A mental disorder, also known as a psychological disorder or a mental disorder, is usually a long-term or persistent pattern that causes serious impairment or distress for the person who suffers from it. These conditions often are not diagnosed or treated early, and a person with such a disorder may go untreated for years. As a result, a mental disorder can have devastating effects on a person’s life – including the quality and/or length of life.
An anxiety disorder is one type of mental disorders that includes panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and several other types of mood disorders. In addition, people with these conditions may experience symptoms like irritability, restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty sleeping, and fatigue. People who have been diagnosed with mood disorders typically experience problems in relationships, work and school performance, social relationships, and physical health. People who have experienced psychotic disorders may experience hallucinations, delusions, and false perceptions.
Eating disorders consist of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorders. People who have been suffering from these conditions for some time may develop anorexia or bulimia disorders. On the other hand, those who develop binge eating disorders are usually suffering from some form of body discomfort. Psychological illnesses like schizophrenia and personality disorders may also co-occur with eating disorders. People with pre-existing mental health issues are at a higher risk for developing eating disorders, which is why professionals who examine patients with these conditions are better able to identify potential disorders.
Schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression can be symptoms of other mental illnesses. For example, people with mood disorders may turn to substance abuse to alleviate feelings of sadness or grief. Substance abuse such as alcohol can be a precursor to more serious disorders like schizophrenia.
There are mental illnesses and health conditions that mirror symptoms of psychosis in varying degrees. People who experience hallucinations or delusions often suffer from drug abuse or dependence. A person with this type of mental illness may believe he or she is experiencing the world around them being changed or that they are seeing things that aren’t really there. The cause of this type of disorder is unknown, but it is common among those who have hallucinated in the past. People with bi-polar disorder are characterized by an alternating pattern of extreme emotions.
Those with major depression are likely to also have anxiety disorders. Anxiety is often considered a healthy human response to various situations. However, those who suffer from anxiety disorders may experience panic attacks that are disproportionate or irrational. People with psychotic disorders may experience hallucinations that cause them to lash out physically or emotionally. People with this type of mental disorder are at increased risk for suicide, substance abuse or dependence and depression. Psychotic disorders can also cause eating disorders and substance abuse due to their inability to control their compulsions or fears.
Those who have phobias may experience social anxiety when faced with social situations. People who experience panic attacks are usually the ones who suffer from social phobia. This mental health disorder is considered treatable if it is severe. People with this mental health disorders often believe that their fears are real. They may experience flushing, nausea, trembling or heart palpitations when exposed to the object of their phobias or when they have to speak or interact with others.
As you can see, different mental health disorders are often interrelated and related to one another. Sometimes people will suffer from one type of mental disorder but be fine otherwise. This does not always mean that they are abnormal; sometimes people get mixed up because they suffer from two or more mental disorders at once. It is important that you determine which mental disorders you are suffering from so that you will be able to treat them properly and thus prevent other mental health disorders that you may experience in the future.