Comprehensive Study Notes on Psychological Health

Psychological Health

Introduction to Psychological Health

Psychological health is a foundational aspect of overall well-being, encompassing emotional, mental, and social dimensions. It influences how individuals think, feel, act, and interact with others.

• Definition: Psychological health refers to a state of well-being in which individuals realize their potential, cope with normal stresses, work productively, and contribute to their community.

• Key Point: Health is more than the absence of disease; it is a positive resource for everyday life.

Stigma and Its Impact

Stigma is a major barrier to mental health care and well-being. It arises from negative attitudes and discriminatory actions toward individuals with mental illness or other attributes.

• Stigma: Occurs when someone is seen in a negative way due to a particular characteristic or attribute (e.g., mental illness, disability, cultural background).

• Discrimination: Involves treating someone negatively because of their attribute or mental illness.

• Prejudice + Discrimination = Stigma: Negative attitudes (prejudice) and negative responses (discrimination) combine to make individuals feel unwanted and shamed.

• Unconscious Bias: Biases that operate below conscious awareness can contribute to stigma and discrimination.

• Statistics: 60% of people with a mental illness do not seek help due to stigma.

Types of Stigma

Stigma can be classified into three main types, each affecting individuals and their support networks differently.

Type	Description
Self	Negative self-perceptions and identity formation; feelings of shame and reduced self-worth.
Systemic	Reduced access to health care, insurance, and support; negative treatment from medical providers.
Social	Implicit bias and stereotyping from society; viewed as manipulative or violent; negative perceptions by medical providers.

Additional info: Stigma affects not only individuals but also their families and friends.

Mental Illness and Media

The media often misrepresents mental illness, contributing to stigma and misunderstanding.

• Key Point: Media portrayals can exaggerate or distort the realities of mental illness, leading to public misconceptions.

• Example: Sensationalized news stories or fictional depictions of mental illness as dangerous or unpredictable.

Defining Mental Health

Mental health is a complex and multifaceted concept, with no single universally accepted definition.

• WHO Definition: "A state of well-being in which every individual realizes their own potential, can cope with normal stresses, works productively, and contributes to their community."

• Cultural and Professional Differences: Definitions may vary across cultures and professional disciplines.

Mental Health for Life

Mental health is essential for overall well-being and thriving. It is about realizing potential, coping with stress, and contributing to society.

• Key Point: Good mental health is not about avoiding problems or achieving perfection, but about living well and feeling capable despite challenges.

• Example: Individuals with mental illness can still experience high levels of well-being.

Mental Health and Mental Illness: Spectrum and Continuum

Mental health and mental illness are not simply opposites; they exist on a continuum.

• Key Point: People with mental illness can have high mental well-being, and those without mental illness can have poor mental health.

• Continuum Model: Mental health can be viewed as a spectrum, with individuals moving across states of well-being.

Systems of Diagnostic Classification

Diagnostic systems help classify mental disorders for treatment and research purposes.

System	Description
ICD (International Classification of Diseases)	Addresses all types of illness; used internationally; Canada's official system; updated in 2018 to a dimensional approach.
DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)	Addresses psychiatric disorders only; used in North America; DSM-5 less cautious about labeling, increasing diagnoses.

ICD-11 List of Blocks of Diagnoses

The ICD-11 covers a wide range of mental, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Category	Examples
Schizophrenia and other primary psychotic disorders	Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder
Mood disorders	Depressive disorders, bipolar disorder
Anxiety and fear-related disorders	Generalized anxiety disorder, phobias
Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders	OCD, hoarding disorder
Feeding or eating disorders	Anorexia, bulimia, avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder
Neurodevelopmental disorders	Autism spectrum disorder, ADHD

Concerns about Diagnostic Classification

There are several concerns regarding the classification of mental disorders.

• Problems with Reliability and Validity: Diagnoses may not be consistent or accurate.

• Effects of Labelling: Can lead to stigma and negative consequences.

• Cultural Relativity: Diagnoses may not apply across cultures.

• Political and Economic Misuses: Diagnoses can be misused for political or commercial purposes.

Continuum of Mental Health

Mental health is dynamic and can change over time, with individuals moving between states of flourishing, moderate well-being, languishing, and low well-being.

• Key Point: Mental health is not static; it is influenced by various factors and experiences.

Positive Mental Health Conceptual Framework

This framework emphasizes the socioecological nature of mental health, highlighting the interactions between individuals, families, communities, and society.

• Key Point: Mental health is shaped by multiple levels of influence, from personal to societal.

Mental Health Challenges vs. Mental Illnesses and Disorders

It is important to distinguish between mental health challenges and clinically significant mental disorders.

• Mental Health Problems: Diminished capacities that interfere with enjoyment of life or social interactions; may be temporary or situational.

• Mental Disorders: Clinically significant patterns of behaviour or emotion associated with distress or impairment.

