The term “Mental Disorder” is used to describe a wide variety of mental disorders which can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life. The term was first used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV (DSM IV). Today, the revised DSM IV includes a list of over forty mental disorders. These include but are not limited to: bi-polar disorder, major depressive episode, dysthymia, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, reactive depression, social phobia, and specific learning disabilities. Each of these conditions has its own unique characteristics and there is often comorbidity with other mental health issues.
Each of the above conditions is usually characterized by a negative or dysfunctional attitude and behavior. Someone who has one may also have problems with, or be dependent upon, another mental health issue. This is why getting help for someone who may have a mental disorder is extremely important.
People with co-occurring disorders are even more vulnerable to developing a mental illness. For example, if you have a co-occurring anxiety disorder along with a mood disorder, it can have a devastating effect on your quality of life. In addition, people who are bipolar or suffer from bi-polar disorder are very often at risk of developing a mood disorder as well as a behavioral disorder.
Each of these disorders can have serious ramifications on your quality of life. If you, or someone you know, may be suffering from any of these disorders, then getting help is imperative. It is vital that people with these types of mental illnesses get the help that they need. This is why it is so critical that you get in contact with a qualified and licensed mental health specialist as soon as possible.
A mental health specialist will have the ability to properly diagnose your symptoms and provide you with the treatment that you need. They will also help you to understand your mental health issues and what the course of treatment for your particular disorder may be. Even though most mental health disorders are usually treatable, there are instances when a person may have to make a decision about clinical treatment. The term ‘comparative therapy’ is used to describe the treatment that a mental health professional will use to evaluate your disorder and help you to determine how it should be treated. For example, a person who has Bipolar Disorder but who also suffers from panic attacks could be prescribed medication such as antidepressants to help them cope with their disorder.
When you first begin to work with a mental disorder specialist, they will be able to help you recognize the signs of various disorders and work with you to develop the most effective treatment plan. However, it may become necessary to switch doctors or to change the type of medication that you are taking. Because every case is different, it is not always possible to give the same type of treatment to every patient. This means that you may have to try several different options before finding one that works for you.
If you do choose to change doctors or change the type of medication that you are taking, make sure that you discuss the decision with your doctor. He or she can help you work out payment plans or payment arrangements with insurance companies to make sure that you are able to continue to receive treatment and that your co-payment is not going to increase due to increased coverage. It is important that you feel comfortable with your mental health care team. They should work closely with you and your family to ensure that you get the treatment that you need.
Because many mental disorders are usually chronic, you may also need to consider making lifestyle changes. In addition to seeing a mental health professional, you may also want to start a small exercise routine to help keep your body in shape. Sometimes people with mental illness choose to avoid treatment simply because they are not ready to face the challenges that accompany living with a mental disorder. But if you are ready to make the necessary changes, there are support groups and programs that can help you do so. You just have to take an active role in making them happen.