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Mental health problems are common. In Britain, every year doctors diagnose six million people as mentally ill. There are differing views about what mental illness is and about its causes. Many mental health professionals, however, distinguish between ‘serious mental illness’, such as schizophrenia and manic depression, and other mental health problems. People with serious mental illness have periods when they experience ‘psychotic’ symptoms involving a loss of connection with reality. Other mental health problems, such as those related to anxiety, stress, or personality, can also lead to a breakdown in a person’s normal functioning. The effects of mental illness and mental health problems vary greatly according to the individual, and ‘labels’ can therefore be unhelpful and misleading. What is important is for there to be a proper assessment of the particular problems of the individual from both a medical and a social point of view, so that the treatment and care needs of the person can be identified and, as far as possible, met. About one in 100 people are diagnosed as having schizophrenia at some point in their lives, usually when they are young adults. The main symptoms which doctors look for in diagnosing schizophrenia include:
These symptoms can be very distressing, and can lead to changes in behaviour which may appear bizarre to others. Not all people with schizophrenia experience all these symptoms. In fact, there is a wide range of symptoms and effects and some people may be able to manage their lives reasonably well, while for others the quality of life may be seriously impaired. Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness and needs skilled medical assessment and treatment. Treatment is likely to involve medication which can be effective in controlling symptoms. Some people may need considerable help and support in coping with their illness and its effect on their social relationships, and their ability to lead a normal life. Manic depression is another serious form of mental illness. Psychiatrists may refer to it as ‘bi-polar affective disorder’. The main symptom is a profound disturbance of mood which can be either ‘high’ (mania) or ‘low’ (depression). Some people experience swings of mood with periods of being ‘high’ and periods of depression, but this is by no means always the case. When someone is manic they may be very elated and full of expansive ideas. They may also be extravagant, for example spending large amounts of money and getting into debt. During these periods they may sleep less than usual, and become irritable and angry. They may have no awareness of their changed attitudes and behaviour. Some symptoms of schizophrenia may also be experienced for brief periods. The depression which can occur may lead people to experience overwhelming despair, guilt and feelings of unworthiness. They may feel apathetic and totally unable to do the simplest task and even stop talking, eating, or drinking. As with schizophrenia, skilled medical assessment is important and treatment is likely to involve medication. Manic behaviour can cause considerable stress and may lead to damaged family relationships. Depression may also be the cause of much stress and distress. There is likely to be a need for help and support in coping with the effects of the illness on individuals and their families. Most people experience some degree of depression as a reaction to some difficult or painful event in their lives, such as loss or bereavement, or in response to a personal problem of some kind. Depression may also sometimes occur for no apparent reason. It can lead to an overwhelming sense of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest which is distressing for the person concerned and those close to them. Severe depression may involve the same symptoms as the depression which occurs as part of manic depression. If feelings of depression are extreme, or if they do not go away, this is the time to seek help. The first point of contact should be a GP who will be able to advise on the best form of treatment. Counselling or psychotherapy may be helpful, although for severe depression medication is likely to be an important part of treatment. Modern life can be very stressful. Everyone experiences differing levels of anxiety, and a certain amount is probably necessary and unavoidable. It can, however, become so extreme that it affects a person’s ability to lead a fulfilling life. Anxiety may occur in particular situations or may be present most of the time. It may be experienced in various ways:
Anxiety can be very disabling; counselling may be helpful in looking at the causes of anxiety, and how to tackle it. The treatment for phobias and obsessions usually involves learning deep relaxation and how to cope better with situations which cause anxiety in a very gradual way. A GP can advise on the best form of treatment for anxiety and may refer on to a psychologist, psychiatrist or community mental health nurse. Medication may be prescribed, usually only for a short-time as anti-anxiety drugs have side effects and can be addictive. Stress-control groups, yoga and relaxation techniques can also prove very helpful Personality disorder is one of the most controversial psychiatric diagnoses. It is characterised by a long-lasting, inflexible and limited range of attitudes and behaviours which are widely different to those of other people and which cause distress to the person or to others. There is some evidence that family problems as a child can lead to personality disorders as an adult. Personality disorders are often difficult to treat but many people can and do change the pattern of their lives over a period of time. Therapeutic communities and group therapy are two ways in which personality disorders can be treated. Therapeutic communities encourage people to look at their actions and the effect of their actions on themselves and others.
It is important that anyone suffering from eating problems seeks help at an early stage, normally through their GP in the first instance. |
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