Exploring the types of mental health illness

Mental illness, also known as mental health disorders, encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect a person's thoughts, emotions, behavior, and overall well-being. These disorders can vary in terms of severity, symptoms, and their impact on an individual's life. Here are some of the most common types of mental illnesses:

Anxiety Disorders:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Excessive worry and fear about everyday situations.

Panic Disorder: Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks.

Social Anxiety Disorder: Intense fear of social situations and scrutiny from others. Mood Disorders:

Depression (Major Depressive Disorder): Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities.

Bipolar Disorder: Cycles of depressive and manic (elevated) mood episodes. Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders:

Schizophrenia: Distorted thinking, hallucinations, and delusions.

Schizoaffective Disorder: Symptoms of both mood disorders and schizophrenia. Personality Disorders:

Borderline Personality Disorder: Unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions. Antisocial Personality Disorder: A pattern of disregard for the rights of others. Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).

Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Preoccupation with perceived flaws in physical appearance.

Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Develops after exposure to a traumatic event.

Acute Stress Disorder: Similar to PTSD but occurs shortly after a traumatic event. Eating Disorders:

Anorexia Nervosa: Intense fear of gaining weight and extreme food restriction. Bulimia Nervosa: Binge-eating followed by purging behavior.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders:

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Impairments in social interaction and communication. Substance Use Disorders:

Substance Abuse and Dependence: Problematic use of drugs or alcohol leading to physical and psychological dependence.

Dissociative Disorders:

Dissociative Identity Disorder: Presence of two or more distinct personality states. Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder: Feeling detached from oneself or one's surroundings.

Neurocognitive Disorders:

Alzheimer's Disease: Progressive cognitive decline and memory loss.

Delirium: Acute confusion and disorientation often due to medical issues. Somatoform Disorders:

Conversion Disorder: Physical symptoms with no apparent medical cause. Hypochondriasis (Illness Anxiety Disorder): Excessive worry about having a serious illness.

It's important to note that mental illnesses can co-occur, and individuals may experience a combination of disorders. Each person's experience with mental illness is unique, and treatment options are individualized depending on the specific disorder and individual needs. Seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues. Mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners, psychologists, and therapists, can provide effective treatments and support. Contact Amanda Haworth, APRN, CNM, PMHNP-BC today at Willow Tree Wellness 316-779-2560 today if you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness.