Mental Disorders: Types and Symptoms

• Psychiatric/Mental disorders affect a person's thinking, feelings, mood, or behavior.
• These disorders impact daily life and functioning.

Types of Mental Disorders

• Anxiety disorders involve excessive fear, worry, or apprehension.
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias are common anxiety disorders.
• Mood disorders are characterized by disturbances in mood, such as depression or mania.
• Major depressive disorder (MDD) involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and other physical and cognitive symptoms.
• Bipolar disorder involves alternating periods of elevated mood (mania or hypomania) and depression.
• Psychotic disorders are characterized by distorted thinking, perceptions, and behaviors.
• Schizophrenia is a chronic psychotic disorder impacting a person's ability to think, feel, and behave clearly.
• Schizoaffective disorder is a combination of schizophrenia symptoms and mood disorder symptoms.
• Personality disorders involve inflexible and maladaptive personality traits that cause distress or impairment.
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD) features instability in relationships, self-image, emotions, and impulsivity.
• Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by disregard for the rights of others and a tendency to engage in deceitful or criminal behavior.
• Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders involve persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions and compulsions that cause significant distress or impairment.
• Trauma- and stressor-related disorders develop after exposure to a traumatic or stressful event.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involves re-experiencing the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative thoughts and feelings, and hyperarousal.
• Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception.
• Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states.
• Neurodevelopmental disorders are conditions that begin in childhood and affect development.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive behaviors or interests.
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) involves inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
• Feeding and eating disorders involve disturbances in eating behavior and related thoughts and emotions.
• Anorexia nervosa is characterized by restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and distorted body image.
• Bulimia nervosa involves recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting or using laxatives.
• Substance-related and addictive disorders involve the use of substances or engagement in behaviors that lead to significant problems or distress.
• Alcohol use disorder is characterized by problematic alcohol use that leads to impairment or distress.
• Gambling disorder involves persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior.
• Cognitive disorders involve impairment in cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, or language.
• Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive cognitive decline and memory loss.
• Delirium is a state of acute confusion and disorientation.

Causes and Risk Factors

• The causes of mental disorders are complex and multifactorial.
• Genetic factors can increase the risk of developing certain mental disorders.
• A family history of mental illness is a significant risk factor.
• Biological factors, such as imbalances in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) and structural abnormalities in the brain, can contribute to mental disorders.
• Environmental factors, such as exposure to trauma, abuse, or neglect, can increase the risk of developing mental disorders.
• Stressful life events, such as job loss, relationship problems, or financial difficulties, can trigger or worsen mental disorders.
• Psychological factors, such as negative thinking patterns, coping skills, and personality traits, can influence the development and course of mental disorders.
• Substance abuse can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental disorders.
• Medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, can sometimes cause or mimic mental disorder symptoms.

Symptoms

• Changes in mood such as persistent sadness, irritability, or excessive worry.
• Changes in thinking may include difficulty concentrating, racing thoughts, or delusions.
• Changes in behavior may include social withdrawal, changes in sleep or appetite, or engaging in impulsive or risky behaviors.
• Physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, or stomach problems can sometimes be associated with mental disorders.

Diagnosis

• Mental disorders are typically diagnosed through a comprehensive clinical assessment.
• A psychiatric interview gathers information about symptoms, history, and functioning.
• Psychological testing assesses cognitive, emotional, and personality functioning.
• Medical evaluation rules out medical conditions that may be causing or contributing to the symptoms.
• Diagnostic criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are used to guide diagnosis.
• The DSM provides a standardized set of criteria for each mental disorder, based on research and clinical consensus.

Treatment

• Treatment for mental disorders involves tailored approaches based on individual needs and the specific disorder.
• Psychotherapy ("talk therapy") involves working with a therapist to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and develop coping skills.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps individuals identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of CBT that focuses on emotional regulation and interpersonal skills, often used in the treatment of borderline personality disorder.
• Medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of mental disorders.
• Antidepressants are used to treat depression and other mood disorders.
• Anti-anxiety medications are used to treat anxiety disorders.
• Mood stabilizers are used to treat bipolar disorder.
• Antipsychotics are used to treat psychotic disorders.
• Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases of mental illness, especially if the individual is a danger to themselves or others.
• Brain stimulation therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), may be used in some cases when other treatments have not been effective.
• Lifestyle changes, such as improving diet, exercise, and sleep hygiene, can also play a role in managing mental health.
• Support groups can provide a sense of community and support for individuals with mental disorders and their families.

Prevention

• Promoting mental health and preventing mental disorders involves addressing risk factors and building resilience.
• Early intervention is important to identify and treat mental health problems as early as possible.
• Mental health education can help raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness.
• Creating supportive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities can promote mental well-being.
• Reducing exposure to trauma and violence can help prevent trauma-related mental disorders.
• Promoting healthy coping skills and stress management techniques can help individuals manage stress and prevent mental health problems.

Impact

• Mental disorders can have a significant impact on individuals, families, and society.
• Individuals may experience difficulties in personal relationships, work, and education.
• Mental disorders can lead to increased risk of substance abuse, homelessness, and incarceration.
• Stigma surrounding mental illness can lead to discrimination and social isolation.
• Mental disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide.
• The economic costs of mental disorders are substantial, including healthcare costs, lost productivity, and social welfare costs.

Stigma

• Stigma is a major barrier to seeking help for mental disorders.
• Stigma involves negative attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors towards individuals with mental illness.
• Public stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs held by the general public.
• Self-stigma refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs that individuals with mental illness hold about themselves.
• Stigma can lead to discrimination, social isolation, and reluctance to seek treatment.
• Efforts to reduce stigma include education, advocacy, and promoting positive portrayals of individuals with mental illness.