HNN222 Notes on Mental Health Care

Summary:

The HNN222 Notes on Mental Health Care provide a comprehensive overview of various topics related to mental health care. In Semester 1, Week 1 focuses on the basics of psychopharmacology, providing an understanding of the pharmacological treatment of mental health disorders. In Semester 2, Week 1 explores legal and ethical issues in mental health care, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices and legal considerations. Semester 3, Week 2, delves into mental health assessment, equipping students with the skills to assess and evaluate individuals’ mental health status. Week 2 of Semester 4 focuses on substance use/abuse and dual diagnosis, highlighting the complexities of co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders. Semester 5, Week 3, examines psychosis and schizophrenia, covering their symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches. In Week 3 of Semester 6, the focus expands to medical and non-medical approaches to care for individuals with psychosis and schizophrenia, emphasizing a holistic approach. Week 4 of Semester 7 explores depression, its impact, and evidence-based treatment modalities. Bipolar disorder takes centre stage in Week 4 of Semester 8, covering its diagnosis, management, and therapeutic interventions. Semester 9, Week 5, addresses stress and anxiety, examining their causes and available care options. In Week 5 of Semester 10, the focus remains on stress and anxiety but expands to explore non-pharmacological approaches to care. Weeks 6 of Semesters 11 and 12 delve into personality disorders, self-harm, and eating disorders, providing insight into their assessment and management. Finally, Week 7 of Seminar 13 introduces trauma-informed practice and emerging issues in mental health care, emphasizing the importance of understanding trauma and its implications in providing holistic care.

Excerpt:

HNN222 Notes on Mental Health Care

Sem 1 – Week 1 – Psychopharmacology basics
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
• Define mental health and mental illness and explain the differences between the two
Mental health: a person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being

• The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to contribute to their community.
Mental illness: a condition that causes serious disorder in a person’s behaviour or thinking

• Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities