Mental health disorders are associated with disturbances in emotion, thought and behavior that interfere with daily activities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental health disorders are caused by biological, psychological and socio-cultural influences. Many people with diagnosable mental disorders do not receive treatment, according to the US Office of the Surgeon General. Nonetheless, there are several types of treatments for various mental disorders.
History
The treatment of mental disorders in the United States has evolved from a home or asylum based system where patients were treated in isolation to a community support system where patients are treated in outpatient care centers. As newer scientific methods of therapies developed, including novel medications, the focus has shifted from chronic treatment in hospitals to early intervention in the community. Today a community support system exists with focus on prevention, acute treatment and social services support.
Types of Treatment Practitioners
The healthcare team that treats patients with mental disorders involves several specialties. Psychiatrists can administer mental and physical exams, diagnose illness, admit patients to the hospital, conduct psychotherapy, prescribe drugs and perform electroconvulsive therapy. Psychologists and licensed clinical social workers conduct psychotherapy. Psychoanalysts identify a person’s source of difficulties from their subconscious memories. Psychiatric nurses provide the daily care needs of patients in psychiatric hospitals. Psychiatric social workers interface with social services systems in the person’s state.
Treatment Identification
Mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, also known as DSM-IV, to diagnose mental illness and identify the proper course of treatment. They can provide psychotherapy, which includes cognitive behavioral therapy to change thinking and behavior patterns, interpersonal therapy to identify conflicts with other people, and psychodynamic therapy to enhance self awareness and overcome childhood influences of behavior. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications that include anti-anxiety, antidepressant, anti-psychotic and other types of drugs to improve the chemical balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.
Care Centers
People with mental illness can be treated in outpatient facilities or in hospitals. Outpatient care can be provided in the office or clinic affiliated with a mental health professional. Mental health assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy and prescription of medication can take place at outpatient facilities, commonly supplemented with drugs that are administered at home. People with mental illness who require more intense forms of assessment and diagnostic procedures, do not respond to medication or must be closely monitored, have a chemical or alcohol dependency, or are suicidal or can threaten others may require hospitalization.
Support System
Social support from family, friends, neighbors and the community may improve recovery from mental illnesses, according to research studies published in the "Journal of Behavioral Health Services" and "Research and Journal of Marital and Family Therapy," respectively. The mental-health care team can get valuable information from family members about the patient’s history in order to plan appropriate care. Family therapy can enhance the outcome and prevent hospitalization among people who are mentally ill. Community organizations and self-help groups can augment assistance from family and friends. Organizations such as the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill provide support for family members of people with mental disorders.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Mental Health: A Report by the Surgeon General
- American Psychiatric Association: Psychotherapy
- "Journal of Behavioral Health Services and Research"; Social Support Mental Illness; Hendryx, M.; Jul 2009
- "Journal of Marital and Family Therapy"; Family Support Mental Health; Pernice-Duca, F.; Jan 2010
