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                                                   [Infographic n.d.]

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                                        Anxiety Disorders 

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                                        Anxiety Disorders 

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According to the American Psychiatric Association, Anxiety can be beneficial in some situations and is a normal reaction
to stress. “Anxiety differs from normal feelings o nervousness or anxiousness and involves excessive fear or anxiety. Anxiety refers to the anticipation of a future concern and is more associated with muscle tension and avoidance behavior” (Muskin, 2021).p.1).

Disorders Under Anxiety

Separation Anxiety

Selective Mutism

Specific Phobia

Social Anxiety Disorder

Panic Disorder

Agoraphobia

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Substance/Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder (Muskin, 2021).

Separation Anxiety

Individuals with separation anxiety disorder suffer from extreme fear feelings about separation from those with whom they are attached. “A person with a separation anxiety disorder may be persistently worried about losing the person closest to them, may be reluctant or refuse to go out or sleep away from home or without that person, or may
experience nightmares about separation” (Muskin, 2021).

Effects of Anxiety in Childre's Academic Life.

▪ Lack of attention in class
▪ Attendance problems
▪ Disruptive behavior
▪ Lack of ability to participate in class
▪ Recurrent visit to the nurse
▪ Inability to socialize
▪ Problems understanding some subjects.

Counselor's Intervention

Part of my intervention as a future mental health counselor, and working with young children would
be first helping them to identify that specific emotion they are currently experiencing, and to name
that feeling.

Counselor's intervention

▪ It is critical for them to understand if what they are experiencing is fear, frustration, or confusion as
the first step for them to develop self-control. When children learn to identify their feelings and express them, it helps them to build emotional vocabulary and to normalize expressing their feelings.
▪ Validating their feelings helps them develop self-control and opens up opportunities to come out with
solutions for various situations. I firmly believe that it is essential for our children to develop
emotional literacy at a young age as the best way for them to respond to emotions in a healthy manner
while growing up.

Muskin, P. R. (2021, June ). What are Anxiety Disorders? American Psychiatric Association :
https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorder

infographic. (n.d.). First Light Psychology. Retrieved from Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders [inphographic]: https://www.firstlightpsych.com/blog/anxiety-disorders/a-guide-to-anxiety-and-anxiety-disorders

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                                               (SlideShare, n.d.)

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"Eating disorders are serious conditions related to persistent eating behaviors that negatively impact your health, your emotions, and your ability to function in important areas of life” (Mayo, n.d.). Eating disorders are not a problem of a specific gender, can happen to males and females, and may develop at a young age through their adulthood.

Anorexia Nervosa

Individuals who experience anorexia might eat to cope with
anxiety and other mental health conditions. Sometimes limiting food intake might provide people who suffer from this condition a sense of control. There is no identified cause for anorexia, and in some cases, the problem starts with dieting and eventually becomes a life-threatening problem driven by unhealthy weight loss. Parents need to be aware of symptoms like depression, withdrawal, irritability, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, low blood sugar, thin hair, and a slowed heart rate.

Anorexia nervosa, also known as just anorexia, is an eating disorder. “This disorder makes you obsess about your weight and food. If you have this problem, you may have a warped body image. You may see yourself as fat even though you have a very low body weight” (Hopkins,n.d.).

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa, commonly Bulimia Nervosa known as bulimia, presents as an eating disorder and is a very
serious mental illness. “Those who suffer from bulimia are stuck in a vicious cycle of eating large amounts of food at one time, called binge eating, and then purging. Purging is the act of attempting to overcompensate for binge
eating” (Karl, 2014).

What to do During an Emergency or a Crisis

Stage one focuses on building an understanding of the problem at hand and trying to stabilize the person’s disordered eating behaviors.

Stage two involves reviewing the progress made

and planning the next steps.

Stage three concentrates on examining the processes that keep the eating disorder going and developing methods that address body image and eating concerns and deal with daily life and moods.

Stage four considers strategies for managing setbacks and progress maintenance”(Counseling, n.d.).

School Authorities and Their Role to Help Students

School authorities and ”School counselors can be trained to pay attention to small and revealing symptoms which may indicate critical health and to recognize the signs of eating disorders”(Couturier & Lock, 2006). Counselors can be familiar with the populations that might be most at risk for developing these physical and emotional disorders. They can work on creating prevention programs for these specific groups and connect them with the available resources and professionals who can help them if it is needed.

Counselor's intervention

As a future Mental Health Counselor, I will be fully equipped and prepared to assist anyone in need of mental health support. However, it is always important to consult
other resources to keep learning and to provide clients with other forms of support outside the counseling office. At the same time, if I am not able to provide the services the client needs like specialized services, it is critical to refer them to get the help they require.

