Mental Health Trivia

Let's Be Real!... (myth or fact)

100

Mental Health Issues are rare

Myth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average number of mentally unhealthy days for Americans has increased. In a 2009 study published, in part, by the U.S. Dept of Human Services--there were 45.1 million adults aged 18 or older affected by mental illness

200

People with mental illnesses will not get better

Myth. Once diagnosed, mental illness is treatable. While it is not usually “cured”, it can be effectively managed. Most people with mental disorders live productive and positive lives while receiving treatments for their mental illness.

300

Mental disorders are a consequence of bad parenting or personal weakness.

Myth. The main risk factors for mental illness are not bad parenting or personal weakness but rather biologic/organic, environmental--based on severe and prolonged stress (such as physical or sexual abuse), or other influences such as substance-related.

400

If someone in your family has a mental illness, you are more likely to develop one as well.

Fact. Although you will not necessarily develop any kind of mental illness, if someone in your family has a mental disorder you will be at higher risk. If you start to experience the symptoms of a mental disorder, it will be important for you to see a health provider as soon as possible to determine if you have a problem that will require treatment.

500

Males attempt suicide more often than females do.

Myth. Females attempt approximately 4 times as often. However, males have a higher rate of death. This is because men tend to use more violent methods.

Would you look at that? (Signs and Symptoms)

100

This disorder is a combination of a manic phase (a sudden onset of exhilaration and excessive good mood), and a depressive phase (feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and prolonged sadness)

Bi-Polar Disorder

200

Name 3 symptoms of Depression

GAS PIPES: Guilt, Appetite, Sleep, Paying Attention, Interest, Psychomotor abnormalities, Energy, Suicidal Thoughts. These may manifest as feelings of despair and hopelessness, feeling detached from life and those around you, continued fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of sadness – crying for no apparent reason, inability to concentrate or make decisions, thoughts of suicide, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, persistent or recurring headaches or frequent gastrointestinal upsets, losing interest in activities that are enjoyed

300

This disorder is characterized by depression and anxiety as well as flashbacks. It can occur in EMS-Public Safety personnel, victims of crimes, and people in the military, etc.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

400

What event is this describing?..." sweating, nausea, trembling and numbness in the legs or hands, dizziness, hot or cold flashes, a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest, hyperventilation, “jelly” legs or blurred vision can develop. Individuals may even feel like they are going to die of a heart attack" What Event does this describe?

Panic Attack/ Anxiety attack

500

Name 3 signs that a person could be suicidal

direct suicide threats such as “I want to die,” or indirect threats such as “You would be better off without me”/ personality changes or withdrawn behavior/ hoarding medication/ giving away prized possessions/ lack of interest in future plans/ isolation from friends and colleagues/ depression/

Treatment

100

A class of drugs used for treating severe emotional distress, inducing muscle relaxation, controlling seizures, etc. These drugs are contraindicated in patients with a known 'sensitivity, and in patients with acute, narrow angle glaucoma

Benzodiazepines (Anxiolytics)

200

This class of medications is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychoses. Haldol (Haldoperidol) is an example.

Antipsychotics

300

True or false- Medication is the only treatment method that works for mental health problems.

False. Medication can be helpful, and is sometimes necessary depending on the severity of the issue, but other methods such as therapy/counseling can also be very helpful. Talk to a physician about all options.

400

List (4) Considerations when Use of Force/Restraint of a patient is required

Throughout the process, talk to the patient. Treat with dignity and respect at all times. Law Enforcement should be involved. Assure sufficient Personnel (minimum of 5-6 people). Use minimal force. Commercial or improvised materials may be used. Be familiar with application/operation. Discuss a plan. Have a leader. Remove equipment/jewelry on your own person that can be used as a weapon. Secure supine to stretcher. Never 'hobble' or restrain prone/face down. Once restraints are in place, do not remove them. Continue constant monitoring of patient airway, CMS, vital signs, etc. Document need for restraints, other treatment (be objective, specific).

500

What is a drug of choice for treatment of acute dystonic reaction?

Benedryl

Help a brother out

100

Disorders characterized by lack of ability to resist temptation, or the ability to avoid acting on a 'drive'. May involve intermittent aggression, destruction of property, kleptomania, pyromania, pathological gambling, etc.

Impulse Control Disorders

200

True of false- If your friend tells you that they are going to harm themselves and they make you promise to keep it a secret, you should always respect their wishes and keep it a secret.

False. If you are concerned for their safety, tell someone. Talk to someone who can help. It is better to have a friend who is alive and mad at you, than to lose a friend. If you think they are serious about attempting suicide, do not be afraid to call 911.

300

True/ False- If you find the right words to say and spend enough time with them, you can cause a friend to get better when they are experiencing a mental health issue.

False. Temporarily you can make them feel better, but if there is an underlying cause making them feel bad, you can't fix it on your own. Sometimes helping a friend through something like this is challenging and frustrating because you cannot instantly make everything better. Being patient is key, and realizing that they need to be able to work out their own problem is needed to avoid burning yourself out. You can be a huge support for them, but ultimately you cannot fix everything.

400

Name (3) things you can do to help someone who thinks they may have a mental health problem.

Listen to them, spend time with them, encourage them to seek help, go with them to appointments/ help them make appointments, show them that you care :), if it is serious tell someone, don't judge, ask someone for advice

500

Name (3) reason why people hesitate to get help

They don't want to "burden anyone else with their problems", it is hard to talk about, it makes them feel vulnerable, fear of being judged, stigma, don't know who to tell, don't think the problem is "serious enough", asking for help is "giving up", no resources available

Random

100

What is a 'drug-caused' movement disorder with late onset, that can be permanent

Tardive dyskinesia

200

Who is the best source of information about a patient's thoughts, responses to treatment, and medications?

the patient

300

Name (3) aspects of the COASTMAP Mental Status Exam?

Consciousness, Orientation, Activity, Speech, Thought, Memory, Affect and Mood, Perception

400

What is anorexia vs. bulimia?

Anorexia is an eating disorder in which a person exerts extraordinary control over eating, often avoids 'forbidden foods', and loses weight to the point of jeopardizing health/life. Bulimia involves a cycle of 'binge and purge'...often on foods not necessarily considered 'healthy'.

500

When a patient is hallucinating, and sees a giant spider coming to bite--what might the paramedic's response involve?

Use patient's name...'I can see you are anxious', 'there is no spider', 'you are safe'