Mental Health Honor

Science & Health

Requirements

  1. Have the Nervous System Honor.

    Answer: You first need to master the anatomical and physiological basis of the nervous system (brain, neurons, neurotransmitters) to understand how mental disorders arise and manifest. The biological basis underpins diagnoses and approaches. — About 70% of mental disorders have an identifiable neurobiological basis according to the WHO, justifying the pedagogical sequence of anatomical knowledge before clinical knowledge in any modern health education program currently in global digital use today.

  2. Define the following terms:
    • Disorder
    • Etiology
    • Diagnosis
    • Cognitive
    • Therapy
    • Antecedent
    • Protective factor
    • Risk factor
    • Psychosis
    • Prevention
    • Promotion
    • Intervention
    • Psychopathology
    • Psychology
    • Psychiatry
    • Impulse

    Answer: 1) Disorder: an alteration of thought, mood, or behavior that causes suffering and impairs the person's life (also called a mental condition). 2) Etiology: the study of the causes or origins of a disease or disorder (what provokes it). 3) Diagnosis: the identification of a disease or disorder from the evaluation of signs, symptoms, and tests. 4) Cognitive: relating to cognition, that is, to the mental processes of knowing, thinking, perceiving, memorizing, reasoning, and learning. 5) Therapy: a treatment that aims to relieve, cure, or control a disease or disorder (for example, psychotherapy such as CBT and psychoanalysis). 6) Antecedent: a fact, event, or condition that occurred before and may be related to the onset of the disorder (personal or family history). 7) Protective factor: a condition or characteristic that reduces the risk of becoming ill and strengthens mental health (for example, healthy family bonds, faith, social support). 8) Risk factor: a condition or characteristic that increases the probability of developing a disorder (for example, intense stress, isolation, drug use). 9) Psychosis: a serious disorder in which the person partially or totally loses contact with reality, possibly presenting delusions and hallucinations. 10) Prevention: a set of actions that seek to avoid the onset or worsening of a disorder (acting before the problem). 11) Promotion: actions that seek to strengthen and improve health and well-being in general, even before risk exists (promoting quality of life). 12) Intervention: an action or treatment applied to treat, control, or reduce an already existing problem. 13) Psychopathology: the study of mental diseases and disorders, their signs, symptoms, and mechanisms. 14) Psychology: the science that studies mental processes, emotions, and human behavior; the professional (psychologist) works with therapies such as CBT and psychoanalysis. 15) Psychiatry: the medical specialty that diagnoses and treats mental disorders, being able to prescribe medications (psychotropic drugs), practiced by the psychiatrist. 16) Impulse: a sudden inner urge or force that leads the person to act immediately, often without prior reflection. — The integration between psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, known as biopsychosocial treatment, is the standard approach recommended by the WHO for disorders such as depression and anxiety since 2001.

  3. Define what health is and what disease (disorder or condition) is. Read Genesis 3 and chapter 3 of Patriarchs and Prophets. What relationship exists between these texts about the origin of diseases?

    Answer: You understand that Genesis 3 narrates the entrance of sin through the fall of Adam and Eve, originating suffering, genetic degeneration, and physical and mental illness. Ellen White in PP3 teaches that mental illnesses are a consequence of the fallen world. — Chapter 3 of Patriarchs and Prophets (1890) explains that sadness, anxiety, and death entered through the fall, grounding the Adventist holistic view of body-mind-spirit health according to current Christian biblical principles, in global digital use today.

  4. What is mental health and what is its importance? What should you do to enjoy adequate mental health?

    Answer: You understand mental health as emotional, psychological, and social well-being that allows one to cope with stress, maintain healthy relationships, and contribute to the community. Habits: a balanced diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and active spirituality. — The WHO defines mental health as a 'state of well-being in which the individual realizes their abilities, copes with normal stresses, and contributes to the community', a concept that guides global public policies, currently in global digital use today.

