Mental Health [WLO: 2] [CLOs: 1, 2]
Prior to beginning work on this discussion, please read Chapters 10 and 11 of the course textbook. In your text, you read about the poor state of mental health care in the United States.
In this discussion, choose one of the mental illness topics listed below:
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Anorexia/bulimia disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Post-partum depression
Provide the following overview information and scenario completion.
- State the scientific name of illness and any “common” terms used to refer to the illness.
- Explain the symptoms.
- Explain the treatment options and common side effects of those treatments.
- List the number of people estimated to be affected.
- Identify the side effects associated with most common treatment method.
Scenario: You are a public health professional, and someone comes into your office displaying the symptoms of your chosen mental illness. What is your course of action to assist this person?
- How would you speak to them?
- What questions would you ask?
- What services do you believe public health can offer?
- Would you refer this person to another office and where?
- How would you follow up with this individual?
Guided Response: Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the required materials and other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. The Scholarly, Peer Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources Links to an external site. table offers additional guidance on appropriate source types. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts who have chosen a mental illness different from the one you chose by Day 7.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this discussion, I will provide an overview of the mental illness topic “Generalized Anxiety Disorder”. I will discuss the scientific name and common terms used to refer to the illness, explain its symptoms, treatment options, and common side effects. Additionally, I will outline the estimated number of people affected by this disorder and identify the side effects associated with the most common treatment method. Finally, I will provide a course of action to assist an individual displaying symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Answer:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental illness characterized by excessive and persistent worry or anxiety about everyday things. It is also commonly referred to as chronic anxiety neurosis or chronic worrying disorder.
The symptoms of GAD include persistent and excessive worry or anxiety about daily activities, even when there is no apparent reason for concern. People with GAD often experience restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, exaggerated startle response, sleep disturbances, and physical symptoms such as headaches or gastrointestinal problems.
The treatment options for GAD typically involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help individuals identify and change their negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with anxiety. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines may also be prescribed. However, it is important to note that benzodiazepines can be habit-forming and have potential side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and memory issues.
It is estimated that approximately 6.8 million adults in the United States are affected by GAD, with women being twice as likely as men to develop the disorder.
As a public health professional, my course of action to assist someone displaying symptoms of GAD would involve the following steps:
1. How would you speak to them?
I would adopt a calm and empathetic tone when speaking to the individual. It is crucial to create a safe and non-judgmental environment for them to express their concerns and feelings.
2. What questions would you ask?
I would start by asking open-ended questions to allow the person to describe their symptoms and experiences in their own words. Questions such as “Tell me about your worries or concerns? How long have you been experiencing these feelings? How do these symptoms affect your daily life?” would help in gaining a better understanding of their condition.
3. What services do you believe public health can offer?
Public health can offer various services to support individuals with GAD. These can include educational programs to increase awareness about mental health, information about local mental health resources, and access to affordable treatment options such as counseling or therapy.
4. Would you refer this person to another office and where?
I would refer the person to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, who specializes in anxiety disorders. They would be better equipped to provide a comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment.
5. How would you follow up with this individual?
I would schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the individual’s progress and response to treatment. Additionally, I would educate them about self-help strategies, such as relaxation techniques or stress management strategies, to empower them in managing their anxiety.
In conclusion, in assisting someone displaying symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder, it is important to approach them with empathy and understanding. By building rapport, asking relevant questions, and connecting them with appropriate resources, public health professionals can play a crucial role in supporting individuals with GAD.
