Introduction Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. One way to think about mental health is by looking at how effectively and successfully a person functions, how to feel about himselve.,Feeling capable and competent; being able to handle normal levels of stress, maintain satisfying relationships, and lead an independent life; and being able to recover from difficult situations, are all signs of mental health.
WHO*(The World Health Organization) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity."
The WHO defines mental health positively as "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community".
Having positive mental health is essential for the wellbeing and effective functioning of an individual and also serves as a protective factor against mental illness.
The top mental illnesses are depression, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia. As these are treatable medical conditions, it is important to seek help early for these illnesses.
mental disorder or mental illness : is a HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological" \o "Psychological" psychological or HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behavioural" \o "Behavioural" behavioural pattern that occurs in an individual and is thought to cause distress or HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disability" \o "Disability" disability that is not expected as part of HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normality_(behaviour)" \o "Normality (behaviour)" normal HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developmental_psychology" \o "Developmental psychology" development or HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture" \o "Culture" culture.
The recognition and understanding of HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_health" \o "Mental health" mental health conditions has changed over time and across cultures, and there are still variations in the definition, assessment, and HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classification_of_mental_disorders" \o "Classification of mental disorders" classification of mental disorders
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classification_of_mental_disorders" \o "Classification of mental disorders" Classification of mental disorders:
The HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Definition" \o "Definition" definition and HYPERLINK "http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Classification" \o "wiktionary:Classification" classification of mental disorders is a key issue for HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_health" \o "Mental health" mental health and for users and providers of mental health services. Most international clinical documents use the term "mental disorder."
There are currently two widely established systems that classify mental disorders HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Classification_of_Diseases" \o "International Classification of Diseases" International Classification of Diseases produced by the HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Health_Organization" \o "World Health Organization" World Health Organization (WHO), and the HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnostic_and_Statistical_Manual_of_Mental_Disorders" \o "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders produced by the HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Psychiatric_Association" \o "American Psychiatric Association" American Psychiatric Association (APA). Both list categories of disorder and provide standardized criteria for diagnosis.
In general, mental disorders are classified separately to HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurological_disorders" \o "Neurological disorders" neurological disorders, HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_disabilities" \o "Learning disabilities" learning disabilities or HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_retardation" \o "Mental retardation" mental retardation.
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prevalence_of_mental_disorders" \o "Prevalence of mental disorders" Prevalence of mental disorders
Mental disorders have been found to be common, with more than one in three people in most countries reporting sufficient criteria for at least one diagnosis at some point in their life up to the time they were assessed.
An estimated 450 million people worldwide are affected by mental disorders. For example, estimates made by WHO in 2002 showed that 154 million people globally suffer from depression and 25 million people from schizophrenia; 91 million people are affected by alcohol use disorders and 15 million by drug use disorders. A recently published WHO report shows that 50 million people suffer from epilepsy and 24 million from Alzheimer and other dementias.
A new WHO global survey indicates that anxiety disorders are the most common in all but 1 country, followed by mood disorders in all but 2 countries, while substance disorders and impulse-control disorders were consistently less prevalent. Rates varied by region.
Such statistics are widely believed to be underestimates, due to poor diagnosis (especially in countries without affordable access to mental health services) and low reporting rates. Actual lifetime prevalence rates for mental disorders are estimated to be between 65% and 85%.
A review of anxiety disorder surveys in different countries found average lifetime prevalence estimates of 16.6%, with women having higher rates on average. A review of mood disorder surveys in different countries found lifetime rates of 6.7% for major depressive disorder (higher in some studies, and in women).
The updated US National Survey reported that nearly half of Americans (46.4%) meet criteria at some point in their life for either an anxiety disorder (28.8%), mood disorder (20.8 substance use disorder (14.6%).
A 2004 Europe study found mood disorders (13.9%), anxiety disorders (13.6%) or alcohol disorder (5.2%).
