Mental Health Disorders
Overview
Mental health disorders, also known as mental illnesses, encompass a wide range of conditions that affect Mood, thinking, and behavior. These disorders can range from common ones such as anxiety disorders and depression, to more rare ones like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Mental health disorders can significantly impact a person's daily life, relationships, and physical health.
Classification
Mental health disorders are classified into several categories based on their symptoms, causes, and treatment options. These categories include, but are not limited to, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and eating disorders.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders, also known as affective disorders, are characterized by persistent feelings of sadness or periods of feeling overly happy, or fluctuations from extreme happiness to extreme sadness. The most common mood disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, and cyclothymic disorder.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. They include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are closely related to anxiety disorders.
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders involve long-term patterns of behavior and inner experiences that differ significantly from what is expected. These disorders, such as borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder, often lead to significant problems in social interaction and work.
Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders involve distorted awareness and thinking. The most notable example is schizophrenia, characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and thought disorders.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders involve preoccupations with food and weight that lead to unhealthy behaviors. These disorders — which include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder — affect both physical and mental health.
Causes
The exact cause of mental health disorders is not known, but several factors can contribute. These include biological factors (such as genetics and brain chemistry), life experiences (such as trauma or abuse), and family history of mental health problems.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of mental health disorders involves assessing symptoms and their duration. This typically involves a physical exam, lab tests, and a psychological evaluation. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, is used by mental health professionals to diagnose mental conditions.
Treatment
Treatment of mental health disorders depends on the specific disorder and the individual's circumstances. It typically involves psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy), medication, or a combination of both. In some cases, psychiatric hospitalization may be necessary.
Prevention
While mental health disorders cannot be completely prevented, early identification and treatment can improve long-term outcomes. Regular physical activity, adequate sleep, balanced diet, and regular medical check-ups can also contribute to better mental health.