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Kinds of Mental Disorder
by Brooke Nichols
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Overview
Kinds of Mental Disorder
Some mental disorders, specifically mood and anxiety disorders, are more common than others. Mental conditions are identified using criteria based on symptom profiles listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the handbook that mental health clinicians use for diagnosis.
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Depressive Disorders
Identifying depression in individuals includes recognizing signs of chronic sadness, complaints of feeling "blue" or empty, changes in appetite and sleep, loss of pleasure, lethargy, decreased motivation and/or suicidal thoughts. Depression can range from mild to severe and help is sought when symptoms begin to interfere with daily functioning. Mild depression is sometimes called dysthymia; severe depression would include being at risk for suicide. Treatment for depressive disorders might include counseling and/or taking medication, such as an antidepressant.
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Anxiety Disorders
Identifying anxiety includes recognizing symptoms such as feeling keyed up, on edge, tense, restless or irritable with excessive worrying, and/or having difficulty concentrating. Anxiety can range from mild to severe and may include physical symptoms such as chest pain, sweating, flushing, abdominal distress or panic attacks. Treatment for anxiety may include teaching relaxation techniques and using medication such as a benzodiazepine or certain antidepressants.
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Bipolar Disorders
Bipolar disorders comprise symptoms consistent with depression and mania. Manic symptoms include subjective feelings of grandiosity, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, abnormally high levels of energy and creativity. People who are manic may sleep only two to three hours a night, and they may engage in high-risk behavior such as increased spending, illegal activity or changes in sexual behavior. Bipolar disorder can be mild to severe and inpatient care may be necessary. Bipolar disorder can be treated with medications including anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers.
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Psychotic Disorders
Identifying psychotic disorders includes recognizing symptoms that include paranoia, delusions, auditory or visual hallucinations. Psychotic symptoms can be present in major depression or bipolar disorder. Conditions such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are characterized by psychosis, the experience of hearing or seeing things that are not there. These symptoms do not respond well to therapy and typically require the use of medications such as traditional or atypical antipsychotics.
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Other Disorders
Other mental disorders include substance abuse or dependence, personality disorders, eating disorders and sexual disorders. The diagnosis of any mental disorder is a reflection of how symptoms are impacting school/work performance, relationships and overall level of functioning. Symptoms must cause a significant amount of distress in the individual in order to meet criteria for the diagnosis of any of these mental conditions.