Iraq Mental Health Survey 2006/7 Report
the World Mental Health Survey in Iraq 2006/2007reported the overall lifetime prevalence of mental disorders of 16.56%, Anxiety disorders of a lifetime prevalence are clearly dominant, For the affective disorders, depression (mild, moderate and severe) are the main disorders in every prevalence condition.
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Causes_of_mental_disorders" \o "Causes of mental disorders" Causes of mental disorders
Mental disorders can arise from a combination of sources. In many cases there is no single accepted or consistent cause currently established. A common view is that disorders result from HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetic" \o "Genetic" genetic vulnerabilities exposed by HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environment_(biophysical)" \o "Environment (biophysical)" environmental stressors
Studies have indicated that HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genes" \o "Genes" genes often play an important role in the development of mental disorders, although the reliable identification of connections between specific genes and specific categories of disorder has proven more difficult.
Environmental events surrounding HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pregnancy" \o "Pregnancy" pregnancy, birth, HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traumatic_brain_injury" \o "Traumatic brain injury" Traumatic brain injury may increase the risk of developing certain mental disorders. links found to certain viral infections, to HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Substance_abuse" \o "Substance abuse" substance misuse, and to general physical health. Abnormal functioning of HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neurotransmitter" \o "Neurotransmitter" neurotransmitter systems (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine) Differences have also been found in the size or activity of certain brains regions in some cases. Social influences ( HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abuse" \o "Abuse" abuse). negative or stressful life experiences; including HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Employment" \o "Employment" employment problems, HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socioeconomic" \o "Socioeconomic" socioeconomic HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inequality" \o "Inequality" inequality, problems linked to HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_migration" \o "Human migration" migration, and features of particular HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Societies" \o "Societies" societies and HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultures" \o "Cultures" cultures.
Diagnosis:
Routine diagnostic practice in mental health services typically involves an interview (which may be referred to as a HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mental_status_examination" \o "Mental status examination" mental status examination),
Where judgments are made of the interviewee's appearance and behavior, self-reported symptoms, mental health history, and current life circumstances. The views of relatives or other third parties may be taken into account.
A physical examination to check for ill health or the effects of medications or other drugs may be conducted.
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_testing" \o "Psychological testing" Psychological testing is sometimes used via paper-and-pen or computerized questionnaires, which may include HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algorithms" \o "Algorithms" algorithms based on ticking off standardized diagnostic criteria, and in rare specialist cases neuroimaging tests may be requested, but these methods are more commonly found in research studies than routine clinical practice.
Treatments
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treatment_of_mental_disorders" \o "Treatment of mental disorders" Treatment of mental disorders Psychotherapy, Medication, Electroconvulsive therapy ( HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroconvulsive_therapy" \o "Electroconvulsive therapy" ECT)
Prognosis
Prognosis depends on the disorder, the individual and numerous related factors. Some disorders are transient, while others may last a lifetime. Some disorders may be very limited in their functional effects, while others may involve substantial HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disability" \o "Disability" disability and support needs.
HYPERLINK "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Services_for_mental_disorders" \o "Services for mental disorders" Services for mental disorders
Mental Health Programme: aims:
1-Promote positive mental health through raising awareness of the importance of mental well being and enhancing one's self esteem (good opinion) and resilience (toughness).
2-Reduce mental illnesses by raising awareness of the importance of early detection and treatment of mental illnesses, and highlight the way to get help.
The Programme targets the general population across lifespan from childhood to old age and across all ethnic groups.
Mental health promotion is an umbrella term that covers a variety of strategies, all aimed at having a positive effect on mental health.
Mental health promotion requires multi-sectoral action, involving a number of government sectors such as health, employment/industry, education, environment, transport and social and community services as well as non-governmental or community-based organizations.
Mental health and stigma
People with mental disorders are often subjected to social isolation, poor quality of life and increased mortality. These disorders are the cause of surprising economic and social costs.
People with mental disorders faces stigma and discrimination in all sectors of the society, including by the health-care workforce. As thy are the first point of contact for people with mental disorders in general health services.