  5. Find out on what day World Mental Health Day is celebrated. Make a report identifying what activities are carried out on this day and which health organizations and professionals are involved in this activity.

    Answer: World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10, a date instituted by the WFMH in 1992 and supported by the WHO. It aims to raise public awareness, reduce stigma, and mobilize mental health services around the world. — The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) chose 10/10 and each year defines a theme (e.g., suicide, youth, work). Events include public lectures, media campaigns, open care at the CAPS, and actions by PAHO/WHO together with the CRP, CRM, and NGOs such as ABRATA and ABP.

  6. What are mental disorders (or conditions)? What factors cause or trigger them?

    Answer: Mental disorders are alterations in thought, mood, or behavior that compromise a person's life. They result from the interaction between genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors, such as traumas, chronic stress, substance abuse, and neurochemical imbalances. — The ICD-11 and the DSM-5 classify disorders by standardized criteria. The causes involve heredity (e.g., bipolar disorder), neurotransmitters such as serotonin/dopamine, adverse events in childhood, losses, family conflicts, poverty, and drug use, forming the biopsychosocial model.

  7. Research and mention at least 2 disorders (conditions) for each of the following categories:
    • Disorders of childhood and adolescence
    • Delirium, dementia, amnestic disorders, and other cognitive disorders
    • Substance-related disorders
    • Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders
    • Mood disorders
    • Anxiety disorders
    • Sexual disorders and gender identity disorders
    • Eating disorders
    • Sleep disorders
    • Impulse-control disorders
    • Personality disorders

    Answer: At least 2 disorders per category: 1) Anxiety disorders: Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Panic Disorder (panic syndrome). 2) Mood disorders: Depression (major depressive disorder) and Bipolar Disorder. 3) Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa and Bulimia nervosa. 4) Neurodevelopmental disorders: ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 5) Psychotic disorders: Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder. — ADHD affects 5-7% of children globally and ASD affects 1 in every 36 according to the CDC 2023, being the two main neurodevelopmental conditions diagnosed in childhood and adolescence.

  8. Based on requirement 7, choose one of the disorders to research in depth. Prepare a presentation with audiovisual resources to present at your Church, school, or community.

    Answer: The presentation should include a definition of the disorder, characteristic symptoms, prevalence, causes, available treatments, ways of prevention, and how to support those who suffer. Visual resources such as slides, short videos, and infographics help communicate clearly and with empathy. — It is recommended to base it on reliable sources (WHO, ABP, Ministry of Health), avoid sensationalist images, use accessible language, and include respectful testimonies. Well-prepared materials involve data, testimonials, contacts for the local CAPS (Psychosocial Care Center), and Adventist biblical reflection on integral care.

  9. What is anxiety, what causes it, what are its symptoms, and what is the treatment? What can you do to help someone who suffers from this disorder?

    Answer: Anxiety is a response of anticipatory fear/worry that becomes pathological when it is excessive, persistent, and disproportionate, impairing the person's life. Causes: genetic factors, neurochemical imbalances, traumas, chronic stress, and personality/environmental factors. Symptoms: tachycardia, sweating, tremors, shortness of breath, muscle tension, insomnia, constant worry, and difficulty concentrating. Treatment: psychotherapy (especially CBT), medications (anxiolytics/antidepressants under medical prescription), and lifestyle changes (sleep, exercise, diet, spirituality). How to help someone who suffers: listen without judging and with patience, be welcoming without minimizing the suffering ('it's just nonsense'), convey calm and security, encourage the search for professional help (psychologist/psychiatrist), offer spiritual support and prayer, and never replace medical treatment with advice. — The DSM-5 includes GAD, phobias, panic, and OCD. Physical symptoms include palpitations, shortness of breath, tremors, insomnia. SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram) and benzodiazepines are options. Support for the patient involves non-judgmental listening, encouraging treatment, physical activity, and joint prayer according to Adventist guidance.

