Mental disorders, or mental illnesses, are conditions that affect your thinking, feeling, mood and behavior. Some last only a short time, some come and go, and some are chronic (long-lasting). They can make it harder to relate to other people and to get through each day.
Mental disorders are common: many Americans will be diagnosed with one at some point in their lives.
Common types
- Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and phobias;
- Depression, bipolar disorder and other mood disorders;
- Eating disorders;
- Personality disorders;
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
- Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia.
What adds to the risk
There is no single cause. Several things can raise the risk:
| Kind | Examples |
|---|---|
| Inherited | your genes and family history |
| Life experience | stress, or a history of abuse — especially in childhood |
| Biological | chemical imbalances in the brain; a traumatic brain injury (TBI) |
| Before birth | exposure to viruses, toxic chemicals, or substances such as alcohol and drugs |
| Substances | using alcohol or recreational drugs |
| Health | a serious medical condition, such as cancer |
| Social | having few friends, and feeling lonely or isolated |
A mental disorder is not a character flaw. It has nothing to do with being lazy or weak.
Getting a diagnosis
- A medical history.
- A physical exam, and possibly lab tests if your provider thinks another medical condition could be behind your symptoms.
- A psychological evaluation, in which you answer questions about your thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
Treatment
Treatment depends on which disorder you have and how serious it is. You and your provider work out a plan for you. It usually includes some kind of therapy, and you may also take medicines. Some people also need social support and education on managing their condition.
Some people need more intensive care in a psychiatric hospital — because the illness is severe, or because they are at risk of hurting themselves or someone else. There, treatment includes counseling, group discussions and activities with mental health professionals and other patients.
Sources
Based on "Mental Disorders," MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.
Licence: CC0 1.0 (public domain) · Adapted from medlineplus.gov
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