Millions Of People And Their Families Need To Know About Major Depression

There are nearly 300 mental disorders currently defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The problem is that there is no way to predict which mental disorder will show up in a person because we are all unique. However, there are some common characteristics that each mental disorder has that can help those in diagnosis to better understand the person who may be displaying the behavior. If you or someone you know may be displaying one or more of these mental disorder behaviors, it is important to seek treatment immediately.

An anxiety disorder is classified as a mental health condition in which there is an intense feeling of fear, apprehension, or worry that usually does not go away. Someone who suffers from this type of anxiety must learn how to cope with his or her anxiety before it interferes with day-to-day activities. People who suffer from this mental disorder must learn how to face their fears and deal with them in a positive manner or they will not be able to cope with their daily lives. Two of the most common symptoms of anxiety are panic attacks and obsessive compulsive behavior. If you or your loved one is showing signs of excessive worrying or is constantly worried about things that do not need to matter, you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder.

Another type of mental disorder is characterized as a social phobia. A person with a social phobia will have an extreme fear of being watched or judged by others. They may become very self-conscious about things like shopping or eating in front of other people. If left untreated, these individuals will spend a great deal of time in isolation, feeling alone and out of place. Fortunately, several of the symptoms of social phobia can be treated with therapy and medications.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another of the mental health problems listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). PTSD is an overwhelming and emotional experience resulting from an experience in which a person endured serious physical or psychological harm. The act of returning to a traumatic situation repeatedly in the victim’s life may cause permanent symptoms. As the name suggests, the victim may develop PTSD if they were in a war. Other common causes of PTSD include experiencing sexual assault or rape, natural disasters or the death of a loved one.

Schizophrenia is another condition that falls under the category of mental disorder and is marked by an abnormal amount of concentration, thought processes or behavior. Schizophrenia is the most prevalent of all mental disorders, affecting millions of Americans. It is estimated that one out of every 100 adults has the disorder, with young adults aged 20 and above accounting for the largest majority of cases. Worldwide, the prevalence of schizophrenia has increased over the past few years, particularly in urban areas and countries with higher immigration levels and higher unemployment rates.

The Mood Disorders: There are currently six officially recognized mood disorders, including major depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, psychosis and cyclothymia. These mental disorders can affect anyone at any time and in any form, including teenagers, adults, children and the elderly. A bipolar disorder is when the sufferer experiences a period of abnormally elevated or low levels of moods, or mania. This can happen for days, weeks or even months at a time, and is typically caused by changes in the chemical or neurological systems that control moods. When this occurs, it can result in a person either feeling overwhelmingly elated or overwhelmed, and in severe cases can result in mania and hallucinations.

One of the more common conditions caused by mental disorders is depression. Millions of people deal with depression every day, and with some forms of depression, it can lead to a full-blown psychotic episode. Another form of depression is dysthymia. This is characterized by brief periods of mild depression followed by periods of normal moods.

The effects of these mental disorders can range from lessened ability to work to major depression. It is important to understand what you are suffering from, which is why it is so important to go to a doctor if you or someone you know has any type of major depression, bipolar disorder or other type. The earlier that this condition is detected, the quicker the recovery process can begin. If you have a loved one who is suffering from this illness, there is help available for them as well.