Brain vs. Mind

The distinction between brain and mind is central to understanding psychological health.

• Brain: The physical organ responsible for mental activity; analogous to computer hardware.

• Mind: The set of functions and experiences resulting from brain activity and environmental interactions; analogous to software.

Causes of Mental Illness

Mental illness is caused by a complex interplay of biological, genetic, environmental, and physical factors.

• Biology: Neurochemical imbalances, brain structure.

• Genes: Hereditary predispositions.

• Environmental/Experiences: Trauma, stress, upbringing.

• Physical Conditions: Chronic illness, injury.

Effects of Labelling

Labelling theory explains how being labeled with a mental illness can affect individuals and groups.

• Internalization: Individuals may adopt traits and behaviours that conform to the label.

• Negative Consequences: Psychiatric diagnoses can carry stigma and discrimination.

Cultural Relativity

Mental health diagnoses may not be universally applicable across cultures.

• Key Point: Cultural beliefs and frameworks influence how mental health is understood and treated.

• Example: Indigenous perspectives may differ from Western diagnostic models.

Multiple Factors Influencing Mental Health

Mental health is shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors at individual, family, community, and societal levels.

• Key Point: These factors interact to influence mental health outcomes.

Impact of Mental Illness

Mental illness can have wide-ranging effects on individuals and society.

• High rates of unemployment among those with serious mental illness.

• Increased risk of suicide and physical health problems.

• Greater vulnerability to victimization and social challenges.

Mental Illness in Youth

Youth are particularly affected by mental health challenges, with many experiencing symptoms before adulthood.

• 70% of people with mental illness begin having symptoms before age 18.

• Less than 20% of youth in need of services receive appropriate treatment.

• Public health initiatives aim to improve youth mental health through education and support.

WHO (2021) Findings

• Depression, anxiety, and behavioural disorders are leading causes of illness and disability in adolescents.

• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-19 year olds.

• Adolescents with mental health struggles face increased risks in multiple areas.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are among the most common mental illnesses.

• Depressive Disorders: Persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest.

• Bipolar Disorder: Alternating periods of mania and depression.

• Mania/Hypomania: Elevated mood, increased activity, and impulsivity.

Anxiety and Fear-Related Disorders

Anxiety disorders often begin early in life and can persist for many years.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Excessive worry about various aspects of life.

• Specific Phobias: Intense fear of specific objects or situations.

• Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks and fear of future attacks.

• Social Anxiety Disorder: Fear of social situations and being judged.

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

These disorders involve repetitive or ritualistic behaviours intended to reduce distress.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

• Hoarding Disorder: Difficulty discarding possessions.

• Hypochondriasis: Excessive worry about having a serious illness.

Schizophrenia and Other Primary Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders affect perception, cognition, and behaviour.

• Schizophrenia: Delusions, hallucinations, impaired cognition, and unpredictable behaviour.

• Schizoaffective Disorder: Symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorder.

• Schizotypal Disorders: Eccentric behaviour and mild psychotic symptoms.

Disorders Due to Substance Use or Addictive Behaviour

These disorders are related to harmful patterns of substance use and addiction.

• Alcohol Use Disorder and Opioid Use Disorder are examples.

• May involve dependence, withdrawal, and psychosis secondary to substance use.

• Concurrent disorders refer to co-occurrence with another mental disorder.

Disorders Specifically Associated with Stress

Stress-related disorders result from exposure to traumatic or stressful events.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after profoundly threatening or horrifying incidents.

• Adjustment Disorders: Response to specific stressors, such as job loss.

Feeding or Eating Disorders

These disorders involve serious disturbances in feeding or eating behaviour.

• Feeding Disorders and Eating Disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia).

• Avoidant-Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Limited food intake due to avoidance.

Personality Disorders and Related Traits

Personality disorders are characterized by enduring patterns of inner experience and behaviour that deviate from societal expectations.

• Pervasive, inflexible, and stable over time.

• Create distress and/or impairment.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

These disorders arise during the developmental period and involve significant difficulties in intellectual, motor, or social functions.

• Disorders of Intellectual Development

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Political and Economic Misuses of Diagnosis

Diagnoses can be misused for political or economic purposes, such as imprisoning individuals or selling medications.

• Example: Over-identification of attention deficit disorder for commercial gain.

Why Diagnose?

Diagnosis is intended to guide understanding and treatment of mental disorders, with the assumption that benefits outweigh risks.

• Designates appropriate treatment for the condition.

• Potential risks include stigma and misdiagnosis.

Key Take-Home Messages

• There is no health without mental health.

• Mental health and mental illness are not opposing conditions; they exist on a continuum.

• Mental health problems are common.

• Social determinants of health play a significant role in mental health.

• Stigma negatively affects the lives, health, and care of those with mental health problems.

• Multiple factors (physical, social, environmental) contribute to mental health and illness.

• Public health strategies and interventions can build resilience and promote mental health.