Psychological illness is a disorder that causes significant disturbances in a person’s thoughts, feelings, or behavior. These disturbances are unusual, self-defeating, and bothersome to others. The following are symptoms that may indicate psychological illness. If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you, please contact your doctor. You may be suffering from psychological illness. However, it is important to understand the symptoms of psychological illness so that you can deal with them appropriately.
Psychiatric diagnosis involves evaluating an individual’s appearance, behavior, self-reported symptoms, and life circumstances. A physical examination may be conducted to determine whether there is a physical condition. Psychological testing may be done through computerized tests, paper-and-pen questionnaires, or a combination of these methods. Psychological diagnosis is usually accompanied by comorbidity, meaning that a person may have a variety of problems at once.
Major depression is the most common type of psychological illness, affecting 60 million people worldwide. This disorder is characterized by major depressive episodes and moments of normal mood. Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, involves alternating “high” or pressured mood states. It can be treated with psychosocial support and medication. It can also be triggered by environmental stress. However, treatment will depend on the nature of the disorder and the individual.
The term ‘psychological illness’ has been the subject of numerous debates in the past. Psychiatric diagnosis has been viewed by many as a’sexist’ construct. It was widely accepted during the post-war era that women were more likely to develop psychiatric conditions. However, the material in this chapter argues for a more nuanced picture. While the prevalence of psychological illness is not equal across genders, women are twice as likely to develop psychiatric disorders than men.
A shift from asylum-based care to community treatment is also notable. By the late 19th century, insane asylums in western countries expanded rapidly due to industrialization. Various authorities developed different classification schemes to distinguish between different types of psychological illness. The term ‘psychiatry’ was coined in 1808 and medical superintendents were called alienists. During the turn of the century, psychoanalysis and other forms of psychological therapy gained momentum, and asylums were renamed as hospitals.
In some cases, a traumatic event can trigger the development of PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD include recurring flashbacks, intrusive images, or sensory impressions of the traumatic event. Reliving these events causes intense distress in a person, and the core symptoms of PTSD include difficulty concentrating, sleep problems, and irritability. People with PTSD also experience episodes of depression and are unable to feel happy or hopeful emotions. However, they can recover later.