Essay Example on Mental illnesses are disorders of brain Function

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Mental illnesses are disorders of brain function They have many causes and result from complex interactions between a person's genes and their environment A mental illness makes daily tasks difficult such as work school and socializing with other people Having a mental illness is not a choice or moral failing 1 in 5 young people suffer from a mental illness But the impact is more than in statistics it s in feelings and emotions Having a mental disorder should not be any different than experiencing a physical illness However it is treated with much negativity in the eyes of the public It is very easily misunderstood and that could possibly be the reason people choose not to learn about it Malingering Faking It One of the reasons that mental health isn t taken as seriously is the common case of malingering or faking it Malingering is defined as the intentional production of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms for some kind of desired external result It s not considered a mental disorder but a condition that may be a focus of clinical attention Some of the clues that indicate malingering are Calling attention to their illnesses

Telling far fetched stories littered with contradictions Considering themselves blameless Claiming they re unable to work but carry on fine in their personal life Seeming evasive and uncertain Stigma Many people with serious mental illness are challenged doubly On one hand they struggle with the symptoms and disabilities that result from the disease On the oth er they are challenged by the stereotypes and prejudice that result from misconceptions about mental illness As a result of both people with mental illness are robbed of the opportunities that define a quality life good jobs safe housing satisfactory health care and affiliation with a diverse group of people Although research has gone far to understand the impact of the disease it has only recently begun to explain stigma in mental illness Much work yet needs to be done to fully understand the scope of prejudice against people with mental illness Fortunately social psychologists and sociologists have been studying phenomena related to stigma in other minority groups for several decades Some of the most common mental illnesses in teenagers are as follows ADHD Information Other names Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder Symptoms aggression fidgeting hyperactivity impulsivity irritability lack of restraint persistent repe tition of words or actions absent mindedness difficulty focusing short attention span Treatable with stimulants such as Adderall Ritalin Focalin Dexedrine Common in 11 8 of children ages 12 17 Ways to Cope Practice self care Remember to eat daily and sleep nightly Keep a planner notebook Write down important events or inner thoughts Find something to fidget with Holding onto a physical object to center focus Talk to a professional Seek medication and therapy if needed depression square Depression Information Symptoms loss of interest or pleasure in activities mood swings sadness restlessness agitation excessive crying irritability social isolation slowness in activity thoughts of suicide repeatedly going over thoughts Treatable with antidepressants such as Zoloft Prozac Lexapro Paxil and Oleptro Common in 8 of teenagers 13 19 Ways to Cope Surround yourself with support Spending time with friends annd family Create a balanced schedule of activities and breaks Develop a routine that includes healthy sleep habits healthy eating and exercise Talk through tough emotions Talk to a professional trusted family member or friend Talk to a professional Seek medication and therapy if needed anxiety Information

Other names Generalized Anxiety Disorder Panic Disorder Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms Inability to relax constant worry shortness of breath poor concentration fear or confusion muscle tension Treatable with Benzodiazepines such as Xanax Klonopin Valium Ativan Common in 4 of 15 24 and 9 of all adults Ways to Cope Cognitive behavioral thinking Use mental training to think differently about stressful sitations Find grounding techniques Focus on during uncontrollable thoughts Recognize triggers Learn triggers then maneuver accordingly Talk to a professional Seek medication and therapy if needed bipolar Information Other names Bipolar I Disorder mania or a mixed Bipolar II Disorder hypomania and depression Symptoms mania Unable to concentrate impaired judgment and impulsiveness sleeping very little but feeling extremely energetic talking rapidly racing thoughts depression Irritability fatigue or loss of energy feelings of worthlessness or guilt thoughts of death or suicide appetite or weight changes concentration and memory problems Treatable with mood stabilizers such as Lithium Lamictal Seroquel Zyprexa Symbyax Common in 3 1 older teenagers Ways to Cope Monitor moods Keep track of episodes of mania and depression Cut back on sugar alcohol and caffeine Extra stimulants and depressants could intensify symptoms Build new relationships Isolation can only harm support can help Talk to a professional Seek medication and therapy if needed Call 911 or go to the emerency room if thoughts of suicide or self harm persist or increase ocd Information Other names Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms Fear of being contaminated fear of losing control desire for order and symmetry excessive double checking counting or tapping Treatable with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor SSRI such as Zoloft Lexapro Paxil Common in 2 3 of adolescents Ways to Cope Practice relaxation techniques mindful meditation can reduce overall stress and anxiety Anticipate urges Ease compulsions before they arise Write down obsessive thoughts or worries Seeing the phrase in print may reduce its power Call 911 or go to the emerency room if thoughts of suicide or self harm persist or increase

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