Behavioral Mental Health Module - Assignment Example

Behavioral Mental Health Module Behavioral Mental Health Module Define the following: a. Mental health Mental health describes a state a psychological wellness or absence of psychological disorders and problems (Eaton, 2012). b. Schizophrenia Disorder Schizophrenia denotes a mental disorder in which an individual is unable to distinguish between real things and hallucinations (Eaton, 2012). c. Personality Disorder Personality disorders are a class of mental conditions characterized by maladaptive behavioral patterns and cognition. The individual markedly deviates from acceptable cognitive patterns (Eaton, 2012). d. Mood Disorder DSM IV classifies mood disorders as a group of mental ailments in which individuals exhibit mercurial mood changes that have no logical explanations (Dziegielewski, 2010). e. Anxiety Disorder Anxiety disorders are a group of mental conditions characterized by feelings of fear and anxiety. They are accompanied by physical symptoms in the form of short breath and faster heart rates (Eaton, 2012). f. Autism Spectrum Disorders DSM V defines autism spectrum disorders as a range of mental ailments characterized by abnormal neural development (Dziegielewski, 2010). g. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD PTSD is a mental condition arising after bearing witness to a traumatic event or being part of such an event. The patients experience recurrent episodes of unwarranted feelings of horror, powerlessness and fear (Eaton, 2012). h. Psychosis Psychosis is a general term that covers all mental ailments involves dissociation from reality (Eaton, 2012). i. Somatic Somatic is a mental disorder characterized by presence of physical symptoms that cannot be explained in general medical diagnostics. For that matter, physical examinations would come back negative despite the patient having the symptoms (Eaton, 2012). j. Body Dysmorphic Disorder Body dysmorphic disorder is a mental disorder presented by individuals who are unusually obsessed with their body image (Eaton, 2012). k. Conduct disorders, Conduct disorders are presented as abnormal repetitive behavioral patterns. They are usually diagnosed in childhood when the child fails to engage in normal play activities with other children (Eaton, 2012). l. Impulse control and explosive disorders These are a group of disorders characterized by persistent repetition of activities. The patient is unable to resist the urge to engage in the activity (Eaton, 2012). 2. Discuss the nutritional, psychosocial and stigma issues related to mental illness? A mentally ill individual would present a unique condition that requires nutritional and psychological support. In this case, psychosocial supports are essential to protecting and promoting psychosocial well-being and treating mental disorders. For that matter, the psychological supports should be incorporated into the nutritional needs. Regrettably, mental ailments may be accompanied by stigma in the form of rejection, discrimination and social exclusion (Eaton, 2012). 3. What is a second generation antipsychotic medication? Discuss the nutritional implications related to the use of these medications. How are they different from the first generation antipsychotic drugs? The second generation antipsychotic drugs are atypical antipsychotics that function by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Using second generation antipsychotics could result in development of hyperglycemia, diabetes, increased weight and insulin sensitivity. Second generation antipsychotic medication differ from first generation medication in that they: have lower risk of causing extrapyramidal symptoms such as tardive dyskinesia; are active against cognitive and negative symptoms; do not elevate prolactin; and active in patients who are resistant to first generation medication(Dziegielewski, 2010). 4. What are monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) drugs? Explain why a person taking a MAOI would need to follow a tyramine restricted diet? MAOI are a group of chemicals that inhibit moamine oxidase enzyme family activity. Tyramine is a competitor for the sites targeted by MAOI, as such individuals taking MAOI need to take tyramine restricted diets (Murray, 2004). 5. What are the indications for Lithium Carbonate? Describe the nutritional implications, contraindications, and toxicity of this medication. Lithium Carbonate is used in the management of bipolar disorders. Lithium Carbonate – in high doses – results in renal failure and compromises the CNS(Murray, 2004). 6. There has been a great amount of research focused on the role of Vitamin D and Omega 3 Fatty Acids. What role may they play in mental health? Vitamin D and Omega 3 Fatty Acids have been shown to improve mental functioning and cognitive processing. In addition, Vitamin D regulated the vitamin D receptor that regulated neurogenesis. Omega 3 Fatty Acids reduce the levels of Omega 6 Fatty Acids and improve signaling in the brain(Murray, 2004). 