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Mental Health Indicators

In the health care and public health arena, more emphasis and resources have been devoted to screening, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness than mental health. Little has been done to protect the mental health of those free of mental illness. Researchers suggest that there are indicators of mental health, representing three domains.^6-8 These include the following:

• Emotional well-being
  • such as perceived life satisfaction, happiness, cheerfulness, peacefulness.
• Psychological well-being
  • such as self-acceptance, personal growth including openness to new experiences, optimism, hopefulness, purpose in life, control of one’s environment, spirituality, self-direction, and positive relationships.
• Social well-being
  • social acceptance, beliefs in the potential of people and society as a whole, personal self-worth and usefulness to society, sense of community.

The former surgeon general notes that there are social determinants of mental health as there are social determinants of general health that need to be in place to support mental health. These include adequate housing, safe neighborhoods, equitable jobs and wages, quality education, and equity in access to quality health care.

Learn more details on mental health promotion.

The term mental health is commonly used in reference to mental illness. However, knowledge in the field has progressed to a level that appropriately differentiates the two. Although mental health and mental illness are related, they represent different psychological states.

Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”¹ It is estimated that only about 17% of U.S adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health.² There is emerging evidence that positive mental health is associated with improved health outcomes.

Mental illness is defined as “collectively all diagnosable mental disorders” or “health conditions that are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood, or behavior (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or impaired functioning.”² Depression is the most common type of mental illness, affecting more than 26% of the U.S. adult population.³ It has been estimated that by the year 2020, depression will be the second leading cause of disability throughout the world, trailing only ischemic heart disease.⁴

Evidence has shown that mental disorders, especially depressive disorders, are strongly related to the occurrence, successful treatment, and course of many chronic diseases including diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, and obesity⁵ and many risk behaviors for chronic disease; such as, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive drinking, and insufficient sleep.

What Are Brain Disorders?

Your brain is your body’s control center. It’s part of the nervous system, which also includes the spinal cord and a large network of nerves and neurons. Together, the nervous system controls everything from your five senses to the muscles throughout your body.

When your brain is damaged, it can affect many different things, including your memory, your sensation, and even your personality. Brain disorders include any conditions or disabilities that affect your brain. This includes those conditions that are caused by illness, genetics, or traumatic injury.

This is a broad category of disorders, which vary greatly in symptoms and severity. Keep reading to learn about some of the largest categories of brain disorders.

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Part 2 of 5

What Are the Different Types of Brain Disorders?

Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are often caused by blunt trauma. Trauma can damage brain tissue, neurons, and nerves. This damage affects your brain’s ability to communicate with the rest of your body. Examples of brain injuries include:

• hematomas
• blood clots
• contusions, or bruising of brain tissue
• cerebral edema, or swelling inside the skull
• concussions
• strokes

Examples of the symptoms of a brain injury include:

• vomiting
• nausea
• speech difficulty
• bleeding from the ear
• numbness
• paralysis
• memory loss
• problems with concentration

Later, you may develop:

• high blood pressure
• a low heart rate
• pupil dilation
• irregular breathing

Depending on the type of injury you have, treatment might include medication, rehabilitation, or brain surgery. About half of people with severe brain injuries need surgery to remove or repair damaged tissue or to relieve pressure. People with minor brain injuries may not need any treatment beyond pain medication.

Many people with brain injuries need rehabilitation. This can include physical therapy, speech and language therapy, and psychiatry.

Learn more about concussions

Brain Tumors

Sometimes, tumors form in the brain and can be very dangerous. These are called primary brain tumors. In other cases, cancer somewhere else in your body spreads to your brain. These are called secondary or metastatic brain tumors.

Brain tumors can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (noncancerous). Doctors classify brain tumors as grades 1, 2, 3, or 4. Higher numbers indicate more aggressive tumors. The cause of brain tumors is largely unknown. They can occur in people of any age.

Symptoms of brain tumors depend on the size and location of the tumor. The most common symptoms of brain tumors are:

• headaches
• seizures
• numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
• nausea
• vomiting
• changes in personality
• difficulty with movement or balance
• changes in your hearing, speech, or vision

The type of treatment you’ll receive depends on many different factors, such as the size of the tumor and your age and overall health. The main types of treatment for brain tumors are surgery, chemotherapy (medication), and radiation therapy.

Keep reading about brain tumors

Neurodegenerative Diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases cause your brain and nerves to deteriorate over time. They can change your personality and cause confusion. They can also destroy your brain’s tissue and nerves.

Some brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, may develop as you age. They can slowly impair your memory and thought processes. Other diseases, such as Tay-Sachs disease, are genetic and begin at an early age. Other common neurodegenerative diseases include:

• Huntington’s disease
• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• all forms of dementia

Some of the more common symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases include:

• memory loss
• forgetfulness
• apathy
• anxiety
• agitation
• a loss of inhibition
• mood changes

Neurodegenerative diseases cause permanent damage, so symptoms tend to get worse as the disease progresses. New symptoms are also likely to develop over time.

