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General information and categorisation
Many types of mental health disorders
can now be identified, diagnosed and treated. A diagnosis is the category
or label used to identify a set of
symptoms. However, the specific personal experiences of someone with
a mental illness vary from individual to individual.
Mental illnesses fall into two distinct diagnostic categories: psychotic
and non-psychotic.
- Psychotic illnesses
In the acute phases of psychosis people lose touch with
reality. Thoughts, feelings and perceptions are seriously affected and people
may see, hear,
taste or feel things, which are not experienced by those around them (hallucinations).
People
experiencing psychosis may also develop delusions (false beliefs). These
delusions may include feelings of persecution, guilt, extreme paranoia
or grandeur.
Psychosis is often an extremely upsetting experience for those
affected and can be quite incomprehensible to onlookers. Most people, while
psychotic,
do not have any insight into the inappropriateness of their behaviour and
often feel considerable distress or shame once the episode has passed. Most
episodes of psychosis are short lived and are effectively treated with medication.
- Non-psychotic illnesses
Once known as neurotic disorders, non-psychotic illnesses include conditions
that affect feelings and emotions. Often these conditions can be so
overwhelming that the ability to function in day to day activities is
severely impaired.
Many
symptoms of non-psychotic illnesses are not evident to others. These
may include exaggerated feelings of stress, anxiety, sadness or fear. Obsessive
compulsive disorders, phobias, and some forms of depression are all non-psychotic
illnesses. Most conditions can be relieved by appropriate treatment, which
often includes medication and professional therapy.
Thanks to much research into
the nature of psychiatric disability, effective treatments, and recent developments
in developments in psychotropic medication,
many people who may in the past have been severely affected by the symptoms
of their illness can now lead functional, quality lives.
Functional implications for study
Psychiatric illness and disability may pose
many challenges to effective study. Some common difficulties faced by students
with a psychiatric disability
are listed below, with suggestions, which may assist effective study.
Low motivation
Some students (especially those with depressive conditions) may go through
periods of low motivation or even apathy. It is beneficial to keep end goals
in mind. Set small, achievable goals and reward yourself for reaching them.
Sometimes it can help just to go 'through the motions'. Try seeking out
energetic people - enthusiasm can be contagious! Remind yourself that these
feelings will eventually pass.
Difficulties with concentration
Difficulties with concentration may be caused by the illness, or may be a
side effect of medication. Such difficulties can be incredibly frustrating
and anxiety-provoking. Audiotaping of lectures to supplement notes can often
help, as can sharing notes with other students. Many academic staff will
be able to suggest other ways of improving your studying techniques.
Missed lectures
There may be times when a person with a psychiatric disorder will need time
out from study or even hospitalisation. This does not necessarily mean that
studies have to be deferred. By working out a contingency plan with a disability
officer or counsellor, simple strategies can be put in place to minimise
disruptions to study. These may include a note-taker for missed sessions,
extensions to assessment deadlines, and special consideration for exams.
It is advisable to contact the disability officer or counselling services
as early as possible (once you have chosen your subjects for the semester)
to discover what support can be offered.
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