Background Information on Mental Illness

Besides knowing treatment options and evidence-based resources for patients with mental health conditions across the lifespan ( Chapter 4 ), physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) need to have a firm grasp of background information about mental illness itself. This chapter will discuss the demographics of selected mental health conditions, terminology, a human movement system context, and principles for patient management. Terminology will address general, diagnostic, and clinical terms of how mental illnesses may present. Movement system content will address assessment, task analysis, and general changes that mental illness causes in movement. Lastly, patient management principles applicable to complex populations include defining what complexity means, utilizing counseling strategies, and engaging patients’ social support.