Psych Central - Trusted mental health, depression, bipolar, ADHD and psychology information . Soul Science. Psych Central - Psychological Tests and Quizzes. Mental Health. Mental health consumer. A mental health consumer is a person who is obtaining treatment or support for a mental disorder, also known as psychiatric or mental illness. The term was coined by people who use mental health services in an attempt to empower those with mental health issues, usually considered a marginalized segment of society. The term suggests that there is a reciprocal contract between those who provide a service and those who use a service and that individuals have a choice in their treatment and that without them there could not exist mental health providers.
Today, the word mental health consumer has expanded in the popular usage of consumers themselves to include anyone who has received mental health services in the past, anyone who has a behavioral health diagnosis, or simply anyone who has experienced a mental or behavioral disorder. A similar definition would be a person who receives psychological services, perhaps from a psychologist, a psychiatrist or a social worker. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) Psychiatric Diagnoses are categorized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th. Edition. Better known as the DSM-IV, the manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and covers all mental health disorders for both children and adults.
It also lists known causes of these disorders, statistics in terms of gender, age at onset, and prognosis as well as some research concerning the optimal treatment approaches. Mental Health Professionals use this manual when working with patients in order to better understand their illness and potential treatment and to help 3rd party payers (e.g., insurance) understand the needs of the patient. The DSM IV is published by the American Psychiatric Association.
The DSM uses a multiaxial or multidimensional approach to diagnosing because rarely do other factors in a person's life not impact their mental health. Axis I: Clinical Syndromes Axis II: Developmental Disorders and Personality Disorders.
Mood Tracker - Online Tools for Depression and Bipolar Disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Homepage. Mental Health, Depression, Anxiety, Wellness, Family & Relationship Issues, Sexual Disorders & ADHD Medications. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Publications| SAMHSA Store. Major Mental Illnesses. Psychiatric Service Dog Society.