What are the 7 types of mental disorders illnesses?

Mental disorders refer to disturbances in the brain, mind, and behavior that may cause problems with work, school, family, friends, and social activities. These disorders can be described as either mood or personality disorders. The categories of mood disorders include depression and bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness). The personality disorders include paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, antisocial, borderline, histrionic, narcissistic, avoidant, and dependent personality disorders.

1) Understanding mental illness

Mental illness is a serious topic that, for many people, can be hard to wrap their heads around. Although mental health is different for everyone, there are seven main classes of mental disorders that all share one thing in common: distress. These include schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), mood disorder (depression and bipolar), personality disorder, eating disorder (anorexia and bulimia), ADHD/ADD/HFA, and PTSD.

2) Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable, and irrational worry about everyday life events. People with GAD may recognize that their worries are illogical or exaggerated, but still, feel powerless to control them. They have difficulty in work or social settings due to a constant need for reassurance from others. These feelings can lead to depression and obsessive-compulsive behaviors like hand washing or avoiding certain situations. It can be hard for people with GAD to accept that they can’t simply get over it without treatment.

3) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

If you have the obsessive compulsive disorder, you may not be able to control repetitive behaviors and thoughts. Symptoms might include recurrent obsessive thoughts, uncontrollable urges to do things over and over again, or rituals that must be followed closely. Often these symptoms will worsen in times of increased stress or lack of sleep. There is no cure for OCD but it can be managed with medication and therapy.

4) Agoraphobia

Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder where you have an intense fear and dread about situations in which escape might be difficult. It often develops from having panic attacks, so it can feel like a panic attack is going to happen any second and cause more severe symptoms. Agoraphobia generally has three main types: (1) specific, (2) situational, and (3) social phobia. The DSM-5 uses this new phrase avoidant disorder to describe agoraphobia in all its forms, including when it is referred to as agoraphobic fears.

5) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a traumatic event such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or physical or sexual abuse. PTSD can cause sleep problems, mood swings, and irritation. There are over 100 symptoms that are typical for PTSD victims but only one is needed to qualify as an illness. About 60% of PTSD sufferers don't know they have it which means they will not seek treatment.

6) Depression

Depression is an illness that affects millions of people each year. It's a disorder that causes changes in mood and some physical problems. People who have depression find it hard to enjoy things, feel sad or hopeless all the time, and can lose interest in hobbies or activities they used to enjoy. They may also experience physical symptoms such as pain, changes in sleep patterns, digestive problems, and weight changes. While some people think only teenagers can get depressed, depression also affects adults, including those in their 20s and 30s as well as seniors who may be retired or living on their own for the first time. The risk of developing depression increases if you're struggling with a stressful life event like divorce or losing your job but sometimes depression occurs without any obvious reason at all.

7) Schizophrenia

There are many different types of mental disorders. Some well-known ones include depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a severe brain disorder that changes how people think, feel, and act. Individuals with schizophrenia can be successful in certain fields but they may struggle with holding down jobs or maintaining relationships with family members and friends. Schizophrenia can make life hard on both those who have it and those who love them.