6 Types Of Mental Illness
There are many different types of mental illness. These include Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders, and Psychotic Disorders. There are also a wide variety of other disorders that may not meet diagnostic criteria for a specific type of mental illness. Learn about the symptoms, causes, and treatment for these illnesses to better understand your own health and well-being.
Mood Disorders
Mood disorders are a type of mental illness that affects one’s mood. These illnesses are often triggered by stressful life events or difficult experiences. These events can make mood disorders difficult to manage. People with mood disorders have a higher chance of developing depression compared to those without. Genetics is also a factor in the onset of mood disorders.
Mood disorders can be treated with medication. Most treatment for mood disorders focuses on cognitive-behavioral therapy, which teaches patients to better understand the connection between their thoughts and behaviors. This type of therapy also helps people develop skills to prevent symptoms from coming back. Some people with mood disorders may also need to undergo interpersonal therapy.
Treatment for mood disorders is often a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy can help the patient develop new skills and improve relationships. Some people with mood disorders may be prescribed antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. In more severe cases, people may be prescribed electroconvulsive therapy or transcranial magnetic stimulation.
When someone with a mood disorder is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to get help immediately. A professional can perform mental health evaluations and perform lab tests to rule out underlying medical conditions. A doctor will also interview the patient and determine whether the symptoms are caused by alcohol or other substances.
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness in the United States, and they are treatable, but only 40 percent of sufferers receive proper treatment. For most patients, treatment brings significant relief and allows them to lead a normal life. Treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Despite this widespread availability of treatment, many sufferers choose to avoid seeking treatment.
Psychological therapy for anxiety disorders includes a variety of techniques to change harmful thinking patterns and limit distorted thinking. Some of these methods include exposure therapy, which involves confronting phobias or exposing sufferers to common anxiety triggers. Some medications may be used in conjunction with psychotherapy for the best results.
Anxiety can be caused by traumatic or stressful events in a person’s life. Symptoms of anxiety disorders can include restlessness, increased heart rate, and other physical symptoms. People with anxiety disorders may not realize that they are experiencing these symptoms until they are unable to function normally in everyday life. While anxiety is a natural reaction to stress, it can become too much and interfere with daily activities.
Anxiety can lead to depression if left untreated. For this reason, it is best to seek help as soon as possible. Treatment for anxiety disorders is much easier if it is diagnosed early.
Personality Disorders
Personality disorders affect a person’s behavior and way of thinking. These types of disorders can have various symptoms, and the best way to determine whether you’re suffering from one is to get a proper diagnosis. Personality disorders may be related to one another or they may be a result of one or more different medical conditions.
A person with a personality disorder has thoughts and behaviors that are very extreme. This can be detrimental to their relationships and life. They may be unable to relate to others, struggle to make friends, or act in ways that are out of character for them. In some cases, these people may even commit crimes or self-harm.
A person with a personality disorder may have trouble making decisions and relating to others. They may also have low self-confidence and may appear aloof or passive toward others. In these situations, it’s best to seek medical advice from a GP or other qualified professional. A medical professional can discuss the symptoms you’re experiencing with you and help you get the proper treatment for your personality disorder.
Personality disorders include antisocial personality disorder (APD). People with this type of disorder have little or no empathy for others. They may repeatedly lie to mislead others. Another type of personality disorder is a schizotypal personality disorder, which is characterized by unusual behavior and distorted thinking. These individuals may even be overly sensitive to negative evaluations.
Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders are very real forms of mental illness and the proper treatment can help a person recover from them. Treatment depends on the cause of the psychosis and can include talk therapy and drugs. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary. However, treatment can make a big difference in the way the person functions and thinks.
A person suffering from psychotic disorder experiences both positive and negative symptoms. The negative symptoms include impaired speech output, decreased emotional expression, and reduced desire to engage in daily activities and social interactions. While positive symptoms include hallucinations, exaggerated beliefs, and delusions, the symptoms of a psychotic disorder can be both positive and negative. These symptoms may make it hard for a person to make plans, communicate, or even function normally.
The best way to manage psychotic symptoms is to seek help as soon as possible. Early diagnosis increases the chances of rapid recovery. A healthcare professional will evaluate the symptoms and rule out any other medical problems. They may also perform laboratory tests or order physical exams. They will then offer you a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are a range of complex mental health conditions characterized by behavior that is food-centered and often leads to physical and psychological harm. Some eating disorders are potentially life-threatening and cause significant distress to sufferers. Bulimia nervosa, for example, is a severe eating disorder that involves binge eating and purging. This process can result in serious physical health consequences, including malnutrition and heart problems.
Eating disorders often arise from irrational and persistent fears. These fears can interfere with daily life and can trigger binge eating. The first step in treating these conditions is to treat the underlying psychiatric conditions, which often precede eating disorders. Anxiety disorders are associated with an increased risk of developing eating disorders.
Early diagnosis is important to achieve the best outcome. A doctor will likely perform a physical exam and interview, as well as lab tests, to confirm a diagnosis. A mental health professional may also ask about the patient’s lifestyle and diet. The goal is to get to the bottom of any underlying issues and treat them concurrently for the best chance of recovery.
Treatment for eating disorders is often complicated and can involve multiple health professionals. The best treatment plans take into account the physical, emotional, and environmental needs of the person suffering from an eating disorder. These treatments may include counseling, outpatient programs, or even support groups.
Trauma-related Disorders
Trauma-related disorders in mental illness are characterized by significant and persistent changes in mood and cognitive functioning. They may include distorted beliefs about self and others and difficulty in concentrating and falling asleep. They can lead to ongoing fear and a range of behavioral and emotional symptoms, such as aggressive behavior and mood swings.
The causes of these disorders can vary from individual to individual, but there are some risk factors. People who have been through severe trauma may be more likely to develop a trauma disorder than those who have not experienced a traumatic experience. Other risk factors include previous mental illnesses, drug or alcohol abuse, and lack of a sound support system.
Trauma can be a one-time or repeated event. Some individuals may clearly exhibit the criteria associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while others may show only brief, subclinical symptoms. While the physical symptoms of trauma may be subtle and self-limiting, their psychological impact may be profound and life-altering.
Fortunately, there are numerous treatments for trauma-related disorders. By addressing the underlying causes of these disorders early on, treatment can help individuals reduce or even eliminate their symptoms.
Substance Abuse Disorders
People with substance abuse disorders often become addicted to alcohol, drugs, and other addictive behaviors. These behaviors can cause people to develop a tolerance to the substances, requiring larger amounts to feel the same effects. They often use these substances to cope with painful feelings, which can lead to more serious problems. Peer pressure and other factors contribute to the development of addiction, especially in youth. These people may also be living in difficult situations or not have parental supervision.
Substance abuse disorders can be severe and can lead to a person’s disability and inability to carry out daily activities. These disorders can interfere with a person’s social and cognitive development and can contribute to the development of certain mental illnesses. Many people with substance abuse disorders also suffer from co-occurring mental disorders, including depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and bipolar disorder.
Treatment for both substance abuse and mental illnesses is essential for the recovery of an addicted person. Treatment for substance abuse and mental illness often includes therapy or medication. Behavioral therapy, individual counseling, and self-help measures may be used to help an addict maintain sobriety. Support groups are also available for recovering addicts.
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