Mental disorder:
Mental Disorder
Overview What is a mental disorder? A mental disorder
(MD) is any persistent pattern of thinking or behavior that includes at least
one symptom. In order to be diagnosed with a MD you must have a disturbance in
your ability to function for more than 6 months. Often the symptoms get worse
during this period. How common are mental disorders? There has been no official
estimate of prevalence rates of mental disorders in the United States, but
reports indicate that depression alone accounts for about 10% of all adult
Americans. The National Institute of Health estimates that approximately one
person in six will experience a major depressive episode during their lifetime.
Depression can take different forms. Major depression affects many people and
appears before other events, while dysthymia means symptoms remain dormant for
several years before reappearing. People may be aware they have a mental
disorder in early life or develop it later in their lives. Causes What causes a
mental disorder? Research indicates there are at least three common factors
associated with some mental disorders. They include: Generalized anxiety
disorder : The most common one of these mental disorder causing conditions.
This is the fear of everything, causing feelings of constant tension and
nervousness. Excess worries, worries that don’t contribute to someone’s sense
of safety, thoughts of death and death often accompany this condition. Anxiety
makes everyday, seemingly mundane tasks seem very dangerous. Specific phobias:
It is possible that an individual suffers from a specific phobia. Sometimes a
person with a phobia develops new fears after experiencing them first. These
fears never go away, even when the threat subsides. For instance, a man who
once feared spiders now faces the possibility of catching fire after previously
being afraid of dogs. Schizophrenia: This disorder occurs when the brain
malfunctions or develops abnormal social interactions, which disrupts the way
we think, feel, talk and behave. It usually involves hallucinations and
delusions. Personality disorders: The cause of personality disorders has long
been debated. Some studies suggest a genetic factor; others believe it is
caused by environmental factors. However, research suggests that both of these
conditions can exist in the same person. Symptoms and disabilities What are the
different features of mental disorders? To better understand a medical problem
you need to know what the signs and symptoms actually look like. Many different
psychiatric disorders involve symptoms that differ slightly in definition and
severity. Below are some examples. Depressive disorders : Your mood and energy
level go down, almost constantly, especially on certain days. You may also have
extreme feelings of hopelessness or doom. Mood swings vary too. Mania is
described as feeling out of control and intense energy. Hypomanic conditions:
People with this type of disorder may feel euphoric and excited, but then have
difficulty stopping themselves and falling into another manic state. Cyclothymia
disorders: You may keep having attacks or periods when your body temperature
rises. These can last anywhere from minutes to hours. Psychotic disorders :
When talking with family members, friends and yourself about things, they can
hear voices speaking through them. That might sound scary, but some researchers
believe that these voice messages are coming to us from our brains. Neurotic
disorders: A neurological disorder that happens because your nerves are not
working properly or don’t work well. Other symptoms include unusual sensations
or movements, sometimes experienced in a painful manner. Eating disorders: An
eating disorder refers to a serious concern about weight. While many people
have an issue with overeating, others have trouble losing weight or managing
their diet. Weight issues or related problems often start early in life and
affect every aspect of life. All causes
of mental illness How common is the cause of mental disorders? Although
researchers haven’t yet determined causes of mental disorders, it is believed
an individual’s genetics play a role in how the condition manifests. Genetics
is linked to a broad range of disorders, from Huntington’s disease to
schizophrenia. Age plays a role, too. Children, teens and adults can suffer
from mental illnesses. Researchers don’t agree on how many kinds of mental
illness there are, though. Another important element is gender. Women are at
higher risk for bipolar disorder than men.
Types of mental disorders There are many types of mental
disorders. Each form might manifest differently, depending on the person’s age,
gender and genetics. The best method of treatment depends on the cause, how
severe an issue the person has, and available resources. How is a mental
disorder diagnosed? Doctors use special tests with questions about specific
health history. Tests to help diagnose a particular disorders include: Blood
tests: Are designed to check blood counts. Electroretinography ( ERG): Used to
measure brain activity. Brain scan: Performs high-intensity scans of the head
and brain. Emotions or facial expressions: Studies show that facial expressions
reveal a lot about how a person feels about something at a given time.
Electroencephalography (EEG): An electro-mechanical device that records
electrical signals generated by nerve cells. Treatment options for mental
health disorders If you suspect a mental illness, ask a doctor for immediate
advice. He or she can arrange regular checks and treatment. It’s extremely
important to do so, since if you leave untreated, your problems could become
more serious and lead to complications.
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