Acute mental health problems are disorders that affect a person’s mood, thinking, or behavior. They can be mild or severe and can occur at any age.
People with acute mental disorders are especially vulnerable during emergencies and need access to basic needs and clinical care. International guidelines recommend services at a number of levels from basic to clinical care.
Acute Stress Disorder
Acute stress disorder (ASD) is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs weeks after a traumatic event. It typically lasts from three days to a month and can be a precursor to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
People with acute stress disorder experience symptoms similar to those of PTSD. These include reliving the trauma, having flashbacks or nightmares, and feeling detached from themselves and numb.
These symptoms can cause significant distress and interfere with daily functioning. Symptoms also include negative mood and feelings of blame or estrangement from others.
Depression
Long-term consequences on a person’s physical health and well-being have been linked to depression, a frequent mental health disorder. It can disrupt your sleep and eating habits and leave you feeling down for days on end.
Hallucinations (perceiving things that aren’t there) and delusions (irrational, illogical ideas) are other possible symptoms of depression. These signs should not be taken lightly.
In most cases, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is used to treat depression. Antidepressants can help change how the brain works, while therapy can help you identify and change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors.
Other therapies include repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation. These therapies send magnetic pulses to your brain to stimulate nerve cells that regulate mood.
Anxiety
Acute mental health problems; As a natural human emotion, anxiety is rarely a cause for alarm unless it persists. Physical manifestations of anxiety include muscle tension, rapid heartbeat, and trembling hands.
If your anxiety affects your daily activities or interferes with your work and relationships, you should see a health professional to get treatment. A mental health professional will look for any other conditions you might have and the type of anxiety disorder you have.
Medication and psychotherapy (talk therapy) are the best treatments for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy can help you understand the links between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. It can also help you change your irrational or unwanted thought patterns and behaviors that make you anxious.
Bipolar Disorder
Millions of adults in the United States suffer with bipolar disorder, a severe mental health illness. It’s a continuing condition that demands constant care.
A person who has bipolar disorder may experience episodes of mania or depression. These mood, thought and energy changes can make day-to-day living very difficult.
There are two varieties of the mental illness known as bipolar disorder: bipolar I and bipolar II. People who suffer from bipolar II may have episodes of depression more frequently than those who have bipolar I.
Medications include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers can help manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder. These medications work by correcting imbalanced brain signaling pathways.
Psychotherapy (called “talk therapy”) can help people with bipolar disorder. It aids those who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder in coming to terms with their condition, learning the signals of an impending episode, forming coping mechanisms, and maintaining a regular drug regimen.
Schizophrenia
Hallucinations (perceiving things that aren’t there), delusions, and profoundly disorganized thought patterns are hallmarks of schizophrenia, a severe mental condition. This can impact a person’s ability to function normally and make life hard for them and their family.
Getting help early is the best way to avoid long-term complications. Treatment often includes medication and psychosocial interventions, such as therapy.
Negative symptoms can include withdrawal from social interactions and attempts to self-medicate. These can also lead to problems with work and other aspects of daily life.
Manage stress and seek social support from friends and family. It can reduce the likelihood of a schizophrenic episode and help you feel calmer.
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