Stigmatizing attitudes at this critical services level can become barrier that prevents people with mental disorders from receiving the care they need.
One in four patients visiting a health service has at least one mental, neurological or behavioural disorder but most of these disorders are neither diagnosed nor treated.
Mental illnesses affect and are affected by chronic conditions such as cancer, heart and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. If untreated, they bring about unhealthy behaviour, non-compliance with prescribed medical regimens, diminished immune functioning, and poor prognosis.
Barriers to effective treatment of mental illness include lack of recognition of the seriousness of mental illness and lack of understanding about the benefits of services.
Most middle and low-income countries offer less than 1% of their health expenditure to mental health. Consequently mental health policies, legislation, community care facilities, and treatments for people with mental illness are not given the priority they deserve.
Most health care resources are spent on the specialized treatment and care of the mentally ill, and to a lesser extent on community treatment and rehabilitation services. Even less funding is available for promoting mental health.
WHO has identified mental health as a global priority, in 31 MAY 2005 | GENEVA (In an effort to reduce the huge global burden of disease linked to mental disorders around the world), (WHO) is launching the first ever global forum about community-based psychosocial rehabilitation services.
These rehabilitation services represent an alternative to psychiatric hospitals, and aim to provide local care to people with severe mental health disorders, including medication, psychological support, and rehabilitation activities.
Services can include protected apartments where patients can live, and opportunities for them to work.
Mental health promotion for children and adolescents
Psychosocial and cognitive development of babies and infants depends upon their interaction with their parents. Programmes that enhance the quality of these relations can improve substantially the emotional, social, cognitive and physical development of children. These activities are particularly meaningful for mothers living in conditions of stress and social adversity. WHO has developed an international Programme to stimulate mother-infant interaction that has been widely adopted.
It is clear that schools remain a crucial social institution for the education of children in preparation for life. But they need to be more involved in a broader educational role fostering healthy social and emotional development of pupils.
WHO has developed a 'life skills' educational curriculum, which teaches a wide range of skills to school age children to improve their psychosocial fitness. The skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, interpersonal skills, empathy, and methods to cope with emotions. These skills enable children and adolescents to develop sound and positive mental health.
"Child-friendly schools" are another WHO mental health program to promote a sound psychosocial environment in the school to complement the life skills curriculum.
Working life and employment
Special emphasis should be given to those aspects of work places and the work process itself which promote mental health. Eight areas of action have been identified:
increasing an employer's awareness of mental health issues;
identifying common goals and positive aspects of the work process;
creating a balance between job demands and occupational skills;
training in social skills;
developing the psycho-social climate of the workplace;
provision of counseling;
enhancement of working capacity,
And early rehabilitation strategies.
Another significant issue is unemployment, in particular, youth unemployment. In this area, mental health promotion strategies seek to improve employment opportunities, for example, through programmes to create jobs, provide vocational training, and social and job seeking skills.
Mental health promotion and the ageing population
Ageing of the population is a highly desirable and natural aim of any society. By 2025 there will be 1.2 billion older people in the world, close to three-quarters of them in the developing world. But if ageing is to be a positive experience it must be accompanied by improvements in the quality of life of those who have reached - or are reaching - old age.
Ten recommendations to care providers for mental health) (WHO/2001)
1-provide treatment in primary care.
2-make psychotropic drug available.
3-give care in the community.
4-educate the public.
5-involve communities, families and consumers.
6-establish national policies , programmes and legislations.
7-develop human resources.
8-link up with other sectors.
9-monitor community mental health.
10-support more research. Mental health services through primary health care
Delivery mental health services through primary health care
Is one of the most effective and viable routes for improving access to mental health care. Functions:
-Identify mental disorder -provide basic medications and psychological interventions. -referrals to specialist mental health services. -family and community psycho-education. -Crisis intervention -prevention of mental disorder and mental health promotion.
2015/ / mental health Dr. Huda Adnan AL-Musawie