Mental Health Conditions, Assessment, and Medications

Mental Health: Conditions, Assessment, and Treatments

Roles: Psychiatrist and Psychologist

Psychiatrist — prescribes medications for treating mental illness. Psychologist — performs research and administers diagnostic tests; typically cannot prescribe medications.

Assessment: History and Physical Exam

Medical history: positive family history, depression, substance abuse.

Physical exam: may be inconclusive, confusing, inconsistent, or illogical in presentation.

Mood Disorders

• Depression — feelings of grief or persistent sadness.
• Bipolar disorder — recurrent cycles of depression and elation that affect normal life.
• Seasonal affective disorder — symptoms that occur during winter months.

Attention and Impulse Disorders

ADHD — decreased ability to sustain attention or control impulses. Prevalence estimates vary; often reported more frequently in males (approx. 4–12% in some studies). Common medications: Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts).

Anxiety, Phobias, and OCD

• Phobias — abnormal fear of a specific object or situation.
• OCD (Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder) — recurrent intrusive thoughts focused on irrational or unreasonable fears; compulsions are repeated behaviors. Subtypes include body dysmorphic disorder.
• Muscle dysphoria — sometimes called reverse anorexia or bigorexia; an excessive preoccupation with muscularity.

Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorder — a person's identity or behaviors change so radically and suddenly that their sense of self is disrupted or lost.

Eating Disorders

• Anorexia nervosa — low body weight, fear of weight gain, and an overemphasis on weight and shape.
• Bulimia nervosa — recurrent binge eating with recurrent inappropriate behaviors to prevent weight gain; may include purging at least once per week and self-evaluation unduly influenced by weight and shape.
• Binge eating disorder — recurring episodes of binge eating without regular compensatory behaviors.

Identification: Medical and Behavioral Effects of Eating Problems

Identified problem eaters may present with:

• Dermatologic issues
• Gastrointestinal (GI) complaints
• Endocrine abnormalities
• Hematologic problems (anemia)
• Behavioral signs: weight changes, compulsive exercise, extreme weight concerns

Medication Classes and Examples

Common psychotropic medication classes and examples (corrected spelling and capitalization):

• Anxiolytics (benzodiazepines): alprazolam (Xanax, Niravam), diazepam (Valium).
• Antidepressants: fluoxetine (Prozac) is one of the most commonly referenced agents.
• MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors): Marplan (isocarboxazid), selegiline.
• SARIs (serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitors): examples include trazodone and nefazodone.
• NDRIs (norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitors): example bupropion; stimulant agents such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) are used for ADHD.
• SNRIs (serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors): class used for depression and some anxiety disorders.
• Sedative–hypnotics (barbiturates): e.g., phenobarbital, pentobarbital (Nembutal) — note these are less commonly used due to safety concerns.
• Antipsychotics: typical antipsychotic chlorpromazine (brand: Thorazine, Largactil); atypical antipsychotics include agents such as amisulpride (brand: Solian).
• Mood stabilizers: lithium (brands: Camcolit, Eskalith, Lithobid).
• Anticonvulsants (used as mood stabilizers): valproate preparations (brands: Depakine/Depakote, Depacon, Epilim).
• Stimulants and wakefulness agents: modafinil (brands: Provigil, Modavigil, Modalert), armodafinil, and adrafinil (a precursor to modafinil).

DSM‑5 Note

DSM‑5 criteria often emphasize appearance preoccupation, repetitive behaviors, and significant effects on life and functioning for certain disorders (for example, body dysmorphic disorder).

Summary

This document summarizes common mental health conditions, key points in assessment, and major medication classes used in treatment. For clinical decision-making, consult licensed professionals and current clinical resources.