Module 3

Understanding Mental Disorders,

Treatment, and Recovery

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 “Mental Disorders” - 1
• Many terms may be used, such as “mental
illness”, “mental health problems” or
“behavioral disorders.”
• Each disorder is different in each person.
• There is no “have it” or “don’t have it”.
Mental health is a continuum or spectrum.
• Mental disorders vary from person to
person and from time to time.
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 “Mental Disorders” - 2
• Most persons with identified mental disorders
respond positively to treatment.
• A person cannot “catch” a mental disorder
from another person, although genetics do
influence the development of some disorders.
• Parents with mental disorders do not
necessarily “cause” disorders in their children.

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 Impact of Mental Disorders
• Thought processes, moods and emotions are
affected by mental disorders.
• Mental disorders are biologically based.
• What matters most is the life impact.
• Disorders can be more, or less, serious, and
may change over time.
• Cause is less important than current impact.
• Violence is not associated with all disorders.
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 The Recovery Model
• Persons with mental disorders can, on their
own or with treatment, learn to function
positively and effectively in the community.
• Early identification, appropriate assessment,
effective care planning and appropriate
treatment make a difference.
• Persons with mental disorders can successfully
and safely raise their children into adulthood.

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 Module 3
Understanding Mental Disorders,
Treatment, and Recovery

Signs and Symptoms of Mental

Disorders in Adults

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 Types of Mental Disorders-1
• Affective disorders:
– Anxiety disorders
– Manic episodes
– Depressive disorders
– Panic disorders
– Phobias
– Post traumatic stress disorder

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 Types of Mental Disorders-2
• Eating Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Delusional Disorders
• Psychoses
• Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders

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Mental Health Screening Form–III
• 18 “yes” or “no” questions.
• Minutes to complete.
• Self-administered or read to an adult.
• “Yes” = make a referral.
• Referral: To obtain further assessment
Does not assume a disorder
Qualified assessors
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 MHSF-III – Questions - 1
• Q.1-4: Past MH services (or need for services)
• Q.5: Schizophrenia
• Q.6: Depressive disorders
• Q.7: Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Q.8: Debilitating phobias or fears
• Q.9: Explosive disorders
• Q.10: Delusional disorders

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 MHSF-III – Questions - 2
• Q.11: Gender or sexual disorders
• Q.12: Eating disorders
• Q.13: Mania
• Q.14: Panic disorders [not phobias or fears (Q.8)]
• Q.15: Obsessive compulsive disorders
• Q.16: Pathological gambling
• Q.17: Learning disorders or MR

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Module 3: Understanding Mental
Disorders, Treatment, and
Recovery:

Model Interventions and Supports

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 Helping Models
• Behavioral – cause is secondary; primary goal to
understand and change behaviors.
• Biological – treats the physical root cause.
• Ecological – cause and cure lie with the interaction
between the person and their environment.
• Interactive – all other models may apply.
• Psychoanalytic – internal mental life and past
experience drive a person’s reality.

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 Mental Health Treatment
• Past: Treatment in closed rooms with theoretical and
experiential support.
• Present: Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs)
EBP Resource Kits (SAMHSA/CMHS)
• Illness management and recovery
• Assertive Community Treatment
• Family psychoeducation
• Supported employment
• Co-occurring Disorders: Integrated Dual Diagnosis
Treatment
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 Mental Health Interventions
• Medication • Assertive Community

• Education Treatment (ACT)

Teams
• Counseling or Therapy
• Self-Help Groups
• Care Management
• Residential or
• Respite Care
Institutional Care

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 “Resistance” to Treatment
People don’t always follow recommendations:
– Treatment is the person’s choice
– Reinforcement and support helps
– Treatments effect different people differently

Don’t judge—Just find a different way.

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 Impact of Trauma on Parents in
Child Welfare
• Trauma increases risk for mental disorders.

• Parents learn to parent from their parents.

• Childhood trauma affects parenting.

• Child abuse sometimes crosses generations.

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 Stress and Mental Disorders
• Always more than meets the eye.
• Effect of current and past events.
• Poverty and mental disorders.
• Individual experience of stress.
• Co-occurring disorders.
• Addressing stress improves care of children.

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 Mental Disorders & Violence
• Less risk of violence in persons with mental
disorders.
• Psychosis and unpredictable mood and/or
behavior.
• Depression and suicide.
• Substance abuse and
• Suicide risk and antidepressants.
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 Module 3: Understanding Mental
Disorders, Treatment, and Recovery

Effects on Interpersonal Relationships

and Family Dynamics

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 Context of Mental Disorders - 1
• Mental disorders: diseases of mood,
thought, emotion or perception.
• Each disorder is different, and each person
expresses a disorder uniquely.
• Context or environment affects the way a
person expresses their disorder.
• Ask questions!

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 Context of Mental Disorders - 2
Persons with mental disorders:
• May become isolated from informal
support.
• May turn to negative sources of support.
• May not recognize their bad judgment.
• May not recognize any impact on their
children.

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 “Recovery Model”
Premises
• #1 All individuals are unique with specific needs,
goals, attitudes, and beliefs in recovery.
• #2 Persons in recovery share some similarities but
follow their own pathways.
• #3 All persons get equal access to treatment and can
participate in their own recovery.
• #4 Treatment funding should be used to support
recovery-oriented approaches and services.
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 Recovery Dimensions - 1
• Supportive Relationships
• Renewing Hope and Commitment
• Finding a Niche in the Community
• Redefining Self
• Incorporating Illness

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 Recovery Dimensions - 2
• Overcoming Stigma
• Assuming Control
• Managing Symptoms
• Becoming an Empowered Citizen

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