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le a lt h ICES C O M M U N I T Y R E P O R T ealthcare Services Main Categories of Mental Illness Key Symptoms Here are key symptoms of the main^categories of mental illnesses in both adults and children. M ajo r Depressive D isorder is characterized by: · disturbed, sleep and appetite · no pleasure in activities and loss of energy · poor concentration · agitation, anxiety or slowing down · thoughts of death B ipolar D isorder is characterized by: · elevated or irritable mood · unreasonably high self-esteem · pressure to talk, racing thoughts, increased activity levels · inappropriate participation in pleasurable and costly activities which lead to negative consequences Schizophrenia is characterized by: · at least one (1) month of delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech or behaviour and flat mood or loss of motivation ·· lack of functioning at work, self care and relationships · continuous signs of the disturbance for at least 6 months Here to help: A fe w members of the HHS Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Service Team Regional Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatient Service In N ovem ber o f 2000, OTMH established a ten-bed acute psychiatric w ard for children and adolescents u p to th e age o f 18. The focus o f this specialized u nit is brief crisis intervention, assessm ent an d acute stabilization. Patients are discharged to com m unity agencies, th e family physician, a psychiatrist o r a specialized program w ith recom m endations for follow -up care. Regional Outpatient Eating Disorders Program This program provides outpatient assessm ent, treatm ent a n d education to individuals of all ages w ith eating disorders. Clients o f the program are referred by com m unity physicians or through other areas o f the m ental health program . The program serves those individuals and their families w h o are affected by Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder. The program is part of a group o f six (6) o utpatient program s in H alton Peel/W aterlooWellington called the Central West Eating D isorder Program. They m aintain links to inpatient services and advocate for im proved resources These symptoms arer io t related to substance abuse or a medical condition. A nxiety Disorders are generally characterized by: · panic attacks · anxiety associated w ith exposure to a feared object or situation (Phobias) · obsessions and/or compulsions (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) · severe anxiety as a result of exposure to a traumatic situation (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) · at least six (6) months of persistent and excessive worry (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) Eating Disorders are usually characterized by: · severe disturbances in eating bevaviour · severe restriction of food intake · obsessing about losing weight and food · secretly vomiting after eating · using diet pills/laxatives to decrease appetite or get rid of food · recurrent episodes of Binge Eating · self-esteem which is overly influenced by body shape and weight "We use a multi-disciplinary team approach. Before making an assessment, we strive to be very thorough and comprehensive to make sure we have a complete picture of all aspects o f the young individual' s needs and situation. We can then recommend the most appropriate follow-up to increase their chances for recovery. We strive to bring about change in the individual and provide them with coping skills, which they can utilize in their day-to-day life. " - Gillian Hall, Charge Nurse. " If you believe you or your child may be suffering from an eating disorder, please do not delay seeking help. The earlier professional intervention occurs, the better the chances of recovery. " - Lynette McGarrell, Dietician Patients can be referred for help through their family doctor. Child and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic The Clinic provides psychiatric assessm ent an d treatm ent recom m endations for children, u p to the age o f 18, w h o live in the G eorgetow n, Milton, or Oakville areas. These children are referred to the program by family physicians. Paediatricians associated w ith HHS may also refer to this program . The assessm ents are com pleted by a m ulti-disciplinary team consisting o f a psychiatric nurse, social w orker, an d psychiatrist. Short-term treatm ent based o n a cognitive behavioural m odel m ay b e offered if indicated. Services m ay include ongoing supp o rt in the clinic, if necessary. " The goal of the clinic is to make sure that each child gets the most appropriate treatment based on their specific need. " - Hellen Simopoulos, Social Worker Definitions provided By Dr. Jane C. Gilbert MD. FRCP (C) Psychiatrist, Halton Healthcare Services vwwv.haltonhealthcare com 5