Mental Disorder

Mental disorder is a broad term which is used to refer a wide range of conditions, including several different disorders that affect mental health. These disorders include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Mental disorders can lead to severe impairment in functioning, which can affect one's ability to work, interact with others, or live a productive life. The exact causes of mental disorders are not always known. However, there are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of mental illness. These factors can include a person's biology, genetics, or environment. Biological factors may include brain chemistry, hormones, and brain functioning. Genetic factors related to mental illness can include mental illness in family members, or certain mutations at birth. Environmental factors may include exposure to traumatic events, family structure, or poverty. The prevalence of mental illness is quite high in the United States and around the world, affecting an approximate 25% of the population. This prevalence is even higher in certain populations, such as people of lower socioeconomic status and racial/ethnic minorities. One way to identify a mental disorder or mental illness is by the disturbance in a person's thoughts, feelings, or behavior. These disturbances may be long-standing, or they may come on suddenly, lasting for a short period of time. Common signs of mental disorder can include anxiety, depression, mood swings, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and changes in behavior. In diagnosing mental disorders, a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist, may look at the individual’s overall functioning, psychological tests, and assessments. Treatments may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, stress management, and medications. However, treatments may vary depending on the individual and the severity of the disorder. Mental disorder can be debilitating and difficult to cope with. Therefore, it is important to remember to get help if symptoms are causing serious distress or difficulty functioning. With the support of professionals and proper treatment, it is possible to reduce the impacts of mental disorder in an individual’s life.