7. Nutrition related to Behavior Health is emerging and the role of the RD has become more recognized. Malnutrition related to behavioral health is a more common nutrition diagnosis as recognized by the A.N.D. Review behavioral-environmental diagnoses and write four PES statements that could apply to a mentally ill patient. Nutritional diagnosis of a mentally ill patient involves presentation of the mental problem, etiology and symptoms. For that matter, a nutritionist would: conduct a nutritional assessment of the patient; present a nutritional diagnosis based on the assessment; develop and apply a nutritional intervention plan; and monitor and evaluate the nutritional condition (Murray, 2004).In addition, the following four PES statements could be applied to a mentally ill patient. First, problem is presented as excessive fat intake in which case the etiology is consumption of fast foods provided by family members 2-3 times/wk as evidenced by s/s 10% weight gain in 90 days and increase in serum cholesterol to 230 mg/dl. Second, problem is presented as inadequate protein intake in which case the etiology is muscle wasting, dementia and dysphagia as evidenced by albumin level at 2.6 mg/dl and/or stage 2 pressure ulcer on the sacrum. Third, problem is presented as Vitamin B12 deficiency in which case the etiology is numbness and “pins and needles” sensation in limbs, trouble walking, severe joint pain, yellowing of the skin, and progressive shortness of breath as evidenced by vitamin B12 diet intake of less than 2.4 µg per day. Fourth, problem is presented as excessive calories intake in which case the etiology is intake of high fat meals as evidenced by 5.5 kilograms weight gain in the last 6 months. 8. What are the risk factors for anabolic steroid use? How do anabolic steroids change the body and what is steroid induced psychosis and mania? Anabolic steroids are compounds whose chemical structure includes a cyclic steroid ring. The function by increasing protein mass and skeletal muscles. Abusing anabolic steroids increases incidents of neuropsychiatric problems that includes increased aggressive and violent behaviors, mania, and suicide in extreme cases (Ritter & Lampkin, 2011). 9. What are the concerns related to diabetes management and depression? Diabetes increases the risk of depression and even aggravates their symptoms. In this case, the stress of managing diabetes on a daily and regular basis places the individual under pressure and results in them developing depression. Depression similarly aggravates diabetes by making it difficult to manage diabetes. For instance, binge eating as a result of depression could aggravate diabetes (Rosen & Wirshing, 2008). 10. As a society, we are living longer and therefore seeing more age related psychosocial concerns. Describe nutritional implications of four geriatric mental health concerns. Geriatric mental health concerns include dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive difficulties, and mood disorders. In addition to medication, these conditions are managed by a diet that observes both nutritional requirements, brain chemical balances, and medications mode of action (Eaton, 2012).In addition to the presented difficulties, a number of nutritional concerns are presented. First, difficulty in swallowing in which case patients experience difficulty in swallowing and end up suffering malnutrition problems. Second, is nutritional needs in which case the patient may need more of certain nutrients, for instance vitamins. Third, is aspiration and choking in which case the patient finds it difficult to eat and swallow food. Finally, constipation in which case the patient finds it difficult to empty their bowels since their feces are hardened. Managing this nutritional concerns should be key in managing the mental ailment (Ritter & Lampkin, 2011). 11. Cognitive decline and self-care deficits related to dementia bring about various nutritional issues. Discuss four types of dementia and their risk factors including Parkinson’s Dementia. What could be some of the nutritional challenges? Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. In this case, it involves the development of plaques and/or deposits of amyloid peptide in the brain. For that matter, patients suffering the disease experience a gradual decline in brain function and ultimately die from the disease. Lewbody dementia is an umbrella term that includes Parkinsons disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. In reference to this, Lewy bodies are proteins found in the brain stem. The proteins are responsible for depleting the neurotransmitter dopamine, which in turn affects the body movement by causing Parkinsonian symptoms. In essence, Lewybody dementia involves the Lewy proteins diffusing within the brain and the cortex. This results in perception, thought and behavioral disturbances as a result of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine being depressed by the proteins. Vascular dementia is caused by problems with the blood vessels that supply the brain. In this case, the blood vessel could either be constricted or blocked as seen in cases of stroke. For that matter, the blockages and constrictions disrupt blood flow to the brain thereby resulting in damage to the tissues that receive insufficient blood. Thus, vascular dementia is characterized by disruption of blood flow to the brain. Frontotemporal dementia is the umbrella term that denotes brain frontal and temporal lobes disorders. The principal causes of frontotemporal dementia are largely unknown though anything that affects the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain could be considered as a cause of frontotemporal dementia. It is characterized by the frontal and temporal lobes shrinking due to neurons losses. For that matter, the patient experiences behavioral changes, speech and language problems, and movement