Mental illness

What is Mental Illness?
Mental illness refers to a wide range of health conditions—disorders that affect your mood, thinking, and behavior. Examples include depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors.

A mental health concern becomes a "mental illness" when ongoing signs and symptoms cause frequent stress and affect your ability to function in daily life.

⚠️ EMERGENCY HELP
Suicidal thoughts are common with some mental illnesses. If you think you may hurt yourself:

• Call your local emergency number immediately.
• Reach out to a close friend or loved one.
• Contact a suicide prevention hotline.

Suicidal thinking doesn't get better on its own — please get help.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the disorder, but common signs include:

• Emotional: Feeling sad, excessive fears, extreme mood changes (highs and lows), or intense anger.
• Cognitive: Confused thinking, reduced ability to concentrate, or detachment from reality (delusions/hallucinations).
• Behavioral: Withdrawal from friends, inability to cope with daily stress, or drug/alcohol abuse.
• Physical: Significant tiredness, sleeping problems, or unexplained aches and pains.

Causes

Mental illnesses are thought to be caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors:

• Inherited Traits: Mental illness is more common in people whose blood relatives also have a mental illness.
• Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in natural brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) play a role.
• Environmental Exposure: Exposure to viruses, toxins, alcohol, or drugs while in the womb.
• Life Experiences: Trauma, abuse, or high stress can trigger onset.

Common Classes of Mental Illness

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) categorizes disorders into classes:

• Mood Disorders: Depression, Bipolar disorder.
• Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety, Panic disorder, Phobias.
• Psychotic Disorders: Schizophrenia (detachment from reality).
• Eating Disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia.
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Autism, ADHD.
• Trauma-Related Disorders: PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
• Personality Disorders: Borderline or Antisocial personality disorders.

Complications

Untreated mental illness can cause severe problems:

• Family conflicts and relationship difficulties.
• Social isolation.
• Poverty, homelessness, or job loss.
• Weakened immune system.
• Self-harm or harm to others.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis usually involves:

1. Physical Exam: To rule out physical problems causing symptoms.
2. Lab Tests: Screening for thyroid function or drugs/alcohol.
3. Psychological Evaluation: Discussing thoughts, feelings, and behavior patterns with a doctor.

Treatment

Treatment is personalized but usually involves a combination of the following:

1. Medications

• Antidepressants: Treat depression and anxiety.
• Mood Stabilizers: Treat bipolar disorder.
• Antipsychotics: Treat schizophrenia and psychotic disorders.
• Anti-anxiety Medications: Treat panic disorders (short-term use).

2. Psychotherapy

Also known as "talk therapy." It helps patients understand their condition, mood, and feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a common effective method.

3. Brain Stimulation

Treatments like Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) are reserved for cases where medication has not worked.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.