Psychological illness is an umbrella term for a group of medical conditions that affect the mind and affect how you think, feel and behave. They can have a physical or mental cause, and they can be triggered by different factors. There is no single cause for psychological illness, but it is caused by a combination of genetics, how your brain works, how you grew up, your environment and your life experiences.
The term mental illness was first used in 19th century Europe, to describe conditions and difficulties that were treated as a disease rather than as an ordinary human experience or a psychological problem. This is known as the “medicalization” of mental disorders and problems.
It can be difficult to diagnose a mental illness because the symptoms vary widely and are not always obvious. Usually, a doctor or mental health professional must perform a thorough physical exam and run lab tests to find out what might be causing your symptoms.
There are several standardized classification systems for mental disorders. These include the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. These classifications list categories of disorders and provide standardized criteria for diagnosis.
A mental illness is a chronic condition that can impact your daily life and the people around you. It can cause severe distress and disability. It can also lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Some mental illnesses are characterized by extreme mood swings, such as bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. They can be triggered by stress, anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse, or other situations that cause emotional instability.
They can also be triggered by traumatic events or accidents. For example, a traumatic event such as a car accident can trigger an episode of PTSD, which is a condition that can cause severe depression and anxiety.
Other symptoms of a mental illness can include poor sleep, feeling down or hopeless, feelings of anger or violence, and trouble with memory or concentration. Often, these symptoms are worse during the onset of the illness or when it is particularly bad.
These symptoms can interfere with a person’s normal daily activities and make it hard to work or study. They can also cause people to avoid social situations or isolate themselves from others.
It can be a challenge to get a mental illness diagnosed because of the stigma that surrounds it. Stigma leads to feelings of shame and embarrassment, which can prevent people from seeking treatment. It can also keep them from talking about their issues, which can help them gain a better understanding of their symptoms and their treatment options.
There are a number of ways to reduce the stigma of a mental illness. The American Psychiatric Association has launched several initiatives to educate the public about mental illnesses and their treatments. The association also sponsors conferences and other events to raise awareness about the symptoms and treatment of mental illnesses.