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Description:
Mental illness is a disturbance of the mind
that may interfere with normal behavior and make daily life difficult.
Mental illnesses may affect one in five Americans at one point in their
lives. There are numerous types of mental illnesses, ranging in severity
from mild to disabling, the treatment of which may include
counseling/therapy and/or medication to reduce symptoms. Some examples of
mental illness are:
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Psychotic
Disorders: A group of
diseases characterized by disturbed or bizarre thinking and behavior,
extreme withdrawal, and hallucinations. Schizophrenia is one type of
psychotic disorder.
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Mood and Anxiety
Disorders: This group of
impairments can range from intermittently debilitating to severely
handicapping. The major disorders of this type include: bipolar
affective (manic-depressive) disorder; depression; obsessive-compulsive
disorder; panic disorder; phobias; and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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Organic Brain
Disorders:
Illnesses
such as brain tumors, hardening of the arteries, and injuries can cause
mental illness. Types of organic mental disorders include delirium and
intoxication syndromes.
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Personality
Disorders: These
disorders are defined by long term patterns of behavior and coping
difficulties. There are 11 personality disorders, including paranoia,
borderline, passive-aggressive, dependent, and antisocial.
(From: "Those of Us
DisLabeled: A Guide to Awareness and Understanding", University of
Kentucky Human Development Institute, Cooperative Extension
Service)
Adaptations/Accommodations:
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Show interest and concern. Ask if anything is
wrong. Be willing to listen and share. Let your common sense guide
you.
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Offer, as appropriate, to get help from a
trained mental health professional, a friend, a relative, or a member of
the clergy..
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Try not to show shock or fear if the
individual behaves in an unusual manner. Do your best to stay calm and
in control of the situation.
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If the individual is seriously depressed,
seems suicidal, or is potentially harmful to others, ask a competent
neighbor for help, call your local mental health crisis line, or contact
the police.
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