Counseling, C. M. (n.d.). Wake Forest University. Types of Eating Disorders and How Counselors Can
Help: https://counseling.online.wfu.edu/blog/

Hopkins, J. (n.d.). Johns Hopkins.  What is anorexia nervosa?:https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/

Karl, S. L. (2014). Anorexia Nervosa. The Center for Counseling Practice, Policy, and Research, 1-7.
Retrieved from Anorexia Nervosa.

Mayo, C. (n.d.). Clinic Mayo. Eating disorders:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/

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Bipolar & Related Disorders / Depressive Disorders

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Bipolar & Related Disorders / Depressive Disorders

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According to the America Psychiatric Association, “bipolar disorder is a brain disorder that causes changes in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function” (Howland, 2021). Individuals who suffer from this condition experience intense emotional states that take place during various periods of time called mood episodes.

Bipolar Related disorders

Bipolar I: episodes of mania, frequently followed by a period of depression

Bipolar II: is characterized by hypomania, a period that is less severe than a full manic episode.

Depressive Disorders

Also identified as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it is a common and severe mood disorder. People who suffer from this condition experience persistent feelings of hopelessness and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed.
“The DSM-5 outlines the following criterion to make a diagnosis of depression. People who experience five or more symptoms during the same 2-week period and at least one of the symptoms should be either (1) depressed or (2) loss of interest or pleasure” (Truschel, n.d.)

Depression DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria

Evident reduced interest or pleasure in all, almost all, activities most of the day, almost every day.

Sad mood most of the day, nearly every day

Major weight loss or weight gain.

Reduced ability to think or concentrate

Recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation

Feelings of worthlessness nearly every day

Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day

How IDEA works in Schools to Serve Students with Disorders

“IDEA is the nation’s special education law. It gives rights and protections to kids with disabilities. It covers them from birth through high school graduation or age 21 (whichever comes first). Parents and legal guardians also have rights under the law” (Andrew M.I. Lee, n.d.).

How 504 Works in Schools to Serve Students with Disorders

“504 plan is s set of accommodations, or changes in the classroom environment, to help your child follow the regular curriculum. It is less formal and involved than an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and does not change the instruction itself. For example, a student who uses a wheelchair but doesn't need academic support would have a 504 plan” (Plan, n.d.).

Criteria for Referral

Based on suspicion of a disability by parents or teachers request the referral.

Behavior issues or persistent learning difficulties.

When misbehavior results in suspension or expulsion.

Failure to demonstrate sufficient academic or behavior improvement.

Confidentiality and Referrals

Sharing specific information in cases where a client, student, or other person’s life might be in danger, confidentiality could lose effect. “In cases where abuse or suspected abuse may occur, the legal right of the client to have this information remain confidential may be forfeited” (Lyons, n.d.).

Andrew M.I. Lee, J. (n.d.). Understood. What are the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/

Howland, M. (2021, January ). American Psychiatric Association. What Are Bipolar Disorders?: https://psychiatry.org/patients families/bipolar disorders/what are bipolar disorders/

Lyons, T. (n.d.). Psychology Info. Mandated reporting: https://psychology info.com/mandated report/

Plan, 5. (n.d.). Exceptional lives. Retrieved from 504 Plan:
https://www.exceptionallives.org/special
education terms acronyms/

Truschel, J. (n.d.). Psy.com. Depression Definition and DSM5
DiagnosticCriteria:https://www.psycom.net/depression/major depressive disorder/DSM 5 depression criteria/

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Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct & Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct & Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is part of a group of disorders "that are linked by varying difficulties in controlling aggressive behaviors, self-control, and impulses" (Association, n.d.)

This neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in young people, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "An estimated 9% of children between ages 3–17 have ADHD. While ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood, it does not only affect children. An estimated 4% of adults have ADHD" While some behaviors related to ADHD are normal, someone with ADHD will have difficulties controlling these behaviors and will display them much more often"(Association, n.d.).

Symptoms

Becoming easily distracted and jumping from activity to  activity

Becoming bored with a task quickly

Difficulty focusing attention or completing a single task or activity

Trouble completing or turning in homework assignments

Losing things such as school supplies or toys

Not listening or paying attention when spoken

Daydreaming or wandering with a lack of motivation

Difficulty processing information quickly •

Struggling to follow directions Signs of hyperactivity

Fidgeting and squirming, having trouble sitting still

Non-stop talking • Touching or playing with everything

Difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities (Namy, 2015,p.1

Signs of impulsivity

Impatience

Acting without regard for consequences, blurting things out

Difficulty taking turns, waiting, or sharing

Interrupting others

Numerous factors are believed to be the cause of ADHD.

Researchers consider that genetics might contribute to the development of this disorder.

