...Didion University of Phoenix The burden of mental illness in the United States is among the highest of all diseases, and mental disorders are among the most common causes of disability. The first goal of this paper is the examination of the vulnerable population of the mentally ill. Second, this paper will review the goals and agenda of Healthy People 2020 as it applies to mental illness. Third, this paper will review my work place assessment for barriers for the care and treatment of mentally ill patients. Finally, this paper will review a short presentation I gave to co-workers in an effort to aid in better treatment for the mentally ill. Recent figures suggest that in 2004, approximately 1 in 4 adults in the United States had had a mental health disorder in the past year, most commonly anxiety or depression ("Healthy People 2020 ", n.d.).. It is estimated that only about 17% of U.S. adults are considered to be in a state of optimal mental health ("Healthy People 2020 ", n.d.). An estimated 26% of Americans age 18 and older are living with a mental health disorder in any given year, and 46% will have a mental health disorder over the course of their lifetime ("Healthy People 2020 ", n.d.). Mental health disorders often have a serious impact on physical health and are associated with the prevalence, progression, and outcome of some of today’s most pressing chronic diseases including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Mental health disorders can have harmful and long-lasting...
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...Ethics Paper In today’s society many physicians are not equipped to manage the health care concerns of gay and lesbian patients because of inadequate education received while completing their medical education. In this paper the subject to be examined is the issues related to gay and lesbian health care and examine a study performed by the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown Medical School and Rhode Island hospital evaluating how supplementary education may contribute to an increased level of readiness and concern by physicians when dealing with gay and lesbian patients and their medical, psychological and sexual issues. In 1973 the American Psychiatric Association (APA) discontinued the labeling of homosexuality as a mental disorder and in 1975 the APA urged psychologist to work toward removing the stigma attached to homosexuality leading to many changes in therapeutic practices and the mental health community began treating the problems of gay and lesbian patients, rather than treating the gay or lesbian patient as the problem. Sexual orientation is one of the largest problems in society today. One of the ethical concerns in treating this population of people is with the health care providers themselves. When a health care provider is treating gay and lesbian patients, he or she must confront his or her beliefs and values when dealing with the issue of homosexuality. Treating a gay or lesbian patient becomes extremely difficult when he or she believes that...
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...they complete their prison sentences. Some of the rehabilitation programs that are commonly used to reform inmates include counseling, health and fitness programs, transcendental meditation, academic programs and religious programs. These rehabilitative programs are usually based on the assumption that criminal behavior in most suspects is caused by some contributing factor such as a history of violence, psychological or mental disorders. Such an assumption does not refute that some criminals make their own personal choices to break the law but rather it argues that these personal choices are usually caused by certain factors which contribute to criminal behavior. Rehabilitation programs are therefore based on such perspectives where the various correctional programs are designed to deal with criminal enforcing behavior. For example counseling programs could focus on the behavior that led to the criminal offender committing the offense while educational programs could focus on how to change negative behavior to positive behavior. Correctional programs in prison facilities are therefore important in reducing the recurrence of criminal behavior as well as reducing recidivism among probationers and parolees. In general, rehabilitation programs have been effective in reducing recidivism among prison convicts since they are mostly focused on treating the criminal causing behavior of prisoners by eliminating completely the factors or...
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...Treatment (PTC) among African Americans (Carter.) The researchers found that PCT was successful in treating African American women diagnosed with panic disorder (Carter.) Specifically, the use of the cultural-consideration technique of conducting discussions in a group setting that regularly focused on the impact of ethnicity on the exacerbation of symptoms seemed to be most effective in treating panic disorder (Carter.) This technique was effective because many African Americans have a strong sense of group identity. Johnson et. al also conducted a study that looked at the lives of...
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...Clinical psychology is an expansive branch that combines general practice with health services. In clinical psychology, the main focus is on diagnosing, assessing, evaluating, and treating behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders. This field became more widely recognized toward the end of the nineteenth century (American Board of Professional Psychology, n.d.). Research and statistics help the field to grow and helps psychologists and those in the mental health field to understand more about disorders and behaviors. This field also shares some similarities, as well as differences, with other mental health professions. The history of clinical psychology is a rich one, and the field continues to grow. Clinical Psychology History Before psychology was a science, it was a practice. It is believed that the practice of psychology has always existed. However, the science of psychology emerged from philosophy. The many ideas and thoughts of philosophers laid the foundation of psychology (Benjamin, 2005). The field of psychology began as a mixture of philosophy, medicine, and theology. In the late 1800’s, The Elements of Psychophysics was published by Theodor Fechner, and Principles of Physiological Psychology was published by Wilhelm Wundt. These two publications allowed the explanation that physics and physiology could be used to answer questions on a psychological level. Wundt opened the first laboratory for psychology in Germany. When he opened his laboratory, psychology as...