There’s no cure for neurodegenerative diseases, but treatment can still help. Treatment for these diseases tries to reduce symptoms and maintain quality of life. Treatment often involves the use of medications to control symptoms.

Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease

Mental Disorders

Mental disorders, or mental illnesses, are a large and diverse group of conditions that affect your behavior patterns. Some of the most frequently diagnosed mental disorders are:

• depression
• anxiety
• bipolar disorder
• post-traumatic stress disorder
• schizophrenia

The symptoms of mental disorders vary based on the condition. Different people can experience the same mental disorders very differently. You should talk to your doctor if you notice a change in your behavior, thought patterns, or moods.

The two major types of treatment for mental disorders are medication and psychotherapy. Different methods work better for different conditions. Many people find that a combination of the two is the most effective.

If you think you might have a mental disorder, it’s important to talk to your doctor to come up with a treatment plan that works for you. Don’t try to self-medicate.

There are many types of mental health care professionals who can help you achieve your recovery goals. Finding the right one is easier when you know about their different treatment roles. If you have insurance, your plan needs to offer you the care providers you need. If a doctor does not accept insurance, he or she is obligated to find you another. Speak with your health insurance provider for more information.

Prescribe and Monitor Medication

The following professionals are able to prescribe medication. They may also provide assessments, diagnoses and therapy.

Primary Care Physicians

Primary care physicians and pediatricians can prescribe medication but it may be wise to consider a visit to someone who specializes in mental health care. Primary care and mental health professionals should work together to determine the best treatment plan for each person. Shortages of health care professionals are not uncommon in many parts of the country. As a consequence, more primary care physicians are being trained and equipped to provide mental health care.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors with medical and psychiatric training. They can diagnose mental health conditions and prescribe and monitor medications. Psychiatrists are also able to offer counseling and provide therapy. Some have special training in child and adolescent mental health or substance use disorders or geriatric psychiatry.

Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurse Practitioners

Psychiatric or mental health nurse practitioners with a master’s or doctoral degree and specialized training can provide assessment, diagnosis and therapy for mental health conditions or substance use disorders. In some states, they are required to work under a psychiatrist’s supervision.

In some states physician assistants or nurse practitioners are also qualified to prescribe medication.

Therapy and Assessment

A therapist can help someone better understand and cope with their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The therapist can provide guidance and help improve the ability to reach recovery goals. These mental health professionals may also help assess and diagnosis mental illness.

Clinical Psychologists

Clinical psychologists with a doctoral degree in psychology are trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group therapy. Some may have training in specific forms of therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy, along with other behavioral therapy interventions.

Psychiatric or Mental Health Nurses

Psychiatric or mental health nurses may have various degrees ranging from a nurse with an associate’s degree to a nurse with a doctorate degree as a Doctor of Nursing Practice. Depending on their education and licensing, services can include assessment and treatment of mental health conditions, case management and therapy.

School Psychologists

School psychologists with advanced degrees in psychology are trained to make diagnoses, provide individual and group therapy and work with parents, teachers and school staff to ensure a healthy school environment. They may also participate in the development of individualized education plans (IEP) to help improve the school experience of the student with a mental health condition.

Counseling

Working with a counselor can lead to better ways of thinking and living. Counselors assist with developing life skills and improving relationships.

Clinical Social Workers

Clinical social workers have a master’s degree in social work and are trained to make diagnoses and provide individual and group counseling, case management and advocacy. Clinical social workers often work in hospitals or clinics or in private practice. Licensed, independent social workers (LICSW) have undergone an extra certification process.

Counselors

Counselors are trained to diagnose and provide individual and group counseling. Counselors may focus on different areas and can have titles such as: Licensed Professional Counselor, Mental Health Counselor, Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, Marital and Family Therapist.

Pastoral Counselors

Pastoral counselors are clergy members with training in clinical pastoral education. They are trained to diagnose and provide counseling. Pastoral counselors are members of the Association of pastoral Counselors (AAPC) and can have equivalents to a doctorate in counseling. Chaplains are trained in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).

Peer Specialists

Peer specialists have lived experience with a mental health condition or substance use disorder. They have often received training and certification and are prepared to assist with recovery by developing strengths and setting goals.

Social Workers

Social workers (B.A. or B.S.) provide case management, inpatient discharge planning services, placement services and other services to support healthy living.

Psychiatric Pharmacists

Psychiatric pharmacists work directly with patients and caregivers to apply specialized clinical knowledge and skills to impact treatment outcomes. Psychiatric pharmacists are often doctoral and resident trained to provide comprehensive medication management which involves assessing the efficacy of psychiatric medications, performing medication histories, and providing treatment strategies for a therapeutic plan. Psychiatric pharmacists are most often employed within health care systems such as Veterans Affairs, hospitals, and clinics, and serve as a member of the treatment team in conjunction with a physician.

– See more at: http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Treatment/Types-of-Mental-Health-Professionals#sthash.y1avrazl.dpuf