disorders. The discussed dementia variations result in patients’ cognitive declines that present nutritional challenges in the form of the patient being overwhelmed by food choices, forgetting to eat and/or have difficulty with using eating utensils. In reference to this, proper nutrition is important to keep the body healthy and strong. On the other hand, poor nutrition can increases symptoms manifestation and causes loss of body weight. In addition, staying hydrated could be a source of concern over time. Thus, dementia presents nutritional challenges since the patient finds it difficult to feed. 12. Substance abuse and alcohol dependency can alter nutritional status. What are the signs and symptoms of alcohol detoxification? What is a Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol (CIWA-Ar) scale? What should be considered when assessing a substance abuser? The main sign of alcohol detoxification is alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol abuse stimulates the GABA receptors and depresses the CNS functioning. In this case, when dependence develops a sudden cessation of intake would result in uncontrolled synapses firing in the CNS. For that matter, withdrawal results in vomiting and nausea, anxiety, headaches, sensory depression and disorientation. In addition, when assessing a substance abuser an evaluation of the substance interaction with other life areas should be conducted. In this case,interview protocolsand standardized assessment and screening instruments should be used. The protocols and instruments should be applied on the basis of their accuracy, validity and sensitivity in identifying the substance interaction with other life areas. For instance, an individual who fails to turn up for work or pay their bills due to a drug habit should be easily identified by the protocols and instruments (Lessa & Scanlon, 2006). The CIWA-Ar scale is a ten item scale that scores items in a 8 level scale and is applied in assessing and managing alcohol withdrawal. The scale uses ten alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the assessment. The ten symptoms include: vomiting and feelings of nausea; uncontrolled body tremors; excessive sweating; feelings of anxiety; agitation; locomotive difficulties; auditory depression; visual depression; headaches; and disorientation (Lessa & Scanlon, 2006). 13. Methadone maintenance is often used in remission of substance abuse. What are some of the nutrition related symptoms and concerns with methadone use. Methadone is retained for longer in the body since it is highly fat soluble and slowly metabolized by the body. In addition, methadone has an analgesic and appetite lose effect. The result is diminished appetite that makes it difficult to feed (Lessa & Scanlon, 2006). 14. According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 8.3 million people had serious thoughts of suicide in 2009, 2.3 million made a plan and 1.1 million adults, 0.5%, actually attempted suicide. Suicide is the eleventh most common cause of death in the USA. Identify chronic and acute risk factors for suicide? Acute risk factors are resultant of recent changes in personal circumstances such as losing a job and debt or bankruptcy. Chronic risk factors are resultant of mental, social and demographic difficulties. For instance psychosocial difficulties, substance abuse and dependency, bullying, and mental disorders are all chronic risk factors for suicide (Baer & Blais, 2009). 15. From a public health perspective, there is a greater awareness of food insecurity. What is the effect of food, not just in reducing chronic disease, but increasing well-being? Do you think poor mental health contributes to food insecurity or does food insecurity lead to depression and mental health problems? Food insecurity is a condition in which food needs are projected to be unsatisfied resulting is hunger and famine. Though a dependency relationship may exist between food insecurity and mental health problems, food insecurity is independent while mental health problems are dependents in the relationship. In this case, an individual may develop mental health problems but that does not necessarily imply that the individual faces problems of food insecurity. Conversely, an individual who faces problems of food security is likely to be depressed, develop anxiety and present mental health problems. Thus, food insecurity and mental health problems are related (Heinonen & Metteri, 2005). References Baer, L. & Blais, M. (2009). Handbook of Clinical Rating Scales and Assessment in Psychiatry and Mental Health. Berlin: Springer Science & Business Media. Dziegielewski, S. (2010). DSM-IV-TR in Action. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Eaton, W. (2012). Public Mental Health. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Heinonen, T. & Metteri, A. (2005). Social Work in Health and Mental Health: Issues, Developments, and Actions. Toronto: Canadian Scholars’ Press. Lessa, N. & Scanlon, W. (2006). Wiley Concise Guides to Mental Health: Substance Use Disorders. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons. Murray, L. (2004). PDR Guide for Mental Health Professionals. Montvale, New Jersey: Thomson/PDR. Ritter, L. & Lampkin, S. (2011). Community Mental Health. Burlington, Massachusetts Rosen, J. & Wirshing, D. (2008). Diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome in Mental Health. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Read More