Mental disorders are conditions that affect your thoughts, emotions and behavior. There are more than 200 types, like depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. You may have mood swings, appetite changes, hallucinations or loss of interest. Treatment, like therapy and medications, may help you manage symptoms.
What is a Mental Disorder?
A mental health disorder, also known as a mental illness or psychiatric disorder, is a condition that affects the way you think and behave. It also influences your emotions and how you regulate them. You may feel anxious or empty, have racing thoughts or have trouble eating or sleeping.
There are several different types. They may impact your ability to function at home, work or school.
Mental disorders are common. About 1 in every 8 people around the world lives with one of these disorders.
No matter what you’re feeling, help is available.
Symptoms and Causes
Mental disorder symptoms
Mental health conditions can lead to a broad range of symptoms. These vary based on the type, but may include:
- Behavior that seems out of character
- Changes in appetite, daily functioning
- Difficulty identifying reality (hallucinations or delusions)
- Excessive worry, fear or unusual thoughts
- Feeling disconnected from yourself or others
- Heightened sensitivity to light, sound or smell
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Mood swings or exaggerated emotions
- Performance issues at work or school, or relationship challenges
- Self-harm or thoughts of suicide
- Trouble sleeping
Mental disorders in children may affect how they think, feel and behave. You might notice that your child has:
- Difficulty sitting still or paying attention
- Excessive worry or fear, like not wanting to go to bed (nightmares)
- Decreased interest in their favorite activities
- Frequent tantrums, defiance or aggressive behavior
- Problems at school or with friends
A person doesn’t have to have all of these symptoms to receive a diagnosis. But, experiencing a few may be a sign to talk to a healthcare provider.
Mental disorder causes
Many factors may contribute to the development of a psychiatric disorder. These could include:
- Genetics: You may inherit genes that increase your risk of certain mental health conditions. However, having these genes doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop the disorder.
- Brain chemistry and function: Your brain uses chemicals called neurotransmitters to help control your mood and behavior. Disruptions in how these chemicals work may lead to mental disorders.
- Life experiences and environment: Stressful experiences, especially early in life, may increase your risk. Also, factors like substance use, availability of social support and chronic medical conditions may play a role.
Risk factors
- Experienced abuse or trauma
- Experienced significant stress, like the loss of a loved one
- Feel isolated or lonely
- Had a traumatic brain injury
- Had exposure to viruses, toxic chemicals or substances (like alcohol) before birth
- Have a biological family history of the condition
- Have a chemical imbalance in your brain
- Have a chronic or serious medical condition (like pain or cancer)
- Use addictive substances
What can I expect if I have a mental disorder?
Treatment may help you feel better and make it easier to get through your day. It often takes time, and you may not feel better right away. But progress is possible. Your care team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan based on your goals. You’ll be able to set your own pace and adjust your goals as your needs change.
Some conditions may improve over time, but others require long-term management. A healthcare provider can guide you through that process and help you adapt your treatment as needed.