Provides an overview of signs, symptoms, and etiology of the major mental health disorders, with emphasis on severe and persistent conditions. The interaction of these conditions with substance use is explored, placing disorders in a stress-vulnerability model, and using this model to review roles and strategies for direct care staff in a recovery-oriented system.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
•Understand signs, symptoms, etiology and course of mental health conditions;
•Understand the relationship between biological vulnerability and psychosocial issues in the
etiology and course of mental health disorders;
•Discuss a variety of intervention approaches and services for people with mental health
conditions; and
•Understand the role of direct service staff in assisting people in their recovery.