Lesson 16: Mood Disorder Attention Review the American Association of Suicidology "Elderly Suicide Fact Sheet" Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:
Teaching Read Chapter 10 in Cohen & Eisdorfer Mood Disorders The DSM classifies Mood Disorders as follows:
There is also something called "Depressive Disorder" which are symptoms lasting at least 2 weeks but unrelated to medical or grief situations. Depression vs. Loss As we age we experience more and more loss. We may feel loss of spouses, friends, etc who die. We may also feel loss and pain from opportunities that have passed us by, or regrets. Most people deal well with most loss with adequate social networks, supports, and coping mechanisms. If symptoms persist for 4-6 weeks, we may be looking at clinical depression. Here are the signs to look for:
However, even grief professionals disagree between what is normal and abnormal reaction to loss. Read the specific sections on "Problem Solving Therapy" (p. 119) and "Family Involvement" (p. 123) Mental Health Work In the reading and in my notes above, we see that social networks, supports, and coping mechanisms are important aspects of successfully navigating the losses that occur as people age. These particular aspects of one's life are sometimes a life-long struggle for individuals with Mental Illness. What I mean is that the very systems that would help a person cope better with the natural losses of aging, are less likely to be present in this population. As problem solvers, networkers, and resource development specialists, Mental Health workers focus on developing the social networks, supports, and coping mechanisms to help people make their way through these losses. Assessment Lesson 16 Quiz
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