The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 26.2 percent of people in the United States suffer from a mental disorder in any given year. Specifically, mental disorders refer to mental illness, in which mood can be affected. For example, a person may chronically feel sad, but another person might hallucinate and see things that aren't there. Unfortunately, people may focus only on physical ailments and may ignore mental illness.
Major Depression
Major depression refers to a disease in which those affected display five or more depression symptoms for about two weeks or more, says MedlinePlus. Symptoms of major depression include restlessness, irritability, weight loss, fatigue, trouble sleeping, suicidal thoughts and changes in appetite. Major depression can also lead to feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness. Excessive sleeping and lack of a sex drive are other symptoms of this mental illness.
MedlinePlus says the exact cause of major depression is unknown, but it might be related to an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain (neurotransmitters), such as serotonin. Stress and hormonal changes can also contribute to major depression.
Treatment initially involves making lifestyle changes. Seeking supportive relationships, exercising, getting enough sleep and eating healthy foods can reduce depression symptoms. Medications, such as antidepressants, can also be used in conjunction with psychotherapy to manage depression.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia refers to a mental disorder in which people lose touch with reality. According to the Mayo Clinic, schizophrenia is divided into three symptom types: positive, negative and cognitive. Positive symptoms refer to symptoms in which normal functioning is heightened. For example, schizophrenics displaying positive symptoms may include delusional thinking. In fact, they may have beliefs that are unfounded. For example, a schizophrenic person may think the police is after him. Other positive symptoms include hallucinations, disorganized thinking and thoughts and erratic behavior. For example, a schizophrenic person may act like a child one day and act agitated the next day.
Negative symptoms refer to lack of normal functioning. Those affected may be socially withdrawn, lack motivation and emotion and lose interest in everyday activities, says the Mayo Clinic.
Cognitive symptoms include having issues with memory and attention.
Treatment involves antipsychotic medications, such as clozapine or haloperidol. Other treatment includes family or individual therapy and social skills training, says the Mayo Clinic.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
MedlinePlus says that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a form of an anxiety disorder that can occur directly after or even six months after a trauma, such as a natural disaster or domestic abuse.
Symptoms of PTSD include having repeated dreams or flashbacks of the trauma. PTSD sufferers also may avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma. Those affected may be detached, have difficulty concentrating and have trouble sleeping. Physical symptoms include dizziness, fainting, paleness, a headache and fainting.
Medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and benzodiazepines, can be used to manage PTSD. Support groups and behavior therapy may be beneficial.
