Mental disorder

"Mental Illness" redirects here. For the album by Aimee Mann, see Mental Illness (album).

Mental disorder
Other namesMental breakdown, mental disability, mental disease, mental health condition, mental illness, nervous breakdown, psychiatric disability, psychiatric disorder, psychological disability, psychological disorder[1][2][3][4]
SpecialtyPsychiatry, clinical psychology
SymptomsAgitation, anxiety, depression, mania, paranoia, psychosis
ComplicationsCognitive impairment, social problems, suicide
TypesAnxiety disorders, eating disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders
CausesGenetic and environmental factors
TreatmentPsychotherapy and medications
MedicationAntidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, stimulants
Frequency18% per year (United States)[5]

A mental disorder, also referred to as a mental illness,[6] a mental health condition,[7] or a psychiatric disability,[2] is a behavioral or mental pattern that causes significant distress or impairment of personal functioning.[8] A mental disorder is also characterized by a clinically significant disturbance in an individual's cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior, often in a social context.[9][10] Such disturbances may occur as single episodes, may be persistent, or may be relapsing–remitting. There are many different types of mental disorders, with signs and symptoms that vary widely between specific disorders.[10][11] A mental disorder is one aspect of mental health.

The causes of mental disorders are often unclear. Theories incorporate findings from a range of fields. Disorders may be associated with particular regions or functions of the brain. Disorders are usually diagnosed or assessed by a mental health professional, such as a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse, or clinical social worker, using various methods such as psychometric tests, but often relying on observation and questioning. Cultural and religious beliefs, as well as social norms, should be taken into account when making a diagnosis.[12]

Services for mental disorders are usually based in psychiatric hospitals, outpatient clinics, or in the community, Treatments are provided by mental health professionals. Common treatment options are psychotherapy or psychiatric medication, while lifestyle changes, social interventions, peer support, and self-help are also options. In a minority of cases, there may be involuntary detention or treatment. Prevention programs have been shown to reduce depression.[10][13]

In 2019, common mental disorders around the globe include: depression, which affects about 264 million people; dementia, which affects about 50 million; bipolar disorder, which affects about 45 million; and schizophrenia and other psychoses, which affect about 20 million people.[10] Neurodevelopmental disorders include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability, of which onset occurs early in the developmental period.[14][10] 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.

  1. ^ "Applying for Disability Benefits with a Mental Illness". mhamd.org. Mental Health Association of Maryland. Archived from the original on 20 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  2. ^ a b Psychiatric Disabilities (PDF) (Report). Judicial Branch of California. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 February 2024. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  3. ^ "Psychological Disabilities". ws.edu. Walters State Community College. Archived from the original on 30 June 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
  4. ^ "Mental illness – Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. 8 June 2019. Archived from the original on 2 May 2022. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  5. ^ "Any Mental Illness (AMI) Among U.S. Adults". National Institute of Mental Health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Archived from the original on 7 April 2017. Retrieved 28 April 2017.
  6. ^ "Mental Disorders". Medline Plus. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 15 September 2014. Archived from the original on 15 April 2021. Retrieved 10 June 2016.
  7. ^ Phelan, Jo C.; Link, Bruce G.; Stueve, Ann; Pescosolido, Bernice A. (2000). "Public Conceptions of Mental Illness in 1950 and 1996: What Is Mental Illness and Is It to be Feared?". Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 41 (2): 188–207. doi:10.2307/2676305. ISSN 0022-1465. JSTOR 2676305. Archived from the original on 14 February 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  8. ^ Bolton D (2008). What is Mental Disorder?: An Essay in Philosophy, Science, and Values. OUP Oxford. p. 6. ISBN 978-0-19-856592-5.
  9. ^ Hofmann, Stefan G. (1 July 2014). "Toward a Cognitive-Behavioral Classification System for Mental Disorders". Behavior Therapy. 45 (4): 576–587. doi:10.1016/j.beth.2014.03.001. ISSN 0005-7894. PMC 4234113. PMID 24912469.
  10. ^ a b c d e "Mental disorders". World Health Organization. 22 June 2022. Archived from the original on 21 June 2022.
  11. ^ "Mental disorders". World Health Organization. 2016. Archived from the original on 29 March 2016. Retrieved 9 April 2016.
  12. ^ American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association. pp. 101–05. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596. ISBN 9780890425541.
  13. ^ Cite error: The named reference Jacka2017 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  14. ^ American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association. p. 31. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596. ISBN 9780890425541.