MALIA'S CASE
INTERACTIVE CASE #3
Case Introduction
Malia is an 18-year-old female who has not been feeling well for the past 2 months. She is overcome with feelings of sadness and worthlessness, and has lost interest in swimming, her favorite thing to do. Malia has trouble getting up in the morning and has lost her appetite.
SEE HER SYMPTOMS BELOW.
SADNESS
FATIGUE
LOSS OF PLEASURE IN ACTIVITIES
LOSS OF APPETITE
Malia decides to get help.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, there are ways to get help.
If you are in a life-threatening situation: Call 911
If you are suicidal or experiencing emotional distress: Call 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
For more information, visit:
Pediatrician
STEP ONE
PART 1
How do adolescent brains differ from adults?
Differences in behavior between adolescents and adults can be explained beyond reasons of experience or maturity. The brain itself experiences a range of new developments from ages 10 to 19. The amygdala, a region of the brain associated with processing emotions, develops at a faster rate than the frontal cortex, which analyzes the consequences of behavior. Therefore, while teenagers are more prone to act on emotion, adults are able to better use logic and reasoning because this area of the brain is fully developed. This stage of growth during the “teenage years” can also lead to acting on impulse, irrational thinking, and can be associated with anxiety and depression.
SOURCE: Stanford Medicine
PART 2
Answer questions related to the video and receive a key that you can use to open the vault. Good luck!
Psychiatrist
STEP TWO
PART 1
Think about it:
What is depression?
Depression, also referred to as major depressive disorder, is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. To receive a diagnosis, symptoms of depression must last for two weeks at minimum and impede normal functioning. Anyone can have depression, but both internal and external factors put certain people at higher risk. Internal factors include physiological changes in the body such as an imbalance of brain chemicals or genetics that run in families.
External factors surround a patient in their life and can include violence, an abusive home environment, and several other situations. Although depression is an increasingly common disorder, it is also one of the most treatable. Through diagnostic evaluation by a healthcare professional, planning a suited course of treatment based on symptoms, and internal and external factors is possible.
SOURCE: American Psychiatric Association
SOURCE: USA Facts
PART 2
Answer questions related to the video and receive a key that you can use to open the vault. Good luck!
Psychologist
STEP THREE
PART 1
Think about it:
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a form of therapy that aims to identify and troubleshoot emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Psychotherapy is often a one-on-one session with a licensed mental health professional but can also occur in group setting with other patients. People can seek out psychotherapy to deal with long-term stress situations, symptoms with no physical explanation, or support for family members or children who have been diagnosed with a condition affecting their mental health. (NIMH » Psychotherapies, n.d.).
PART 2
Answer questions related to the video and receive a key that you can use to open the vault. Good luck!