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...Discuss two or more definitions of abnormality (12 marks) One definition of abnormality is “deviation from social norms” and under this definition a person’s thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates the unwritten rules about what is expected or acceptable behaviour in a particular social group. Behaviour may be incomprehensible to others or make others feel threatened or uncomfortable. For example, someone would be classified as being abnormal if they laughed at a funeral, as this is socially unacceptable. A weakness of this definition is that it lacks cultural relativity as social behaviour varies when different cultures are compared. For e.g. it’s common in south Europe to stand much closer to strangers than in the UK. As well as this voice pitch and volume, touching, directions of gaze and acceptable subjects for discussion have all been found to vary between cultures. This means what is considered deviant or abnormal varies considerably across cultures, thus weakening this definition. Another limitation of deviation from social norms is that it lacks time validity. This is because social norms change over time; behaviour that was once seen as abnormal may be acceptable and vice versa. For example, drink driving was once considered acceptable but is now seen as socially unacceptable whereas homosexuality has changed the other way. Until 1980 homosexuality was considered a psychological disorder but is considered acceptable today. This is a weakness...
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...Discuss two or more definitions of abnormality (12 marks) One definition of abnormality is “deviation from social norms” and under this definition a person’s thinking or behaviour is classified as abnormal if it violates the unwritten rules about what is expected or acceptable behaviour in a particular social group. Behaviour may be incomprehensible to others or make others feel threatened or uncomfortable. For example, someone would be classified as being abnormal if they laughed at a funeral, as this is socially unacceptable. A weakness of this definition is that it lacks cultural relativity as social behaviour varies when different cultures are compared. For e.g. it’s common in south Europe to stand much closer to strangers than in the UK. As well as this voice pitch and volume, touching, directions of gaze and acceptable subjects for discussion have all been found to vary between cultures. This means what is considered deviant or abnormal varies considerably across cultures, thus weakening this definition. Another limitation of deviation from social norms is that it lacks time validity. This is because social norms change over time; behaviour that was once seen as abnormal may be acceptable and vice versa. For example, drink driving was once considered acceptable but is now seen as socially unacceptable whereas homosexuality has changed the other way. Until 1980 homosexuality was considered a psychological disorder but is considered acceptable today. This is a weakness because...
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...The brain is an incredibly powerful tool. While we use it daily for problem-solving life’s challenges, our minds can also be incredibly impactful when it comes to matters of health. At Hypnotic Solutions in Cincinnati, Ohio, certified hypnotherapist and registered nurse Margaret Arthur employs medical hypnotherapy to help patients achieve stress reduction, weight loss and more. With 31 years of nursing experience, Margaret Arthur understands the importance of both physical and mental health. The reality is that a person’s physical health may affect their mental health, and vice versa. Hypnotherapy capitalizes on this knowledge by opening up the body to heal from within. By giving patients the power to heal, amazing health benefits can result....
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...Psychotherapy, treatment of mental or emotional disorders or personal problems using psychological techniques that rely heavily on verbal and emotional communication and other symbolic behavior. Psychotherapy differs in two ways from the informal help one person gives another. First, it is conducted by a psychotherapist who is specially trained and licensed or otherwise culturally sanctioned. Second, psychotherapy is guided by theories about the sources of distress and the methods needed to alleviate it. Because communication is the primary means of healing in most forms of psychotherapy, the relationship between the therapist and patient, or client, is much more important than in other medical treatments. The therapist’s personality influences the patient and may be used quite deliberately to achieve therapeutic ends. Psychotherapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments, especially psychotropic drug therapy (seePsychoactive Drug; Psychiatry). These drugs may be prescribed by a mental health professional, usually a psychiatrist (a physician who specializes in the treatment of psychological problems). (See also Mental Disorders; Mental Health.) Attempts to ameliorate emotional and mental disorders through psychological means date from ancient time. Psychotherapeutic practices based on scientific principles date from about 1772, when the Austrian physician Franz Anton Mesmer defined and used a form of hypnosis called animal magnetism. Neuroses were treated in the 19th...
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...the body possessing four humors (fluids) needing to be balanced for the body and mind to stay in harmony. These fluids were black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood. He believed that these fluids were responsible for different temperaments, such as anger, sadness, irritability, and hopelessness. This was in stark contrast to the primary thought of the time – the belief that spiritual forces were responsible for the health and mental stability of the body (Plante, 2010). Hippocrates also believed that the environment also had a role in the etiology of illness and may cause an imbalance in the four main fluids mentioned above. Other Greek philosophers and physicians such as Aristotle, Plato, and Galen mirrored Hippocrates theory on separation from the thought of spiritual forces influencing behavior, but rather relied on a holistic approach to the mind-body quandary. The holistic perspective of the early Greeks have made an impact throughout the years. Plante states “we can see many of the roots of our current beliefs on mind and body interactions in mental and physical illness” from the foundation of the early Greek studies (2010, ch 2)....
