Introduction
Psychiatric disabilities refer to a wide range of behavioral and/or psychological problems characterized by anxiety, mood swings, depression, and/or a compromised assessment of reality. These behaviors persist over time; they are not in response to a particular event. Although many individuals with psychiatric disabilities are stabilized using medications and/or psychotherapy, their behavior and affect may still cycle. (http://web.jhu.edu/disabilities/faculty/types_of_disabilities/psychiatr…)
Task
- Be able to name at least (5) different psychiatric disabilities.
- Be able to name at least (5) symptoms associated with either anxiety, depression, or ADHD.
- Be able to describe common treatments used to help alleviate symptoms of psychiatric disabilities.
Process
Types of Psychiatric Disabilities:
http://www.courts.ca.gov/partners/documents/psych_dis.pdf
Some of the causes of psychiatric disabilities are trauma, biochemical imbalances, differences in brain structure, highly stressful life experiences, and other genetic, biological, and social factors. While it likely takes a combination of several of these factors to produce a serious psychological disability, researchers are still working to discover specific causes of these conditions.
Symptoms of Psychiatric Disabilities:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/basics/symptoms/con-20033813
Signs and symptoms of mental illness can vary, depending on the disorder, circumstances and other factors. Mental illness symptoms can affect emotions, thoughts and behaviors.
Treatment Options for Psychiatric Disabilities:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/types-mental-health-treatments
Many people diagnosed with mental illness achieve strength and recovery through participating in individual or group treatment. There are many different treatment options available. There is no treatment that works for everyone – individuals can chose the treatment, or combination of treatments, that works best.
Anxiety and the Brain Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmwiJ6ghLIM
Depression and the Brain Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOK1tKFFIQI
ADHD and the Brain Video:
Evaluation
Do you know anyone that has a psychiatric disorder or disability?
If so, How has having to deal with it affected their daily lives?
Conclusion
Someone can experience a mental illness over many years. The type, intensity and duration of symptoms vary from person to person. They come and go and do not always follow a regular pattern, making it difficult to predict when symptoms and functioning will flare-up, even if treatment recommendations are followed. The symptoms of mental illness often are effectively controlled through medication and/or psychotherapy, and may even go into remission. For some people, the illness continues to cause periodic episodes that require treatment. Consequently, some people with mental illness will need no support, others may need only occasional support, and still others may require more substantial, ongoing support to maintain their productivity. (https://cpr.bu.edu/resources/reasonable-accommodations/what-is-psychiat…)