Brain and Behavioral Disorders

Author: Jenkins, C. David

Source: Building Better Health: A Handbook of Behavioral Change, Building Better Health: A Handbook of Behavioral Change , pp. 143-177(35)

Publisher: Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)

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Abstract:

Better Health: A Handbook of Behavior Change is a one-of-a-kind manual for communities to reduce disease, disability, and premature death throughout the life cycle. This chapter of the book explains first the powerful reasons behind why the discussion of brain and behavioral disorders precede that of major killers as cardiovascular disorders and malignant neoplasma. The sources that influence the risk of brain and behavioral disorders and the eleven crossroads or circumstances (school, family and social context, peer groups, among others), in which risks of mental disorders can be changed are also discussed. By counteracting risk and moving forward protection at each crossroad, family and community mental health can be improved. How to work and risk factors of depression, alcohol abuse, delinquency, are discussed together with positive behavior at individual, family and community level.

Keywords: Health Promotion; Disease Prevention; Causes of death; Risk factors; Mortality; Education; Health Education; Depression; Mental Health; Alcohol; Positive behavioral