Posted: September 10th, 2022

Topic 7 – Psychological Disorders and Treatments

Understanding Major Depressive Disorder
What is Major Depressive Disorder?
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common and serious mental illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Symptoms must be present for at least two weeks for a diagnosis.

Symptoms
Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Changes in appetite or weight
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Loss of energy or increased fatigue
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
Thoughts of death or suicide
Stigmas Associated with MDD
Stigma surrounding MDD often stems from misconceptions about mental health. People may wrongly believe that depression is a sign of weakness or that individuals can simply “snap out of it.” This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help and support, exacerbating the condition.

Treatment Options
Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in treating MDD by helping individuals change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

Medication
Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can help balance chemicals in the brain that affect mood and emotions.

Lifestyle Changes
Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can support treatment and improve overall well-being.

Alternative Therapies
Mindfulness and meditation practices can also be beneficial in managing symptoms.

Community Resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Offers support groups and educational resources.
Mental Health America (MHA): Provides screening tools and information on mental health.
Local Support Groups: Many communities offer support groups for individuals with depression and their families.
Crisis Hotlines: Immediate support is available through hotlines such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Visual Appeal and Audience
This brochure is designed with young adults in mind, using relatable imagery and straightforward language to ensure accessibility and engagement. The focus is on providing clear, supportive information that encourages seeking help.

References
American Psychiatric Association. (2020). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
Smith, K. (2019). Understanding depression: A guide for patients and families. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(3), 123-135.
Johnson, L., & Brown, M. (2021). The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in treating depression. Psychological Review, 128(4), 567-589.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Depression. Retrieved from NIMH website.

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PSY-102 – General Psychology

Topic 7 – Psychological Disorders and Treatments

Mental Health Brochure

PLEASE FOLLOW THE RUBRIC! GRADING IS BASED OFF OF RUBRIC!

Select a specific mental illness and create a brochure which addresses the following:

Describe the mental illness selected (description, symptoms).

Discuss stigmas associated with the mental illness selected.

Present different treatment options.

List community resources for a person diagnosed with this disorder.

When creating the brochure, consider the following:

Is there a specific population whom this brochure would be especially beneficial? For example, a brochure illustrating PTSD may be written to address soldiers or their family members. With this in mind, ensure that information and resources are focused toward this population without specifically stating the population on the brochure. It should be obvious based upon the information included, the visuals, and resources.

Use a brochure template. Templates can be found in Microsoft Word in new documents or in Office templates. Consider visual appeal, including pictures, charts, different font size, and colors, which adds appeal to the message of the brochure but is not overly distracting.

Include a minimum of three scholarly sources. Full references should be included on the brochure. In-text citation should also be included in the brochure.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.

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Tags: Community Resources, Depression Treatment, Major Depressive Disorder, Mental Health Stigma