Chapter 8Chapter 8

Medication for Medication for Mental DisordersMental Disorders

Mental Health Disorders & The Mental Health Disorders & The Medical ModelMedical Model

The Model: symptoms ➜ diagnosis ➜ (DSM)determination of cause ➜ treatment ➜ cure

Model guides much of current thinking Attempt to create uniformity in diagnosing Researchers seek to identify chemical imbalances

associated with specific mental disorders

Criticisms of model: Symptoms of MH disorders are generally behavioral Behaviors are varied and can have many causes

Mental Disorders & Substance Use Mental Disorders & Substance Use IssuesIssues

Mood disorders— characterized by depression and/or mania

Anxiety disorders—characterized by excessive worry, fears, or avoidance

Psychosis—a serious mental disorder involving loss of contact with reality

Schizophrenia—chronic psychosis characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech and behavior, and lack of emotional response

Substance Induced disorders

Important considerations

Treatment of Mental Disorders Treatment of Mental Disorders

Early treatment Current medication treatment

Antidepressants Mood Stabilizers Anti-anxiety medication Antipsychotics

Treatment & outreach services

Effectiveness & Side EffectsEffectiveness & Side Effects

Many report decreased symptoms and increase in quality of life

Side effects Toxicity Movement disorders (tremors, muscle rigidity, shuffling

walk, masklike face) Tardive dyskinesia Allergic reactions & photosensitivity Low white blood cell count

Additional factors

Issues Related to Drug Treatment Issues Related to Drug Treatment for Mental Illnessfor Mental Illness

Decline in institutionalization; increase in community MH centers Benefits

Concerns

Change in role of psychiatry

Civil rights issues

From hospital to jail or the street