The term “nervous breakdown” has become a sham in the world of psychiatry because it describes an entire range of stress-related feelings and is largely irrelevant in the treatment of psychological illnesses. The term has been largely eliminated from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) since 1952. But it is still prevalent in popular culture. The diagnosis of psychological illness is often difficult, mainly because of the many different types and definitions of mental health conditions.
A psychological disorder is a condition in which a person’s beliefs and perceptions become distorted or misguided. Such disorders can occur due to genetic, biochemical, or social factors. Psychopathology encompasses various disorders, including mood, anxiety, and substance abuse. Behavior disorders are subsets of mental illness. Here are the most common types and causes. The following table outlines the most common forms of psychological illness. You may be able to identify symptoms in yourself or a loved one.
The term “psychological illness” is also used to describe disorders with a religious theme. For instance, ancient Mesopotamia believed that certain deities caused particular mental illnesses. As such, they labeled these illnesses as the “hands” of their gods. These “hands” were referred to as “Qat Istar” or the “Hand of Ishtar”.
The symptoms of psychological illness differ in adolescents. Younger adolescents exhibit anxiety-oriented symptoms, whereas older adolescents may show loss of interest, morbid thinking, and suicidal ideation. Sometimes, extreme depressive symptoms can develop into psychosis, with delusions and hallucinations. In such cases, it is best to seek help immediately. This can make symptoms worse or prevent a person from functioning at his or her maximum potential.
In the Middle Ages, the concept of madness was a combination of the diabolic and divine. The concept of madness also had a transcendental meaning. Although all accused witches were not actually mentally ill, the disease was often equated with witchcraft. The nineteenth century saw the growth of mental health services in Western countries, with a marked expansion in the number of asylums. The introduction of SSRI-type antidepressants and antipsychotics becoming the most common drugs prescribed globally.
Several factors play a role in the development of mental disorders, including genes, family history, and environmental factors. For example, traumatic brain injury and exposure to toxic chemicals during the mother’s pregnancy can both contribute to mental illness. Other causes include substance abuse, illegal drug use, and other health conditions. The treatment of mental health disorders depends on the type of disorder. Many mental illnesses require counseling. They can last for short periods or last for long periods.
Various studies have revealed that people of different ethnic groups may be more prone to psychiatric problems. For example, cross-cultural psychology studies have identified that women are more likely to develop psychotic illnesses than men. Cross-cultural psychologies are particularly useful for understanding the experiences of black and white soldiers in the Middle East. In addition, research has suggested that ethnic identity may contribute to psychological illness in the same way as ethnicity. This has led to the emergence of cross-cultural psychology as a major branch of research.