What is a Mental Disorder?

Mental disorders, is a pattern of behavior or thought that causes significant distress or impairs personal functioning. These symptoms can be persistent, relapsing and remitting, or occur in isolated episodes. Many disorders have been described, with signs and symptoms varying greatly between them. A mental health professional, usually a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, can diagnose such disorders.

Mental disorders also called Mental Illness, are typically defined by how a person behaves, feels, perceives, or thinks. This is often associated with specific brain regions or functions in a social context. One aspect of mental health is a mental disorder. When making a diagnosis, cultural and religious beliefs, as well as social norms, should be considered.

The definition and classification of Psychiatric disorders are critical issues for researchers, service providers, and individuals who may be diagnosed. A mental state must generally cause dysfunction in order to be classified as a disorder. Most international clinical documents use the term "disorder," though "illness" is also commonly used. It has been noted that the term "mental" (i.e., of the mind) does not always imply separation from the brain or body.

What is Mental Disorder?

A mental disorder, according to the DSM-V, is a psychological syndrome or pattern that is associated with distress (e.g., via a painful symptom), disability (impairment in one or more important areas of functioning), increased risk of death, or causes a significant loss of autonomy; however, it excludes normal responses such as grief from the loss of a loved one, as well as deviant behavior for political, religious, or societal reasons that does not arise from a dysfunction individual.

Classification of Mental Disorders

There are currently two widely used classification systems for mental disorders:

1. ICD-10 Chapter V: Mental and behavioral disorders, part of the WHO's International Classification of Diseases since 1949

2. The APA's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) since 1952.

What are some Common examples of Mental Disorders?

There are numerous types of mental disorders. Among the most common are:

1. Panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias are examples of anxiety disorders.

2. Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders are examples of mood disorders.

3. Eating Disorders

4. Personality Disorders

5. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

6. Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders

What causes Mental Illness?

Mental Disorders does not have a single cause. A variety of factors can increase one's risk of developing mental illness, including:

1. Your ancestors and family history

2. Your life experiences, such as stress or a history of abuse, particularly if they occurred as a child

3. Chemical imbalances in the brain are examples of biological factors.

4. TBI stands for traumatic brain injury.

5. Exposure of a pregnant mother to viruses or toxic chemicals

6. Use of alcoholic beverages or recreational drugs

7. Being diagnosed with a serious medical condition, such as cancer

8. Feeling lonely or isolated because you have few friends.

Character flaws do not cause mental disorders. They have nothing to do with laziness or weakness.

Individuals who are at risk for Psychiatric Disorders?

Mental Disorders are common. At some point in their lives, more than half of all Americans will be diagnosed with a mental disorder.

Identification of Mental Disorders

The following steps are required to obtain a diagnosis:

1. A medical background

If your provider believes that other medical conditions are causing your symptoms, he or she will perform a physical exam and possibly lab tests.

2. A psychological assessment.

You'll be asked questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Treatment for Mental Disorders?

Treatment is determined by the type of mental disorder and its severity. You and your provider will devise a treatment plan that is unique to you. It is usually accompanied by some form of therapy. You may also use medications. Some people also require social support and education about how to manage their condition.

In some cases, more intensive treatment may be required. You may need to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital. This could be due to the severity of your mental illness. It could also be because you are in danger of hurting yourself or someone else. Counseling, group discussions, and activities with mental health professionals and other patients will take place in the hospital.