Mental illnesses often strike without warning, altering the lives of victims in ways they could not have imagined. Effective treatments are available and commonly include psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, medication and group therapy. The National Alliance on Mental Illness says that 70 percent to 90 percent of mentally ill people substantially benefit from treatment.
Frequency
The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately one out of four adults has a mental illness, but children also can fall victim to a mental disorder. Men and women are almost equally affected, although the frequency of different illnesses varies by gender. Some people with a mental illness have two or more diagnoses. Many mentally ill Americans remain undiagnosed or do not seek treatment.
Classification
Mental disorders are generally classified as neurotic or psychotic. A person suffering form a neurosis is usually able to function in society and take care of herself. Someone suffering from a psychosis might need considerable assistance with activities of daily living. His thoughts are not based in reality; he might hear voices that he believes are real and he might respond to the commands given by the voices, even if it results in self-harm. Some blurring of the lines between neuroses and psychoses exists. A person suffering from an intense phase of a neurosis might have a brief psychotic episode. Proper medication might allow a person with a psychosis to think rationally.
Common Mental Disorders
Some mental disorders are more common. The National Institutes of Mental Health explains that more than 18 percent of Americans have an anxiety disorder. These include generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and similar disorders. Mood disorders also are prevalent, with more than 9 percent of Americans suffering from them each year. Common mood disorders include major depression and bipolar disorder. Personality disorders also affect more than 9 percent of the population and include avoidant, narcissistic, dependent, histrionic, schizoid, schizotypal, obsessive-compulsive, borderline, paranoid and anti-social personality disorders.
Causes
Mental illness often has no apparent cause. The individual might have a genetic predisposition or have lived in an unhealthy childhood environment. She might have been the victim of childhood neglect or physical, sexual or emotional abuse. She also might have been raised by a mentally ill caregiver. According to MayoClinic.com, hormonal or brain chemical imbalances can be responsible in some cases. A high-stress environment and repeated or significant loss can trigger mental illness.
Ramifications
Mental disorders can take a devastating toll on victims and their loved ones. This is especially true if treatment is not sought. Hospitalization, disability, incarceration and suicide are among the most devastating repercussions of untreated or poorly treated mental illness. Divorce, lost productivity, familial estrangement and substance abuse are often connected to mental illness.
References
- "Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Concepts of Care in Evidence-Based Practice"; Mary C. Townsend, M.N., A.P.R.N.; 2006
- National Institute of Mental Health: Statitistics
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: What Is Mental Illness: Mental Illness Facts
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America
- MayoClinic.com: Mental Illness: Causes
