The term "mental illness" might strike fear in even the most pragmatic of folks. Unfortunately, the tendency to avoid issues of mental illness can leave many people unaware of common symptoms. Diagnoses of mental illness are based on the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV- TR). Recognizing symptoms of mental illness in relation to social, educational, or occupational functioning is the first step to maintaining your mental health.
Major Depressive Episode
A diagnosis of major depression requires at least five of the following symptoms presenting at the same time for at least two weeks: Feeling depressed all day and every day, experiencing a loss of interest in things you enjoy, feelings of hopelessness, weight loss or weight gain of more than 5 percent in a one-month period, oversleeping or an inability to sleep, feelings of excessive guilt or worthlessness, attention and memory difficulties, irritability, repetitive thoughts of death or suicide.
Dysthymic Disorder
Dysthymic disorder is a mild but persistent depression. It is defined by feeling depressed more days than not for at least two years (one year for children) in addition to experiencing at least two of the following: poor appetite or overeating, insomnia or hypersomnia, low self-esteem, difficulty with concentration, indecisiveness, low energy, or feelings of hopelessness.
Schizophrenia
A diagnosis of schizophrenia requires that at least two of the following symptoms are present nearly all the time: delusions, hallucinations, speech that is incoherent or does not make sense, or disorganized or catatonic behavior. If delusions are bizarre, meaning there is no way they could possibly be true, or hallucinations consist of a voice that keeps up a running commentary, then only one of these symptoms is needed. In addition, over the course of six months, there must be a significant decline in the individual's ability to function in one or more major life area (social, educational, occupational).
Borderline Personality Disorder
Symptoms of borderline personality disorder begin in early adulthood and are indicated by instability in relationships, difficulty with self-concept, sudden mood fluctuations, and marked impulsivity. In addition, five of the following must also be present: frantic or hysterical attempts to avoid abandonment (either real or imagined), intense unstable interpersonal relationships in which other people are perceived as "all good" or "all bad," suicidal behavior or threats, self-injury (purposely cutting or bruising oneself), episodes characterized by a highly reactive mood usually lasting only a few hours, feelings of emptiness, inappropriate and unpredictable bouts of anger, and stress induced paranoia.
References
- American Psychiatric Association, (2000). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed. text revision). Washington, D.C.