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...and disorders, some less than beneficial means were employed through the annals of time. Treatments have ranged from torturous procedures to imprisonment to sympathetic therapy occurring before the official formation of psychology. Following the breakaway from philosophy, numerous theorists and treating professionals worked diligently to support and legitimize the science of psychology, improve treatment, and improve supportive practices for those who exhibit abnormal behavior patterns. Origins of Abnormal Psychology Abnormal behavior and treatments have been recognized extensivly throughout history long before the development of psychology as an independent science. During the height of the Greek and Roman civilizations, those with mental illnesses were treated quite well and provided with “baths, exercise, and emotional support” (Hansell & Damour, 2008, p. 26). Unlike the original Greek and Roman asylums, patients in the post-Roman era were treated more like wild or badly behaved animals. People were involuntary interned in asylums and were often subjected to beatings, bloodletting, and other cruelties. A variety of techniques were used to isolate those suffering with mental illness, as they were thought to be defective, cursed, or more animal than human. In the eighteenth century, those suffering from psychiatric issues were...
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...I it is based on the idea of not one size fit all. The technique applied is varied across many factors such as the nature of the client’s problem to the nature of the client itself. Some counsellor may apply behavioural approach while some may be oriented towards humanistic approach. Similarly, some may go with psychodynamics while others may find cognitive behavioral approach favorable. Hence, it is important to realize which approach or technique will best suit the client with anorexia. However, it should also be kept in mind that a particular technique may suit a particular anorexic while the same approach may not go well with another anorexic...
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...SAMPLE SPEECH WITH COMMENTARY SAMPLE PREPARATION OUTLINE WITH COMMENTARY The following outline for a six-minute informative speech illustrates the principles just discussed. The commentary explains the procedures used in organizing the speech and writing the outline. (Check with your teacher to see if she or he wants you to include a title with your outline.) Panic Attacks | COMMENTARY | Topic: Panic Attack | Stating your specific purpose and central idea as separate units before the text of the outline makes it easier to judge how well you have constructed the outline to achieve your purpose and to communicate your central idea. | Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the nature, extent, and symptoms of panic attacks. Central Idea: Panic attacks are serious medical conditions whose fearful symptoms affect millions of people. | Labeling the introduction marks it as a distinct section that plays a special role in the speech. | Introduction | The opening story gets attention and, as it progresses, reveals the topic of the speech. | I. I can't breathe, my arms are tingling, I'm really dizzy, and it feels as if my heart is about to fly out of my chest. II. When this happened to me three years ago at an outdoor concert, I was really frightened. A. At the time, I had no idea what was going on. B. My doctor told me later that I had experienced a panic attack. | Here the speaker establishes her credibility and previews the main points to be discussed...
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...informed consent when working with sexually minority clients. It will also discuss the referral process when working with clients. Then the author will discuss what the chapter means to them. They will discuss different ideas and concepts taken from the chapter. Lastly, the author will discuss the action they will take as a result of the information learned in the chapter. Summarize This chapter focuses on treating people who are confused with their sexuality or those with the homosexual preference as a Christian clinician. A Christian clinician must focus on ethical guides to treat clients. “Those guides include competence, integrity, client well-being and respect for client autonomy.” (Sanders, R. K. 2013) In order to become competent in treating sexual minority clients you must become knowledgeable of history, cause and research related to the topic. You will then be able to apply the knowledge to the mental health needs of the client. You will want to learn if their sexual identity is the cause of their mental distress or if it is unrelated. If it is the cause of the mental distress they are likely to bring it up. They also might bring up reorientation therapy. This type of therapy is an attempt to change sexual preference through behavior modification and other interventions. The author...
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...SAMPLE PREPARATION OUTLINE WITH COMMENTARY PREPARATION OUTLINE | COMMENTARY | Title : PANIC ATTACKSGeneral Purpose: To informOrder : Topical | Stating your general purpose, specific purpose and central idea as separate units before the text of the outline makes it easier to judge how well you have constructed the outline to achieve your purpose and to communicate your central idea. | Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the symptoms, extent and ways to treat panic attacks. Central Idea: is important to know about panic attacks such as their symptoms, the seriousness of the condition, and the necessary treatment to overcome them. | Labeling the introduction marks it as a distinct section that plays a special role in the speech. | Introduction | The opening story gets attention and, as it progresses, reveals the topic of the speech. | I. I can't breathe, my arms are tingling, I'm really dizzy, and it feels as if my heart is about to fly out of my chest. II. When this happened to me three years ago at an outdoor concert, I was really frightened. A. At the time, I had no idea what was going on. B. My doctor told me later that I had experienced a panic attack. | Here the speaker establishes her credibility and previews the main points to be discussed in the body of the speech. | III. I have learned a lot about my condition during the past three years, and I did additional research for this...
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