The following are some of the most common types of mental illnesses:
Mood problems (such as depression or bipolar disorder) Anxiety problems abnormalities of the personality psychiatric illnesses (such as schizophrenia) disordered eating Trauma-related illnesses (such as post-traumatic stress disorder) Disorders of substance abuse
The diagnosis of a mental disorder is sometimes contentious. In the medical world, there has been much discussion concerning what constitutes a mental illness. Our civilization and culture can influence the definition, yet most mental diseases occur in all countries and cultures. This implies that they are shaped not only by societal norms and expectations but also by biological and psychological factors.
There are numerous ailments that are classified as mental illnesses. The following are some of the most frequent types:
Anxiety disorders are characterized by fear and dread in response to particular things or situations, as well as physical indicators of anxiety or panic, such as a racing heart and sweating. An anxiety disorder is diagnosed when a person’s response is inappropriate for the scenario, they are unable to control their response, or their anxiety interferes with their ability to operate normally. Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and particular phobias are all anxiety disorders.
Mood disorders, often known as affective disorders, are characterized by chronic feelings of despair, times of excessive happiness, or swings from intense happiness to extreme sadness.
Depression, bipolar disorder, and cyclothymic disorder are the most common mood disorders.
Psychotic disorders are characterized by altered consciousness and thought. Hallucinations — the perception of unreal pictures or sounds, such as hearing voices — and delusions — incorrect fixed beliefs that the ill person accepts as true despite evidence to the contrary — are two of the most common symptoms of psychotic diseases. A psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia is an example.
Eating disorders are characterized by the severe weight and food-related emotions, attitudes, and actions. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.
Impulse control and addiction problems: People with impulse control disorders can’t control their urges, or impulses, to do things that are potentially damaging to themselves or others. Impulse control disorders include pyromania (starting fires), kleptomania (stealing), and excessive gambling. Addictions to alcohol and drugs are very frequent. People with these disorders frequently become so engrossed in their addictions that they neglect their obligations and relationships.
Personality disorders are characterized by strong and rigid personality features that are distressing to the individual and/or cause issues at work, school, or in social relationships.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness in which people are troubled by intrusive thoughts or concerns that drive them to undertake rituals or routines. Obsessions are uncontrollable ideas, and compulsions are rituals. A person with an irrational fear of germs who washes their hands all the time is an example.
PTSD is a condition that can develop after a traumatic and/or distressing incident, such as a sexual or physical attack, the untimely death of a loved one, or a natural disaster. People with PTSD are typically emotionally numb and have persistent and frightening thoughts and memories of the event.
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