Stress-Vulnerability Model
What causes psychiatric symptoms?
Both stress and biology contribute to symptoms.
How many people develop schizophrenia at some time in their lives?
1% or one out of every 100 people
What are mood disorders?
Include several different diagnoses - the most common are bipolar disorder and major depression. Symptoms that occur only when a person has used alcohol or drugs are not included.
What are antidepressants?
Can reduce the symptoms of depression, including the following:
-Low mood
-Poor appetite
-Sleep problems
-Low energy
-Difficulty concentrating
Name a coping strategy for thinking problems (problem concentrating or conversations)
-Minimize distractions ex. turn off TV
-Ask the person with whom you are speaking to slow down or repeat things
-Summarize what you heard
Define the term Biological Vulnerability
People who are born with or who, very early in life, acquire a tendency to develop an illness.
What are hallucinations?
Hallucinations are false perceptions- people hear, see, feel, or smell something that is not actually there.
What is mania? Name 3 symptoms.
Mania is extremely high moods.
-Feeling extremely happy or excited.
-Feeling irritable
-Feeling unrealistically self-confident
-Sleeping less
-Talking a lot
-Having racing thoughts
-Being easily distracted
-Being extremely active
-Having faulty judgment
What are mood stabilizers?
Can help reduce extremes of moods, including the following:
-Mania
-Depression
Name a coping strategy for Anxiety (feeling worried, nervous, or afraid).
-Talk with someone in your support system to share how you feel.
-Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
-Work with your mental health practitioner on a plan for gradually exposing yourself to situations that make you feel anxious.
What is the name for nerve cells in the brain?
Neurons
What are delusions?
Delusions are false beliefs - people have strong beliefs that are firmly held and unshakeable, even when the evidence contradicts them.
What is depression? Name 3 symptoms.
Depression is extremely low moods.
-Being in a sad mood.
-Eating too little or too much
-Sleeping too much or too little
-Feeling tired and having low energy
-Feeling helpless, hopeless or worthless
-Feeling guilty for things that aren't your fault
-Having suicidal thoughts or actions
-Having trouble concentrating and making decisions
What are Antipsychotic medications?
Can reduce the symptoms of psychosis, including the following:
-Hallucinations
-Delusions
-Disorganized speech or behavior
Name a coping strategy for Depression
-Talk to someone in your support system.
-Deal with loss of appetite by eating small portions
-Practice relaxation
-Remind yourself of the steps you have accomplished. Don't focus on setbacks.
What is the name for the different chemicals in the nerve cells in the brain?
Neurotransmitters
What are thought disorders?
A thought disorder is confused thinking. This symptom makes it difficult to stay on the topic, use the correct words, form complete sentences, or talk in an organized way that other people can understand.
True or False: Everyone experiencing depression has the same symptoms and is affected to the same degree
False
Can reduce the following:
-Anxiety
-Feeling overstimulated
-Difficulty sleeping
Name a coping strategy for Anger
-Recognize the early signs that you are starting to feel angry (for example, heart pounding, jaw clenching, sweating)
-Identify situations that commonly make you feel angry.
-Develop strategies for staying calm
-Learn how to express anger constructively (ex: speak firmly but calmly)
What are some stress factors in mental illnesses? (Name 3)
-Having too much to do such as being expected to complete several tasks in a short time;
-Having too little to do
-Having tense relationships
-Experiencing major life changes
-Experiencing financial or legal problems
-Being sick or fatigued
-Abusing drugs or alcohol
-Being the victim of the crime
-Living in poverty or having poor living conditions
Refers to two different extremes of behavior - both relatively rare. Disorganized behavior is behavior that appears random or purposeless to others. Catatonic behavior refers to when a person stops almost all movement and is immobile (or almost completely immobile) for long periods of time.
What are psychotic symptoms that some people with bipolar experience?
Hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders
Name 2 positives of using medications and 2 possible side effects.
Positives:
-Experience symptoms less often or less intensely
-Concentrate better and think more clearly
-Fall asleep more easily and sleep more restfully
-Accomplish more of their goals
Side Effects:
-Drowsiness, blurry vision, constipation, dizziness, extreme restlessness, increased appetite and weight gain, muscle stiffness, sensitivity to the sun, shakiness or tremors
Name a coping strategy for Sleeping difficluties
-Go to sleep at the same time everyday
-Avoid caffeine after 6 PM
-Exercise during the day
-Do something relaxing before bed
-Avoid having discussions about upsetting topics before bed