Diagnoses of mental illness in the United States are based on criteria set forth by the American Psychiatric Association in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders." According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately one in four Americans suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. Therefore, their symptoms not only meet the required frequency and duration set forth in the manual, but also significantly interfere with their ability to function in a social and/or occupational capacity.
Types
The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" classifies mental illnesses by disorder type. For instance, there are mood disorders, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Common mood disorders include major depression and bipolar disorder. Anxiety disorders include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder and phobias. The two main types of eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Insomnia, narcolepsy and nightmares are examples of sleep disorders. Hallucinations and delusions are the hallmarks of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia.
Effects
The effects of mental illness are far-reaching. Sufferers of mental illnesses as well as their family members are faced with a number of obstacles as a result of their disorder. Due to deficits in functioning, sufferers may be unable to fulfill personal, financial or family obligations. Family members may have to provide emotional as well as monetary support. In extreme cases, mental disorders can disable and even incapacitate people. Mental illness may prevent some from caring for themselves or others, holding down a job or maintaining relationships.
Misconceptions
Despite its prevalence in society today, mental illness continues to be something that is not completely understood or accepted by everyone. A common misconception is that what the sufferer is experiencing is all in her head. According to Dr. Rohan Ganguli, research has shown that the majority of the public has difficulty accepting a mentally ill person as an employee, tenant, neighbor or spouse. The stigma attached to the mentally ill can cause them to keep their disorder a secret, to not seek help or to refuse treatment. Some individuals, including those with a mental disorder, hold the belief that mental illness is a personal weakness or failure. They may either fail to acknowledge the existence of mental illness or refuse to equate it with seriousness of physical ailments.
Considerations
Having a mental disorder is not somebody's fault. Mental illness has a strong genetic component. If someone in the family has a mental disorder, family members are typically at increased risk for that specific disorder as well as a related disorder. Also, many disorders are biologically based. The physical and emotional symptoms can be caused and exacerbated by chemical imbalances in the brain. How someone copes with his illness is in his control. Untreated mental illness can cause existing symptoms to worsen, new symptoms to develop and even lead to suicide ideation, self-harm or death.
Prevention/Solution
Mental health disorders can be managed with the help of therapy, medication or a combination of the two. Medication may initially be prescribed by a person's primary doctor; however, it is preferable to have a psychiatrist regulate these medications. Psychiatrists may also provide counseling or it can be sought from a psychologist, social worker, therapist or counselor. The availability of support from friends and family members is also beneficial to a person with a mental illness since she often feels alone and misunderstood.
