Definition of Mental Illness
• What is the definition of mental illness?
The term "mental illness" describes a wide range of both mental and emotional conditions that affect a person's everyday life. It can include but not limited to, depression, bipolar disorder and learning disabilities.
• Can mental illness be as clearly defined as a physical illness such as diabetes?
Mental illness cannot be as easily diagnosed like physical ailments can. Usually a mental illness is diagnosis by what a patient tells their doctor and then the doctor will prescribe the appropriate medical treatment for their type of mental illness. However, some patients do not talk to their doctors about everything so usually a mental illness such as depression or even bipolar disorder can remain undiagnosed and untreated.
• Can mental illness be cured? I believe that for most cases of mental illness it can be treated with medications, while other mental illnesses such as depression can be cured with time medications and counseling, it just depends on the person and the type of mental illness.
History of the Mental Health Care System
• Has the concept of deinstitutionalization been effective in providing needed services to the mentally ill? Why or why not?
• What populations or groups were most adversely affected by deinstitutionalization?
• What are the benefits of deinstitutionalization?
Sources of Treatment
• Are health care professionals who provide mental health care integrated with other systems of care?
• What are the consequences of separating mental health care from physical health care?
• What other services (social and health) might the mentally ill need?
Funding for Mental Health Care Services
• What are three government sources that pay for mental health care?
Medicaid, Medicare, Department of Defense and/or Veterans Programs
• What populations are covered by these sources?
Medicaid covers persons with limited resources who are 65+ years old, younger than 18, have a dependent child younger than 18, or are totally and permanently disabled as defined by Social Security regulations. Mental illness can be considered a total and permanent disability.
Managed Care and Mental Health Treatment
• What are some of the challenges to using a managed care approach in mental health care?
• How does a managed care model of mental health care reduce health care spending?
The Next Step
• How would you ensure the mentally ill are placed into the appropriate care facility?
Your next step is to investigate the available resources for the mentally ill. Cite any sources you use while writing your report in APA format.