A psychological illness is a disorder that causes serious disturbances in a person’s behavior, thoughts and feelings. It can affect a person’s ability to function in everyday life, such as school or work, and may make it difficult to interact with others. Psychological disorders can range in severity from mild to severe.
Mental illnesses can be caused by a wide range of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry and environment. They also may be triggered by trauma or other stressful events in a person’s life.
Some types of mental illnesses are more common in certain populations. For example, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are more common in people from lower socioeconomic classes.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include: depression, anxiety and hallucinations.
Treatment for psychological illnesses is individualized and can involve therapy, medication or both. It can also include lifestyle changes that can improve a person’s coping skills and recovery.
The first step in determining whether a person has a psychological illness is to talk to a health care provider. A psychiatrist or other mental health professional can assess a person’s symptoms and make a diagnosis.
They can then help you understand what’s happening and develop a plan to deal with it. They can also provide support and advice for family members.
A person can have a mental illness at any time in their life, and the risk factors that cause it are different for every person. For example, people who are at risk of developing a mental illness may have a history of trauma or abuse, have low self-esteem, or have had a family member with a similar condition.
In some cases, people have mental illnesses as a result of other conditions, such as substance use disorders. For example, some people who have alcohol or drug abuse problems may also have a mental illness that affects their ability to control their behavior.
Many people who have a mental illness are also depressed, anxious or have difficulty making decisions. They may also have trouble concentrating or sleeping.
Some people with mental illnesses are able to treat themselves through self-help or support groups, or by working with a doctor. Other people have to go to a psychiatric hospital for treatment.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a psychological illness, it’s important to get treatment right away. Taking the steps to seek help can prevent a mental health crisis and make it easier for people to recover.
Often, people with mental illnesses can be very helpful to others who are struggling. For example, they can listen to others, offer advice or support and offer positive feedback on coping skills.
Psychological illnesses can be divided into two main groups: neuroses and psychosis.
Neuroses are less severe disorders in which a person’s personality remains intact, their ability to recognize reality is preserved, and they usually have a chance for a full recovery. Examples of neuroses are phobias (such as fear of flying), conversion disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.