Mental Health Disorders: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Mental Health Disorders  Topics Understanding mental illness: Definition, causes, symptoms & types Global mental health problems. Overview of Malaysia mental health problems. Young people and mental health.  Understanding Mental Illness Mental illness is...

Mental Health Disorders  Topics Understanding mental illness: Definition, causes, symptoms & types Global mental health problems. Overview of Malaysia mental health problems. Young people and mental health.  Understanding Mental Illness Mental illness is often misunderstood. It has been seen as either possession by evil spirits, a moral weakness or punishment from a higher being. Those suffering from mental illness are commonly perceived to be restless, violent and unpredictable.  Understanding Mental Illness There are many forms of mental illness that differ in severity, duration and degree. It is a disturbance of the mind which can affect thinking, feeling and behavior that may interfere with normal functioning, and thus make daily life difficult. Most mental illness can be treated so that a reasonable state of health can be enjoyed. Like physical illness, mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of.  Mental Illness SYMPTOMS Mental illness is identified by symptoms. These include anxiety, depression, intense fear, thought disturbances, paranoia, delusions (false beliefs), hallucinations and unusual elation.  Causes Of Mental Illness Often preceded by emotional stress and difficulty coping with conflict or adjusting to adverse events. Biochemical imbalance, deterioration of brain cells (especially in elderly people) and alcohol or drug abuse.  Defining mental health and wellbeing Mental health is referring as a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel, and behave in daily life, influencing how they handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental health is an essential component of overall health and is important at every stage of life, from childhood to adulthood. Key aspects of mental health include: 1 2 3 Emotional well-being: Psychological well- Social well-being: The The ability to manage being: Having a balanced ability to engage in emotions, cope with stress, mind, resilience, and the meaningful relationships and recover from adversity. capacity to form and contribute to the relationships. community.  Several Types of Mental Illness Anxiety Disorder Bipolar Disorder Depression Schizophrenia  Global Mental Health One in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. Around 450 million people currently suffer from such conditions, placing mental disorders among the leading causes of ill- health and disability worldwide (WHO, 2017). http://www.who.int/whr/2001/media_centre /press_release/en/ https://ourworldindata.org/mental-health https://ourworldindata.org/mental-health Global Mental Health Scenario Pre and Post COVID-19  Pre-COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH is Critically Important for Everyone, Everywhere Impact of COVID-19 on Mental Health:  The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global mental health crisis, increasing short- and long-term stresses and affecting millions.  Anxiety and depressive disorders rose by over 25% in the first year of the pandemic.  Mental health services were severely disrupted, widening the treatment gap for mental health conditions. Source: WHO, 2022  Pre-COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH is Critically Important for Everyone, Everywhere The Global Prevalence of Mental Disorders in 2019: Source: WHO, 2022  Post-COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH TODAY: WHY DO WE NEED A TRANSFORMATION IN MENTAL HEALTH?  1 in every 8 people in the world live with a mental disorder.  Mental disorders involve significant thinking, emotional regulation, or behavior disturbances.  There are many different types of mental disorders: Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Schizophrenia, Eating Disorders, Disruptive Behavior and Dissocial Disorders, and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.  Effective prevention and treatment options exist.  Most people do not have access to effective care. Source: WHO, 2022  Post-COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH TODAY: WHY DO WE NEED A TRANSFORMATION IN MENTAL HEALTH?  In all countries, mental disorders are highly prevalent and primarily undertreated.  Mental disorders are the leading cause of 1 in 6 years lived with disability, and suicide remains a significant cause of death globally.  Many people stop seeking help for mental health conditions due to limited access to quality services, low mental health literacy, and widespread stigma.  People with severe mental health conditions die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population. Source: WHO, 2022; WHO, 2025  Post-COVID-19 MENTAL HEALTH TODAY: WHY DO WE NEED A TRANSFORMATION IN MENTAL HEALTH? Mental Health Conditions: Source: WHO, 2021; WHO, 2022  COVID-19 Impact on psychological Health Key contributing factors include rapid urbanization, changing lifestyle patterns, and increased public awareness, leading to higher rates of diagnosis. The COVID-19 pandemic notably exacerbated mental health conditions, with additional stressors such as economic instability, social isolation, and health concerns.This trend reflects the need for enhanced mental health infrastructure, more accessible services, and destigmatization efforts.  Pre-Covid scenario Before COVID-19, mental health issues in Malaysia were rising, with disorders increasing from 10.7% in 1996 to 29.2% in 2015. Factors included urbanization, economic stress, and societal changes. Limited services and stigma led to underdiagnosis, though efforts to improve care and reduce stigma were underway.  Increase in Adult Depression Prevalence in Malaysia Depression prevalence among Malaysian adults doubled between 2019 (2.3%) and 2023 (4.6%), a clear indication of the pandemic’s psychological toll. The increase is linked to factors such as job losses, economic hardship, prolonged isolation, and health- related anxieties.  Increase in mental health disorders over the years Other critical issues include high rates of anxiety, feelings of loneliness, and an alarming rise in suicidal ideation and attempts.  Comparison of Mental Health Disorder In 2010, the prevalence of mental health disorders among Malaysian adults was estimated at 25%, showing a steady increase from previous years. Post-pandemic (2023), the prevalence surged to approximately 35%, indicating a significant escalation in mental health challenges. The pandemic acted as a catalyst, intensifying existing mental health issues due to increased stressors such as financial insecurity, isolation, and health concerns. This comparison highlights the pandemic's profound impact on mental health, emphasizing the urgent need for robust mental health services and policies. Interventions must focus on expanding access to mental health care, community support, and public health campaigns to address the rising mental health burden. Comparison of Mental Health Disorder The mental health of children and adolescents aged 0–18 years is one of the most neglected health issues globally. Before COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 10 to 20 percent of children and adolescents worldwide experienced poor mental health, with half of mental disorders beginning by age 14. In East Asia and the Pacific, almost 1 in 7 boys and 1 in 9 girls aged10–19 years have a mental disorder, with suicide the third leading cause of death for 15–19-yearolds in this region. Additionally, millions more children and adolescents experience psychological distress that may not meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder, but which has significant impacts on their health, development and well- being. Poor mental health can have profound impacts on the health, learning and participation of children and adolescents, limiting opportunities for them to reach their full potential.  Alarming situation Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents aged 15–19. Risk factors for poor mental health – including exposure to violence, peer victimization and bullying, loneliness and social isolation particularly in the context ofCOVID-19 – are also prevalent. PATHS TO TRANSFORMATION: HOW DO WE BUILD MENTAL HEALTH FOR ALL? Source: WHO, 2022  Conclusion Transforming Mental Health for All: Reshape environments that influence mental health and strengthen community- based mental health services. Universal Health Coverage for Mental Health: Integrating mental health into primary health care to reduce suffering and advance societal development.  THANK YOU Scan the QR Code or go to https://bit.ly/GetConnected2 UTP © 2020 INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY PETRONAS SDN BHD All rights reserved. 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