make a list of specific actions.
 RECONVENE AS A CLASS-DISCUSS
EATING DISORDER
 BELL RINGER QUESTION #3
 What is an eating disorder? What’s
the most common eating disorder?
Who is mainly affected by eating
disorders? Why?
 Article “The Real Skinny”
Eating Disorders
 Affect ~5 million Americans every
year
 90% affected are female
 Disturbance in eating & excessive
concern about body shape or weight
 Types:
 Anorexia Nervosa
 Bulimia Nervosa
 Binge-Eating disorder & others
Anorexia Nervosa
 Refusal to maintain
normal body weight
 Characterized by selfstarvation
 Fear of weight gain or
being fat despite being
underweight
 Distorted body image
 Subtypes: restricting;
binge-purging
Anorexia Nervosa
 Anorexics use starvation to feel more
in control through tension, anger and
anxiety
 More than 90% are female
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Ballerinas
Fashion models
Gymnasts
actresses
Anorexia Signs/Symptoms
Loss of menstrual cycle
Skin is dry and yellow
Bones becomes brittle
Always complain they are “cold”
body compensates by growing fine
hair called “lanugo”
 Are deficient in potassium, mineral
needed for healthy heart
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Anorexia Behavior Clues…
Preoccupation with weight and food
Hides foods
Cuts foods into small pieces
Excessive calorie counting
Exercises a lot
Wears baggy clothes to hide
appearance
 Weighs her/himself many x a day.
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Binge Eating Disorder
 Recurrent binge
eating (2 days per week for
6 months)
 Marked distress
 Eat rapidly
 Uncomfortably full
 Eating when not
hungry
 Eating alone
 Feeling disgusted or
guilty after binging
Bulimia Nervosa
 Recurrent binge eating episodes
 Eating in discrete times (2 hrs) where
the amount of food is larger than what
others would eat in a similar
circumstance
 Lack of control
 Recurrent behavior to prevent weight
gain
 Vomit, laxatives, water-pills, enemas,
fasting, exercise
Anorexia Clues Cont…
 Talks about weight and food all the
time
 Usually makes excuses for not eating
 Acts moody or depressed
Bulimia Nervosa
 Binge-purge episodes
occur twice a week for
months, even years
 Self-evaluation mainly
influenced by
weight/shape
 Subtypes: Restricting;
Binge-Purging
 Average binge = 1200
calories
Bulimia Nervosa
 Onset in teens or early adulthood
 Extreme concern with weight and
shape
 Eating patterns: skipped meals,
restrained eating, binge-purge
episodes
 Majority in normal weight range
 Dietary restraint and negative
emotions promote binging and
purging
Eating Disorders: Cultural Factors
 Beauty considered central to femininity
 Thin is considered beautiful for women
 When relationships fail, women more likely
blame themselves
 Men emphasize physical appearance in
relationships
 Perceived pressure to be thin
 Body dissatisfaction
 Becoming more prevalent in AsianAmericans?
Eating Disorders: Complications
 Many Medical Complications
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Underweight, obesity
Menstrual irregularities
Osteoporosis
Heart disease
Erosion of digestive tract & teeth
Electrolyte imbalance, seizure, anemia
Dry skin/hair, hand abrasions
Depression, anxiety
Other medical and psychiatric disorders
Family Influence & Settings
 Perfect Family
1. High expectations
2. Threatening
atmosphere
3. Overly critical
parents
4. Overprotective
parents
 Social Personality
Traits
1. Leader
2. Competitor
3. Popular
4. Performer
5. Studious
6. Perfectionist
7. O. C. D.
Media Influence
 People in
Hollywood
1. Models
2. Actresses
 TV/Movies
1. Actors/Actresses
2. Underlying
message
3. Ads/Commercials
Media Influence Continued…
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1.
2.
3.
Internet
Weight loss emails
Ads
Pro-eating disorder websites
Eating Disorders
 Treatments
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Psychotherapy
Medication
Weight restoration for anorexia
Multidimensional approach most effective
 For bulimia, 60-80% reduction in
purging if treated. Lower in Anorexia
 Refer to physician.
Which version is more attractive?
Victim #1 Kate Bosworth
Which version is more attractive?
Victim #2 Lindsay Lohan
Which version is more attractive?
Victim#3 Nicole Richie
Which version is more attractive?
Victim #4 Mary Kate Olsen
Food for thought…How pretty are
these mobile skeletons?
