Psychological Mental Disorders
Psychological mental disorders, also known as mental illnesses or mental health conditions, are patterns of symptoms that cause distress and can negatively affect personal, social, or work life. They are characterized by issues regarding mood, thoughts, and behavior. These disorders can be temporary or lifelong.
Common Types of Psychological Disorders
1. Anxiety Disorders: These are defined by disproportionately high levels of fear, anxiety, and avoidance in response to certain objects or situations. Common types include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
2. Mood Disorders: These affect your mood and include depressive disorders and bipolar disorders. Depressive disorders involve sad, empty, or irritable moods along with physical and cognitive changes that affect your ability to function. Bipolar disorders involve periods of depression and mania.
3. Substance Use Disorders: These involve the overuse or dependence on a drug or other substance.
4. Schizophrenia: This is a serious mental disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally.
5. Eating Disorders: These are characterized by abnormal or disturbed eating habits.
6. Stress-Related Disorders: These are a group of conditions that occur as a result of a traumatic event, stressful life events, or physical illness.
7. Dissociative Disorders: These involve experiencing a disconnection and lack of continuity between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions, and identity.
8. Neurodevelopmental Disorders: These are impairments of the growth and development of the brain or central nervous system.
9. Personality Disorders: These are a type of mental disorder in which you have a rigid and unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behaving.
10. Sexual Dysfunction Disorders: These are problems that prevent the individual from experiencing satisfaction from the sexual activity.
11. Sleep Disorders: These are changes in sleeping patterns or habits that can negatively affect health.
12. Neurocognitive Disorders: These are characterized by acquired deficits in cognitive function.
Prevalence and Treatment
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, mental illness affects around 1 in 5 adults in the United States. Depressive disorders and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders. Most mental health conditions are treatable, often through talk therapy (psychotherapy), medication, or both.
Conclusion
Psychological mental disorders are common and can significantly impact an individual’s life. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals with these disorders can lead healthy and productive lives. It’s important to seek help if you or someone you know is dealing with a mental health issue.
