Unit VIII Scholarly Activity
Instructions
Choose one of the categories of mental health conditions listed on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services webpage What to look for. (e.g., anxiety disorders, behavioral disorders, eating disorders, mental health and substance-use disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, suicidal behavior, or trauma and stress related disorders).
After making a selection, conduct your own brief research on the disorder and write a paper which accomplishes the following objectives:
- Begin with an introduction that defines the disorder and states the importance of addressing it from a community health perspective.
- Describe the available treatment options.
- Describe funding and reimbursement for treatment of the disorder you have chosen.
- Discuss any governing laws or policies regarding the disorder as well as any political or legal issues surrounding it.
- Describe whether you believe the community and public health services available for this disorder are effective.
- Conclude with at least two recommendations of needed improvements in the treatment, funding, or resources necessary to addresss the disorder in a community health setting.
Your scholarly activity must be at least two pages in length, not counting the title or references pages. You must use at least three sources, one of which may be your eTextbook, to support your project. All sources used must have citations and references in APA Style. APA formatting is otherwise not required.
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
Mental health conditions are significant challenges that have been prevalent in the society reminding us of the need to address the issue from the community health perspective. Research has shown that mental illnesses result from a combination of social, biological, and psychological factors. Millions of Americans are affected by one form of mental illness or another, and the impact of these conditions is often felt across multiple facets of an individual’s personal and professional life. This paper will provide an insight into anxiety disorders, which is one of the categories of mental health conditions listed on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services webpage.
Answer:
Anxiety Disorders
Introduction
Anxiety disorders refer to a group of mental health conditions characterized by persistent and excessive worry and fear in situations that are not dangerous or where it is not appropriate. These conditions affect millions of Americans, and they often lead to significant impairments in an individual’s daily occupational, educational, and social functioning. Addressing anxiety disorders from a community health perspective is critical as they often impact the broader population, including family members, loved ones, and caregivers.
Available Treatment Options
The treatment of anxiety disorders varies, and it often depends on the severity of the condition, the specific type of anxiety disorder experienced, as well as an individual’s mental health history. Treatment options for these conditions include psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common form of psychotherapy used to treat anxiety disorders. CBT involves different techniques and strategies that are used to change irrational thought patterns and behaviors that may exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Medications such as antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers can also be used to manage anxiety symptoms.
Funding and Reimbursement
Funding and reimbursement for the treatment of anxiety disorders are a significant concern in the United States. In 2020, mental health coverage still faces significant restrictions and barriers to access. Mental health coverage for anxiety disorders is not as comprehensive as that for other medical conditions. Several states have mental health parity laws that offer some protections for mental health coverage; however, partial protections mean that Americans with anxiety disorders still face monetary coverage limits and restrictions.
Governing Laws and Policies
One of the main governing laws that affect the treatment of anxiety disorders in the USA is the Affordable Care Act (ACA) also known as Obamacare. The ACA has expanded access to mental health services and included substance use disorder treatments in most insurance coverage in the country. Another act that affects the treatment of anxiety disorders is the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The Act sets guidelines that require most insurance providers that cover mental health or substance use disorder treatment and services to provide coverage that is equal to what they offer for medical and surgical services.
Effectiveness of Community and Public Health Services
Community and public health services for anxiety disorders are not always effective, thus highlighting the need for more resources and additional improvements. A significant obstacle to access care for individuals with anxiety disorders is the cost of treatment. For instance, some individuals cannot afford the cost of treatment out-of-pocket, and some don’t have insurance coverage. There are also issues of stigmatization concerning mental illness, which can prevent afflicted individuals from seeking help. Moreover, the limited resources in public health systems and shortages in mental health professionals have made it difficult to provide comprehensive care for those who need it.
Recommendations for Improvement
To improve the treatment of anxiety disorders in a community health setting, policymakers must increase funding to expand treatment programs and services. Additionally, mental health parity must be made mandatory so that insurers cannot discriminate against individuals with anxiety disorders in terms of coverage, benefits, or rates. The government can also develop policies that would support increased research and public outreach campaigns to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Finally, the government should focus on increasing the number of trained mental health professionals and creating incentives to entice more providers to offer mental health services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, anxiety disorders present significant public health challenges that require a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. With the right treatment, funding, resources, and policy development, individuals with anxiety disorders can receive the resources they need to lead fulfilling and productive lives. Swift action by policymakers, stakeholders, and the community at large is required to address these challenges effectively.