External factors like a mother’s alcohol usage, cigarette smoking during pregnancy, or exposure to lead might increase the chances of the disorder in children.

Treatments

Commonly prescribed medications include both stimulants and non-stimulants. While stimulants are usually the first choice for treating ADHD, antidepressants might be something a doctor suggests especially if someone is living with ADHD in addition to depression. (Namy, 2015,p.1)As the medication builds up in the system, patients can improve their attention span, and the ability to deal with frustration which ultimately leads to better relationships with family members and schoolmates.

Navigating School with ADHD

Within the school setting, educators must be mindful if a child in their classroom is suffering from ADHD. Due to these conditions, Some children might be unfocussed and unable to complete their school work or could be disruptive during class. They might also be impatient, act without regard for consequences might have difficulty taking turns, and tend to interrupt others. Educating other students about this mental health condition might generate empathy and support from the student's classmates.

Association, A. P. (n.d.). American Psychiatric Association. What are Disruptive, Impulse Control and Conduct Disorders?: https://psychiatry.org/patients-families/disruptive/

Namy. (2015, March ). ADHD. Namy; http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions/ADHD

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Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) and Related Disorders

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Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) and Related Disorders

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"Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive and frequent obsessions and repetitive and ritualistic behaviors"(Foundation, n.d.).
People who suffer from obsessive compulsive disorder define a driven feeling to do things with urgency in order to cope with stress and feel better.  For those suffering from this condition, ignoring these urges represents enormous distress that is difficult to manage.

Symptoms

Fear of contamination

Fear of dirt

Fear of harm occurring – being plagued with fear about forgetting to turn off a stove or lock a door before leaving home

Excessive concern with exactness – objects not facing a particular direction nor set in an orderly or symmetrical fashion

Beyond the normal focus on the need for orderliness

Anxiety related to unwelcome thoughts including anger, or sexual or religious content

Anxiety related to unwelcome thoughts of hurting others or oneself

Anxiety is related to unwelcome thoughts about cursing in public or other inappropriate behavior (Foundation, n.d.).

Intrusive Thoughts

"OCD is experienced in obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions – an obsession is a persistent and unwanted thought, image, or urge that enters the mind and triggers distress"(Foundation, n.d.).

Some people who suffer from this condition have an irrational fear of dirt or bacteria. "As a result, they may develop a habit of compulsive washing and repeatedly cleaning their hands or body. They are trapped in a vicious circle, as the fear of new contamination returns quickly after washing"(Julius, 2017).

Students who suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

“Students with OCD may struggle to focus on the class or complete assignments while frequently feeling the need to perform rituals like hand-washing, rewriting sentences or reorganizing notes” (Valentine, 2021). Individuals with OCD conditions often experience unnecessary apprehension, and it is hard to control or stop their worries, adding stress on top of normal stressors. For students, sharing bathrooms, locker rooms, and the cafeteria could represent a source of anxiety and distress, making it difficult for them to navigate school.

Counselors Response

As a Counselor, it might be challenging working with clients like the movie’s character. However, there is a range of therapies that might help clients who suffer from this condition to modify their thoughts and feelings. Exposure and response prevention might help clients to manage their anxiety about facing those situations they fear.  “One of the most popular and effective forms of behavioral therapy for OCD is exposure and response prevention (ERP). 1  ERP involves exposing you to the anxiety that is provoked by your obsessions and then preventing the use of rituals to reduce your anxiety” (Kelly, 2021).  The therapy goal is to help clients to face their worries and to change those harmful thought patterns for realistic and less threatening feelings.

Kelly, O. (2021, August 22). VeryWellmind. Psychological Therapy for OCD:https://www.verywellmind.com/psychological-therapy-for-ocd-2510628

Julius-Maximilians. (2017, March 16). Medical Express.  Cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder discovered [infographic]: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-03-obsessive-compulsive-disorder.html

Foundation, M. H. (n.d.). Mental Health Foundation. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: https://mentalhealthfoundation.org/health-conditions/anxiety-disorders/obsessive-compulsive/

Valentine, K. (2021, April 8). Nocd. Retrieved from How OCD Can Affect Academic Success: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/ocd-affects-academic-success

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Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

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Schizophrenia Spectrum & Other Psychotic Disorders

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"Some common symptoms of schizophrenia include psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, disorganized behavior, lack of emotion, reduced and disorganized speech, and memory problems"(Clarke, 2022). Schizophrenia is categorized as a psychotic disorder. Individuals who suffer from schizophrenia have symptoms of psychosis, an abnormal state in which the higher functioning of the mind is disturbed.
Psychotic symptoms
Includes distorted perceptions "(e.g., changes in vision, hearing, smell, touch, and taste), abnormal thinking, and odd behaviors. People with psychotic symptoms may lose a shared sense of reality and experience themselves and the world in a distorted way. Specifically, individuals typically experience"(Isanti, n.d.).

