Certificate in Integrative Behavioral Health

It is sometimes difficult to determine if a child or adolescent is going through a “phase” or showing signs of a more serious psychiatric challenge such as bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder causes unusual shifts in moods and energy. These shifts are different from the normal “ups and downs” that every child or teenager goes through from time to time. Children and adolescents with bipolar disorder can suffer from damaged relationships, substance misuse, and poor school performance, and they can even commit suicide. However, today there are more treatment options available than ever before for children and adolescents with this disorder.

Sleep disorders are common complaints, and they include difficulty falling asleep, early awakening, and interrupted sleep. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only one third of adults say they get enough sleep every night.

The enormous increase in the diverse elderly population has prompted a vital societal challenge: the design and delivery of mental health services to older adults. Because the elderly population in the United States and globally is projected to grow rapidly, the need for geriatric mental health services will also increase dramatically. Continued intellectual, social, and physical activity throughout the life cycle are important for the maintenance of mental health in later life. This course explores the personal factors and mental health concerns for older adults; common mental health concerns among older adults as well as traditional and alternative therapies, treatments, and interventions; cultural competency as it relates to mental health concerns; barriers to mental health care in older adults and alternate resources; and trends and initiatives in mental health for older adults.

Depression is one of the most serious and costly health care problems facing the United States today. It is one of the most common types of mental disorders. Depression interferes with an individual’s daily life and normal functioning and may cause emotional pain for the individual with the disorder as well as family and friends. Although depression is a common but serious mental illness, with treatment depressive symptoms can be alleviated.

Pain is a universal experience for virtually every human being and is an indication that something is wrong. Pain interferes with the enjoyment of life. It makes it difficult to work, socialize with friends and family, sleep, and accomplish activities of daily living. It may reduce productivity and create financial hardships in terms of lost work and high medical bills. Chronic pain can lead to a loss of appetite, depression, and many other physical and psychological consequences as well as a loss of the joy of life.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a condition in which the concept of loss is profound and central—the loss of one’s memories, independence, ability to recognize loved ones, and dignity. Often referred to as “the long goodbye,” AD is the most common type of dementia, affecting millions of Americans. It is responsible for billions of dollars annually in health care costs. However, new research is providing hope for those with Alzheimer’s disease as well as for their families and caregivers.

When individuals experience a traumatic, terrifying, life-changing event or series of events, with a real or threatened risk of death, they may develop a variety of symptoms known as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although this condition has been described throughout history, veteran groups and health care providers have been slow to acknowledge its existence or explore the many dimensions of the disorder. Fortunately, this is changing as more individuals begin to discuss the personal and health-related issues concerning PTSD.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an increasingly common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood. Usually first diagnosed in childhood, it often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, focusing, and controlling impulsive behaviors, or they may be overly active.

Individuals engage in substance use and addictive behaviors for a variety of complex reasons. Substances and addictive behaviors can produce intoxication that alters judgment, perception, attention, and physical control. Substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction impact individuals, families, and communities across the globe. Social attitudes and political, legal, and public-health responses to substance use and addictive behaviors make this an especially complicated issue. Prevention, early intervention, and the availability of a variety of treatment options contribute significantly to reducing the incidence and impact of substance use disorder and addiction.

Suicide—taking your own life—is a tragic reaction to stressful life circumstances. Approximately 700,000 to one million people die by suicide in the world each year. This means someone dies by suicide every 40 seconds. In the United States, there is one death by suicide every 12 minutes. Understanding the issues surrounding suicide and mental health is a vital step in preventing suicide, helping others in crisis, and changing the way all of us view suicide and mental health issues.