8686 139 139What is Mental Illness?
A mental illness, like physical illness, is a health condition that affects a person emotionally, psychologically and behaviorally; and causes distress or impairment in one or more areas of functioning. It requires a diagnosis under the DSM criteria given by APA and treatment for the same. Some mental illnesses can be cured while others can be managed with treatment.
Types of mental illnesses
Mood disorders
Description :
Mood disturbances that are severe and prolonged
Types :
Depression, bipolar disorder and other clinically diagnosed mood disorders.
Anxiety disorders
Description :
Conditions characterized by high levels of anxiety
Types :
Generalized anxiety disorder, phobias, social anxiety
Personality disorders
Description :
Condition that affects thoughts, emotions and behavior of a person
Types :
Borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder
Psychotic disorders
Description :
Mental illnesses that have psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions or paranoia.
Types :
Schizophrenia, delusional disorder, brief psychotic disorder
Eating disorders
Description :
Unhealthy eating patterns that cause emotional and physical harm
Types :
Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa
Trauma-related disorders
Description :
Illness caused due to the impact of trauma in one’s life
Types :
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Substance abuse
Description :
Condition in which the person has a dependency on a substance despite it causing harm to them
Types :
Nicotine or alcohol addiction
