Essentials of Mental Health is an authoritative guide designed to provide comprehensive mental health knowledge, catering to professionals and students in the field. This book begins with an in-depth overview of mental health, surveying common problems, the importance of early detection, and the significant impact of substance abuse. Specific chapters explore the critical role of neurotransmitters in mental health, examining various types, such as biogenic amines and peptides, and their functional considerations. The epidemiology of mental disorders is thoroughly discussed, highlighting global prevalence, gender and race distribution, and the burden these disorders place on individuals and societies. Essentials of Mental Health reviews major mental disorders, including mood, anxiety, and personality disorders, as well as conditions like schizophrenia and sleep-wake disorders. Each disorder has specific symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and case studies to illustrate real-world applications. Special populations, such as older adults, women, children, and cultural minorities, are given focused attention, underscoring unique mental health challenges and considerations. The book concludes with a comprehensive section on treatment options, ranging from hospital psychiatry to community-based services and psychotherapy techniques.

This book is a well-rounded resource that equips readers with the latest insights and practical tools for effective mental health care and intervention.