"A mental disorder, also referred to as a mental illness or psychiatric disorder, is a behavioral or mental pattern that causes significant distress or impairment of personal functioning. A mental disorder is also characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior."
The brain disorders that affect behavior, mood, and cognition. Learn about the major types of psychiatric disorders, their causes, and their treatment.
Abnormal Psychology: A branch of psychology that studies unusual or abnormal behavior patterns, thoughts, and emotions.
Brain Anatomy: The structure and organization of the human brain, including the different regions, functions, and connections in the nervous system.
Neurochemistry: The study of how neurotransmitters and other chemicals in the brain affect behavior and mental health.
Genetics and Behavioral Genetics: How genetics play a role in developing psychiatric disorders, and how certain traits may be passed down through families.
Psychopharmacology: The study of medications used to treat psychiatric disorders, including their effects on the brain and potential side effects.
Neuropsychology: The study of how brain injuries, diseases, or disorders affect cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions.
Social Psychology: How social interactions and relationships can affect mental health and contribute to certain disorders.
Developmental Psychology: How childhood experiences and development can impact mental health and contribute to psychiatric disorders later in life.
Psychotherapy and Counseling: Different types of talk therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, humanistic therapy, and psychodynamic therapy.
Diagnosis and Assessment: The different methods used to assess and diagnose psychiatric disorders, including clinical interviews, psychological testing, and observations.
Anxiety Disorders: Excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, events, or activities.
Mood Disorders: A category of mental illnesses characterized by prolonged periods of depression, mania, or both.
Personality Disorders: A group of mental disorders characterized by rigid and lasting patterns of behavior, thought, and emotion that differ significantly from the person's culture.
Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders: A serious mental illness characterized by disordered thinking, delusions, hallucinations, and abnormal movements.
Substance Use Disorders: A pattern of substance use, often including alcohol or drugs, that leads to significant distress and impairment.
Eating Disorders: A group of serious mental illnesses characterized by disturbances in eating behavior and related thoughts and emotions.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): A mental illness characterized by obsessive and compulsive behaviors and thoughts.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A mental illness that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.
Autism Spectrum Disorder: Developmental disorders that affect communication, social interaction, and behavior.
"The causes of mental disorders are often unclear. Theories may incorporate findings from a range of fields."
"Such disorders may be diagnosed by a mental health professional, usually a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist."
"Assessments are carried out by mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and clinical social workers."
"Psychotherapy and psychiatric medication are two major treatment options. Other treatments include lifestyle changes, social interventions, peer support, and self-help."
"Cultural and religious beliefs, as well as social norms, should be taken into account when making a diagnosis."
"In 2019, common mental disorders around the globe include depression, which affects about 264 million people; bipolar disorder, which affects about 45 million; dementia, which affects about 50 million; and schizophrenia and other psychoses, which affect about 20 million people."
"Neurodevelopmental disorders include, i.a. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability, of which onset occurs early in the developmental period."
"A mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior. It is usually associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning."
"Many disorders have been described, with signs and symptoms that vary widely between specific disorders."
"Such features may be persistent, relapsing and remitting, or occur as single episodes."
"This may be associated with particular regions or functions of the brain, often in a social context."
"Using various methods such as psychometric tests but often relying on observation and questioning."
"Stigma and discrimination can add to the suffering and disability associated with mental disorders, leading to various social movements attempting to increase understanding and challenge social exclusion."
"Prevention programs have been shown to reduce depression."
"In a minority of cases, there might be involuntary detention or treatment."
"A mental disorder is characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior."
"Services are based in psychiatric hospitals or in the community, and assessments are carried out by mental health professionals."
"Other treatments include lifestyle changes, social interventions, peer support, and self-help."
"Treatments are provided by various mental health professionals."