Saturday, 2 May 2026

🧠 Chapter A1 – Module 1: Abuse

 


Abuse is when someone is treated badly, harmed, or controlled by another person. It can happen to anyone, including children, adults, and older people.

Types of abuse

  • Physical abuse (hitting, shaking, harming)
  • Emotional/psychological abuse (threats, humiliation, control)
  • Sexual abuse (any unwanted sexual activity)
  • Financial abuse (controlling money or stealing)
  • Neglect (not providing care or needs)

Key points

  • Abuse can happen at home, school, workplace, or online
  • It often involves power and control
  • Victims may feel fear, shame, or confusion

Support

  • Talk to trusted adults or professionals
  • Safeguarding services and charities can help
  • Reporting abuse can protect others

🧠 Chapter A1 – Module 2: Addiction

Addiction is when a person cannot stop using a substance or engaging in a behaviour, even when it causes harm.

Types

  • Substance addiction (alcohol, drugs, nicotine)
  • Behavioural addiction (gambling, gaming, shopping)

Key features

  • Loss of control
  • Cravings
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Continued use despite harm

Causes

  • Brain reward system changes
  • Stress, trauma, genetics, environment

Treatment

  • Therapy (CBT)
  • Support groups
  • Medication (in some cases)
  • Rehabilitation programmes

🧠 Chapter A1 – Module 3: ADHD

ADHDADHD

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulse control, and activity levels.

Types

  • Inattentive type
  • Hyperactive-impulsive type
  • Combined type

Symptoms

  • Difficulty focusing
  • Forgetfulness
  • Restlessness
  • Impulsivity
  • Interrupting others

Causes

  • Genetic factors
  • Brain chemistry differences (dopamine)
  • Developmental influences

Treatment

  • Medication (stimulants/non-stimulants)
  • Behaviour therapy
  • Routine and structure
  • Lifestyle support

🧠 Chapter A1 – Module 4: Anger

Anger is a natural emotion that becomes a problem when it is intense, frequent, or harmful.

Types of anger

  • Passive-aggressive
  • Aggressive
  • Assertive (healthy expression)

Triggers

  • Stress
  • Feeling unfairly treated
  • Trauma
  • Frustration

When it becomes a problem

  • Damages relationships
  • Causes aggression
  • Affects health (blood pressure, stress)

Management

  • Breathing techniques
  • Time-outs
  • Therapy (CBT)
  • Communication skills

🧠 Chapter A1 – Module 6: Alcohol Problems

Alcohol problems occur when drinking begins to affect health, behaviour, or daily life.

Key ideas

  • Not everyone who drinks heavily has addiction, but risk increases over time
  • Stigma can prevent people seeking help
  • People may use alcohol to cope with stress

Defence behaviours

  • Denial (“I’m fine”)
  • Rationalisation (“I had a hard day”)
  • Minimisation
  • Blaming others

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)

  • Loss of control
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Continued use despite harm

Support

  • Therapy
  • Detox services
  • Support groups (e.g., AA)
  • Medical treatment

🧠 Chapter A1 – Module 7: Anxiety

AnxietyAnxiety

Anxiety is a natural response to stress but becomes a disorder when it is persistent and overwhelming.

Types

  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Social anxiety
  • Panic disorder
  • Phobias

Symptoms

  • Racing heart
  • Sweating
  • Worry
  • Restlessness
  • Trouble concentrating

Causes

  • Genetics
  • Trauma
  • Brain chemistry

Treatment

  • CBT therapy
  • Medication
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Lifestyle changes

🧠 Chapter A1 – Module 8: Arthritis

ArthritisArthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of joints causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.

Types

  • Osteoarthritis (wear and tear)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune)
  • Gout (uric acid build-up)

Symptoms

  • Joint pain
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Reduced mobility

Treatment

  • Pain relief medication
  • Physical therapy
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Surgery (in severe cases)

🧠 Chapter A1 – Module 9: Asthma

Asthma is a long-term condition affecting the airways in the lungs.

Symptoms

  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Chest tightness
  • Shortness of breath

Triggers

  • Allergens
  • Exercise
  • Cold air
  • Smoke

Treatment

  • Preventer inhalers
  • Reliever inhalers
  • Avoiding triggers

🧠 Chapter A1 – Module 10: Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

APD affects how the brain processes sound.

Symptoms

  • Difficulty understanding speech in noise
  • Trouble following instructions
  • Poor listening skills

Causes

  • Ear infections
  • Brain development differences
  • Head injury

Support

  • Speech therapy
  • Classroom adjustments
  • Auditory training

🧠 Chapter A1 – Module 11: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting communication and behaviour.

Characteristics

  • Social communication differences
  • Sensory sensitivities
  • Repetitive behaviours
  • Strong routines

Spectrum

  • Support needs vary widely
  • Some live independently, others need full-time support

Strengths (important)

  • Strong focus
  • Attention to detail
  • Deep interests

Support

  • Education plans
  • Therapy
  • Sensory adjustments

🧠 Chapter B2 – Module 12: Back Problems

BackpainBack pain

Back problems involve pain or injury affecting the spine and surrounding muscles.

Causes

  • Muscle strain
  • Herniated discs
  • Arthritis
  • Poor posture

Symptoms

  • Pain or stiffness
  • Nerve pain (sciatica)
  • Reduced movement

Treatment

  • Exercise
  • Physiotherapy
  • Pain relief
  • Heat/ice therapy

🧠 Chapter B2 – Module 13: Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood changes between mania and depression.

Types

  • Bipolar I
  • Bipolar II
  • Cyclothymia

Symptoms

  • High energy (mania)
  • Low mood (depression)
  • Impulsivity
  • Sleep changes

Treatment

  • Mood stabilisers
  • Therapy
  • Long-term support

🧠 Chapter B2 – Module 14: Bladder Problems

Bladder problems affect urination and control.

Symptoms

  • Frequent urination
  • Urgency
  • Leakage
  • Pain when urinating

Causes

  • UTIs
  • Overactive bladder
  • Nerve damage
  • Pelvic floor weakness

Treatment

  • Pelvic exercises
  • Medication
  • Lifestyle changes

🧠 Chapter B2 – Module 15: Bleeding Problems

Bleeding disorders affect the blood’s ability to clot.

Causes

  • Genetic (haemophilia, VWD)
  • Liver disease
  • Medication (blood thinners)

Symptoms

  • Easy bruising
  • Nosebleeds
  • Heavy periods
  • Prolonged bleeding

Treatment

  • Blood tests
  • Specialist care (haematology)
  • Medication or factor replacement

🧠 Chapter B2 – Module 16: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A TBI is brain damage caused by an external force.

Causes

  • Falls
  • Road accidents
  • Sports injuries
  • Violence

Symptoms

  • Headache
  • Confusion
  • Memory loss
  • Mood changes

Treatment

  • Emergency care
  • Surgery (if needed)
  • Rehabilitation therapy

🧠 Chapter C3 – Module 17: Cancer

Cancer is uncontrolled cell growth caused by genetic changes.

Types

  • Carcinoma
  • Sarcoma
  • Blood cancers (leukaemia, lymphoma)

Symptoms

  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Lumps
  • Persistent illness signs

Treatment

  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiotherapy
  • Immunotherapy

Prevention

  • Avoid smoking
  • Healthy diet
  • Sun protection
  • Early screening

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