DEPRESSION
 Bell Ringer Question #4
 What is depression? Why do people
get depressed? Can they control
this? Why/Why Not?
Depression
 Depression: An emotional state
characterized by exaggerated feelings
of sadness, melancholy, dejection,
worthlessness, emptiness, and
hopelessness that are inappropriate
and out of proportion to reality.
 Depression can appear at any age
and is the major cause of suicide in
this country.
Diagnosis: Requires at least 5 of
the following to be present
 Depressed Mood
 Loss of Interest or pleasure in all or most
activities
 Weight Changes
 Sleep Changes
 Fatigue or Loss of Energy
 Feelings of worthlessness
 Diminished ability to think or concentrate;
indecisiveness
 Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
Causes of Depression
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Heredity
Environment
Background and Personality
Biochemical Factors
Physical Illness
Common Myths of Depression
 Depression is just a feeling
 Only a few “crazy” people really get
depressed
 Depression only occurs when bad things
happen
 It’s easy to make yourself feel better
 There’s nothing you can do to treat
depression
 Medicines like Prozac and Zoloft are “happy
pills”
More Common Myths
 Therapy’s just lying on a couch
talking about your childhood
 Antidepressants can help anybody
with depression
 There are no outward signs of
depression
 People dealing with depression never
experience extreme highs.
 Only adults suffer from depression
ANXIETY DISORDERS
 BELL RINGER #5
 Is anxiety normal? When does anxiety
become a problem? What do you think
people should do to “treat” their anxiety?
ANXIETY DISORDERS
Anxiety is a normal part of life, but
when the fear becomes irrational and
starts to interfere with daily life
than you may be suffering from some
form of anxiety. They are broken
down into 5 categories.
5 CATEGORIES
1. General Anxiety Disorder
2. Phobic Disorder
3. Panic Disorder
4. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
5. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
OCD Clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44DCWslbsNM
Howie Mandel
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSZNnz9S
M4g
Suicide Prevention
 Most people don’t want to die, they
just want to end the emotional pain
they are suffering.
 Life can seem extremely stressful,
especially one with low self-esteem.
 A person under great stress
experiences a crisis. Life seems
UNBEARABLE!!!
Suicide Prevention
 When a person is depressed an event
that at other times would be tolerable
might seem impossible to deal with.
 Suicidal Mind Set: The feeling that
suicide is the ONLY solution to life’s
problems.
 **Suicide is a PERMANENT
response to what is usually a
TEMPORARY problem.
Suicide Prevention
 Possible Reasons for an Increase
Teenage Suicide:
 Rising divorce rates
 People relocate more often
 Pressure to succeed in school and future
careers.
 Increase in alcohol/drug use. Lack ability
to solve problems.
 Physical, sexual, emotional abuse.
Suicide Prevention
 Warning Signs: Verbal
 Direct statements: “Life isn’t worth living
anymore.” “I’d be better off dead.”
 Indirect statements: “They’ll be sorry
when I’m gone.” “I just feel sad and
lonely all the time.”
Suicide Prevention
 Warning Signs: Behavioral Signs
Prior suicide attempts.
Withdrawal from family and friends.
Change of mood.
Significant losses or change in
environment.
 Change in school performance.
 Problems at home
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Suicide Prevention
 Warning Signs: Behavioral Signs
 Giving away possessions or making a
will.
 Not taking care of personal appearance.
 Abusing alcohol or drugs.
 Problems with the law.
 Family/Friend has attempted suicide.
 Unwanted pregnancy.
 Breaking up with a significant other
Suicide Prevention
 90% OF PEOPLE WHO ATTEMPT
OR COMPLETE SUICIDE GIVE
WARNING SIGNS AS A CRY FOR
HELP!!!!!
Suicide Prevention
 How can you help?
 Take ANY threat seriously.
 Establish how serious the treat is.
Ask the person:
How serious are you?
Has the person found a means to use?
How lethal is the method?
How detailed is the plan?
Had that person talked to anyone else.
Suicide Prevention
 How can you help?
 Look for other clues.
 Show the person that you care.
 Encourage the person to talk to a
professional.
 Take charge!!
 Never keep it a secret…Tell someone!
 Remain with the person until help
arrives.
QPR
Question, persuade, refer
REVIEW
 What has been the most interesting
information you have learned related
to mental illness? How will you use
this information that you’ve learned
in the future or throughout your life?