Some other schizophrenia symptoms

Hallucinations, such as hearing voices or seeing things that aren’t there

Delusions are firmly held beliefs not supported by objective facts (e.g., paranoia – irrational fears that others are “out to get you” or believing that the television, radio, or internet are broadcasting special messages that require some response)

Thought disorder, which includes unusual thinking or disorganized speech

Diagnosis
Schizophrenia is typically diagnosed in the late teen years to the early thirties and tends to emerge earlier in males (late adolescence – early twenties) than females (early twenties – early thirties). (Isanti, n.d.). By the time individuals first, exhibit symptoms of schizophrenia some episodes of the condition have been displayed already.

Treatments for Schizophrenia

The origins of schizophrenia and not completely understood, so existing treatments emphasize on managing symptoms and solving related to day-to-day functioning problems some of the treatments include: Antipsychotic medications that help decrease the frequency and intensity of psychotic symptoms.

Education and Support

"The law that protects children with disabilities is called IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). This law protects children with schizophrenia when their school performance is suffering because of their illness"(Severance, n.d.). If the school authorities decide that a child qualifies for IDEA, after a detailed assessment, children receive special education assistance such as an individualized education program. "Children with schizophrenia may benefit from smaller classroom sizes and social skills training groups, as part of a traditional education program"(Severance, n.d.).

Ending the Stigma Associated With Mental Illness

"Mental health,” is used in a way that suggests something wrong. however, being mentally healthy should be a goal for everyone. “Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community” (World Health Organization, 2022).

Clarke, J. (2022, May 19). Learn to Recognize the Onset of Schizophrenia. Retrieved from VeryWellmind: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-are-the-symptoms-of-schizophrenia-2953120

Isanti, K. (n.d.). Adult mental health. Schizophrenia [infographic]: https://adultmentalhealth.org/schizophrenia/

Organization, W. H. (2022, June 17). Mental health: strengthening our response. Retrieved from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response

Severance, D. E. (n.d.). Sharecare. Retrieved from Do schools have programs for children with schizophrenia?: https://www.sharecare.com/health/schizophrenia/schools-programs-children-with-schizophrenia

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Staff Development Training on the Referral Process

It is critical that School Counselors (SCs) provide professional training for staff members about the referral process. "Training sessions may be presented in conjunction with community mental health workers, district/building administrators, the school nurse, and/or the school social worker. Confidentiality and family privacy must be addressed during the in-service" (Educators, 2015).
The responsive services components must be the main training objective, including other topics like confidentiality issues, possible interventions, referral forms, follow-up contacts, data collection, school board guidelines, procedures, and outside referrals.

The School Mental Health Referral Pathways (SMHRP)

The toolkit serves as a guideline that facilitates referrals in schools with the purpose of providing students with the appropriate services and interventions according to their mental health needs. There are some steps that  schools staff should consider towards addressing and responding to students who might need mental health referring services

1.  Establishing the foundation:  identifying students’ mental health needs, the existing partnership, and resources to connect students who are in need of mental health services.

2.   Creating effective partnerships, and building approaches to cooperate with external partners to develop an integral intervention, prevention, and support for the students who suffer from mental health conditions.

3.   "School-Based Problem-Solving to Promote the Mental Health of Young People gives an in-depth description of the problem-solving process that school-based teams can use to create individualized intervention plans for young people whose social, emotional, and behavioral needs extend beyond the universal, Tier 1 supports provided in the general classroom environment" (Guttman-Lapin, pg.13.).

4.  Cultural and linguistic consideration, reflecting on the inequalities in mental health services for culturally and linguistically diverse students.  Creating effective approaches for referring culturally and linguistically diverse students to appropriate mental care and support.

Steps of Crisis Planning and Response

Preparedness consists of several steps including

Creation of school mental health crisis planning and     response teams;

Identification of community mental health resources identification of psychologically vulnerable students and    staff;

Scheduled exercises or drills, education of the mental health school response team;

Annual training of staff on procedures, practices, policies, and protocols, as well as, training and orientation of new staff.

Educators, M. S. (2015). A School Counselor’s Guide to The Referral Process. Missouri.

Guttman-Lapin, D. (n.d.). School Mental Health Referral Pathways Toolkit. In A. N. Danielle Guttman-Lapin, School Mental Health Referral Pathways Toolkit (pp. 1-13).

Manchin, G. C. (2015). Addressing Mental Health in School Crisis Prevention and Response. In G. C. Manchin, Addressing Mental Health in School Crisis Prevention and Response (pp. 1-2). West Virginia.