Psychological illness is the term used to describe an abnormal state of the mind, such as depression, anxiety, or other disorders. Its definition is based on the fact that an individual exhibits a specific pattern of behavior that has a definite causal relationship with their distress, disability, or risk of suffering. Furthermore, the pattern of behaviour must be unusual and not an expected cultural response.
Psychological disorders have a profound impact on human cognition, emotion, and behavior. They can either be adaptive or maladaptive, affecting the way a person lives their life. The etiology of psychiatric disorders has changed significantly over the course of history, but some core principles remain the same.
The evolution of psychiatric practice can be traced back to the 1940s. Some clinicians thought there was only one organic type of depression, while others advocated the concept of two or more discrete types. These were endogenous depression, the classic form of melancholic depression, and exogenous depression, which was characterized by a tendency to experience distress in response to environmental stress.
Bipolar disorder is one of the most common psychological illnesses and has a huge impact on countless numbers of people. Its symptoms include periods of sadness and hopelessness and periods of extreme energy. Some people even experience mania or hypomania. Regardless of the type of bipolar disorder, treatment options for these disorders include psychosocial support and medications.
Clinical psychologists use standardized guidelines and symptom lists to diagnose patients. The latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) provides a detailed description of each disorder and its treatments. However, the classification of psychological disorders can be complicated because they are not always clear. And in some cases, symptoms may overlap.
If you suspect that you are suffering from a mental health disorder, call a mental health clinic to get help. Unfortunately, problems rarely resolve on their own. But it doesn’t mean that you have to suffer in silence. Seeking professional help can be an important step in overcoming unhappiness and other negative emotions.
The stigma associated with psychological illness makes it difficult for individuals to get adequate treatment. Moreover, the media portrays mental illness in a negative light. Even children’s cartoons portray individuals with a mental illness in a bad light, which further adds to the stigma associated with it. Fortunately, more sensitive portrayals of psychological illnesses have become commonplace in recent years.
Psychological illness affects every aspect of life. It can have severe consequences on a person’s family and community. Support from friends and family members is crucial for a person to overcome the difficulties of their condition. At Discher and Associates, we understand the emotional and psychological distress caused by such a disorder. It interrupts a person’s thinking and emotional functioning, preventing a normal life.
Psychological illness is a serious condition and is often life threatening. Statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) indicate that there are approximately eleven million adults in the U.S. who suffer from serious mental illness each year. This represents 4.5% of the adult population. According to the NIMH, the prevalence of severe mental illness is higher in women than in men. Exposure to violence, bullying, and other traumatic events during childhood increase the likelihood of developing mental illnesses. The severity of the exposure, however, may vary.