Nearly 25 percent of U.S. adults ages 18 and older have a diagnosable mental disorder each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The American Psychiatric Association acknowledges that most people with mental disorders continue to function in their daily activities with varying impairments. Nonetheless, many health problems and their symptoms go unrecognized and contribute to driving up overall health care costs.
Types
Anxiety disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism and personality disorders comprise the major categories of mental disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social phobia. Mood disorders include major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder or mild depression, bipolar disorder and suicide. Anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder are the primary eating disorders. Common personality disorders include anti-social personality disorder, avoidant personality disorder and borderline personality disorder.
Warning Signs
According to the American Psychiatric Association, a serious mental illness can occur when a person experiences several early warning signs that include recent social withdrawal and loss interest in others, uncharacteristic or peculiar behavior, unusual decline in functioning at school or work, dramatic changes in sleep, appetite and hygiene and mood swings. If left untreated, these early signs can progress into a mental illness. Early intervention can prevent a first psychotic episode or hospitalization.
Diagnosis
Mental health disorders cannot be based on warning signs and symptoms alone. Psychiatrists use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, also known as the DSM-IV, to diagnose mental disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health and the Surgeon General, the diagnosis of mental disorders is based on the patients’ reports of the intensity and duration of symptoms plus clinician observation of their signs and behavior, including functional impairment, from their mental status examination.
Co-Morbidities
Mental disorders are commonly associated with other conditions. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, substance abuse is a common co-morbidity of mood and anxiety disorders. The World Health Organization, also known as WHO, identifies mental disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, as a leading cause of disability. WHO also attributes that mental disorders affect and are affected by heart and cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions.
Treatments
According to the American Psychiatric Association, mental health disorders are treated with psychotherapy, drugs or other modalities. Psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, can help people with mental health disorders change their thoughts and behaviors and cope with daily activities. Antidepressant, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic and other psychopharmacologic medications can improve the balance of chemicals in the brain associated with mental health disorders. Other health problems affecting the body can be treated with the appropriate medication. A physician should be consulted before starting any type of treatment.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America
- American Psychiatric Association: Healthy Minds. Healthy Lives.
- American Psychiatric Association: Warning Signs of Major Mental Illnesses
- National Institute of Mental Health: Mental Health: A Report by the Surgeon General
- World Health Organization: Investing in Mental Health
