AWARENESS OF MENTAL HEALTH MENTAL HEALTH Mental health is determined by efficient perception of reality, the ability to exercise voluntary control over behavior, appreciation of ones self worth and acceptance by others and ability to form and maintain effective relationships and act productively. PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDER • If the behavior of the child starts deviating markedly from social norms. • Behavior patterns become maladaptive and have adverse effects on child and the society. • The child starts feelings acutely miserable and unable to carry out his daily routine activities. INDICATORS OF PROBLEMS • Difficulty in concentrating/ remembering/ attention. • Problems in perception • Problems related to thoughts/ cognition/ judgments. • Sudden changes in mood. • Difficulty in maintaining and forming relationships. • Maladaptive behavior patterns. FREQUENTLY DIAGNOSED DISORDER • Autism • Attention deficit hyper active disorder • Asperger’s syndrome • Learning disability • Mental retardation PRECIPITATING FACTORS • Bio-chemical imbalances could be involved. • Genetics predisposition can play an important role in etiology. • Environmental factors like dysfunctional families, stressful environment, rejection, neglect etc PROFESSIONAL HELP Professional assistance should be sought whenever caregivers of these children feels that their child is suffering from the symptoms mentioned earlier should immediately seek professional help and try not to hide or conceal the facts because if neglect in shown in such a situation it can lead to devastating effects on the entire personality and general functioning. Psychiatrist or Psychologist could be the right person to approach in such situation and their diagnosis parents should consult with the related professionals such as special educators, speech therapist, behavior therapist, occupational therapist etc. ASSESSMENT Before treatment the child should be assessed in a systematic way so that his/her behavior, emotional, cognitive processes can be evaluated. The procedure consists of: • Detailed interview (to get first hand information about child) • Mental status examination (to measure acute and fluctuating changes in mental state) • Psychometric evaluation (to obtain more detailed information for diagnostic and management purpose. • Neurological examination (to understand the difficulties in terms of brain-behavior relationship). THERAPIES a) Behavior therapy (child is assisted with practicing new means of coping and focusing on social interaction in healthy life styles). b) Cognitive therapy (understanding of logics behind skills achievements). c) Group therapy (children are encouraged to express feelings and share their skills with their peers who have similar difficulty to accomplish their goals). d) Individual therapy (to identify problems and enhance their inner potential in set goals to rectify the negative elements in their self and bring positive change). e) Family therapy (to improve the relationship of the child with family to reduce conflict and enhance functional support). WHO ARE AT RISK? a) Children born with predisposition of a disorder b) Dysfunctional or disturbed family background c) Children with weak coping skills d) Children with no social support system GENERAL GUIDELINES TO HELP YOU: • Learn to recognize and indicate the problems. • Modify extensive expectations from children who are suffering from such kind of problems. • Do not underestimate yourself and your efforts. • Be assertive. • Share your problems with those people who are in your approach for help. • Developing a strong support system with family and friends. • Seek immediate help from a professional without any delay.
Posted on: Wed, 09 Apr 2014 08:41:28 +0000
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