  10. What is depression, what causes it, what are its symptoms, and what is the treatment? What can you do to help someone who suffers from this disease?

    Answer: Depression is a mental disorder characterized by deep and persistent sadness, loss of interest and pleasure (anhedonia), and functional impairment for more than two weeks. Causes: genetic factors, neurochemical alterations, traumas, losses, chronic stress, and associated diseases. Symptoms: anhedonia, discouragement, insomnia or excessive sleep, fatigue, change in appetite, feelings of guilt/worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, and suicidal ideation. Treatment: antidepressants under medical prescription, psychotherapy, and social/spiritual support. How to help someone who suffers: listen with empathy and without judging, take it seriously (including remarks about death/suicide), do not minimize it or tell them to 'snap out of it', encourage and accompany the search for professional help, keep in contact and company, offer spiritual support and prayer, and in case of suicide risk seek immediate help (doctor/emergency, CVV 188). — DSM-5 criteria require 5+ symptoms for 2 weeks. It involves serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine. SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline), CBT, and exercise are first-line. Support: listen without judging, avoid phrases like 'snap out of it', refer to a professional, watch for suicide risk, and offer constant company.

  11. What Bible verses or quotations from the Spirit of Prophecy can you use to help a person with anxiety or depression?

    Answer: Philippians 4:6-7 ('do not be anxious'), Psalm 34:18 ('near to the brokenhearted'), 1 Peter 5:7 ('cast all your anxiety on Him'). Ellen White in Mind, Character, and Personality addresses emotional balance. They should complement, not replace, professional treatment. — Other texts: Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 23, Romans 8:38-39. In The Ministry of Healing, Ellen White associates faith, nature, and medical care. The Seventh-day Adventist Church supports integrated care: prayer + psychotherapy + medication. Verses comfort, but do not replace a psychiatrist or psychologist.

  12. In the company of a responsible adult, visit and help a person with some mental disability. Describe what special care is necessary for their specific disorder.

    Answer: Treat with respect and dignity, communicate in a clear and patient manner, avoid abrupt gestures, respect routines, observe specific limitations, and never infantilize the person. Bringing a simple activity, listening to the family, and following the caregiver's guidance are essential. — Each disability (intellectual, autism, Down syndrome, etc.) requires a specific approach. The LBI (Law 13,146/2015) guarantees rights. Approach calmly, speak looking into their eyes, use short sentences, bring something meaningful, avoid excessive noise. The Seventh-day Adventist Church promotes genuine inclusion, not welfarism.

  13. What are psychotropic drugs? What are side effects or adverse effects? Mention some adverse effects that can be caused by the use of these medications in the treatment of mental disorders.

    Answer: Psychotropic drugs are medications that act on the CNS to treat mental disorders, such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, and antipsychotics. Side effects are reactions beyond the desired one. Common ones: drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, sexual dysfunction, tremors, and extrapyramidal symptoms. — SSRI antidepressants can cause nausea and sexual dysfunction; benzodiazepines, dependence; typical antipsychotics, parkinsonism; lithium, tremor and thyroid disease. Medical monitoring is essential for adjustments. Serious adverse effects include serotonin syndrome and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, requiring immediate intervention.

  14. What relationship exists between the 4th item of the Pathfinder Law and mental health? Make a vow promising to care for and keep your mind free from the disturbing influences of the present day.

    Answer: The 4th item of the Pathfinder Law is 'Keep a clean conscience'. A clean conscience — living with honesty, without guilt, and at peace with God and one's neighbor — is a direct basis of mental health: it reduces anxiety, the burden of remorse, and internal conflicts, and generates emotional tranquility. Thus, keeping a clean conscience protects the mind from the disturbing influences of the present day. (The personal vow part is a practical activity, not answerable by an answer key.) — The holistic concept of health as a gift from God, integrating body, mind, and spirit, is the basis of Adventist medicine, with Adventist Health Network hospitals recognized worldwide for this approach.