Mental Health and Disorder

Understand the concept of mental health.

Learners could define ‘mental health’ as being “a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being” or a state of “well-being”. There is no one definitive definition. The key components could include:

• ability to solve problems
• ability to make relationships with others
• ability to achieve aims and goals
• how person feels about themselves, their life and the world
• an absence of mental disorder

Promoting mental health may include:

• talking about feelings
• keeping active
• eating a healthy diet
• drinking alcohol sensibly
• connecting with others
• doing something you are good at
• learning something new

Medical model in relation to mental health is the belief that mental health is biological, and that abnormal behaviour should be seen as a physical problem that needs medical treatment. Thus social, phycological and other external factors are less important. Learners may wish to comment on the ensuing debates.

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1

  Define the term ‘mental health’.

• 1.2

  Describe the key components of mental well-being.

• 1.3

  Explain why positive mental health is important to individuals, families and others (e.g. employers, society as a whole).

Understand the concept of mental disorder.

Learners may define mental disorder as “any disorder or disability of the mind”

It was changed by the Mental Health Act 2007 and the classifications in the Mental Health Act 1983 are no longer used.

The current definition includes: schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, dementia, eating disorders; mental illness and mental disorder are used interchangeably.

Learners will identify common disorders then look at risk factors, symptoms, effects and treatment.

e.g. Depression may cover the following:

risk – bereavement, life changing events from illness, family problems

symptoms – tiredness, loss of energy, loss of self confidence and self-esteem, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, sleep problems

effects – loss of relationships, loss of employment, self-harm, suicide attempts

Treatment – counselling, cognitive therapy, psychotherapy, anti-depressants.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1

  Define the term ‘mental disorder’.

• 2.2

   Describe some of the main models of mental disorder.

• 2.3

  Explain how mental disorders are classified.

• 2.4

  Describe some common mental disorders, including

  • Key risk factors

  • Common symptoms

  • Possible effects on individuals

  • Different types of treatment or support.

Understand societal attitudes to mental health and disorder.

Learners will need to show that they have understood how societal attitudes and government reactions have changed over time. Historical improvements in treatment e.g. hospital community, drug advances.

Learners should consider how societal attitudes have changed over time, but that stigma and discrimination are still common place. They should also consider the risk of stereotypes.

The impact of negative attitudes could include:

• social isolation
• unemployment
• poor housing
• poverty
• delayed or impeded recovery.

Learners should identify and explain how Mental Health Act 1983(updated by 2007 Act) and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Equality Act 2010 are designed to prevent discrimination and promote fair treatment. They should then comment on the effectiveness of a local and national strategy to promote well-being and mental health. E.g. Time to Change.

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1

  Explain how mental health and disorder may be perceived in society.

• 3.2

  Explain the possible impact on individuals with mental health disorders of societal attitudes to mental health and disorder.

• 3.3

  Explain how legislation and codes of practice are designed to prevent discrimination and promote fair treatment for people with mental health disorders.