A mental disorder is a health condition that affects the behavior, mood and thinking of an individual, leading to the inability to deal with the ordinary routines and demands of life. There are over 200 classified types of mental disorders; however, the major ones include anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders (Freudenreich, 2008). These disorders are discussed, highlighting their diagnosis and preferred modes of treatment.
Anxiety Disorders
It is normal to experience anxiety; for instance, when preparing for a final exam though it helps an individual to revise and do well. Nonetheless, when the feeling of fear and distress intensify; hence overwhelming and preventing one from performing daily routines, anxiety disorders could be the cause. Anxiety disorders are a cluster of related conditions; each with inimitable symptoms though all are characterized by intense worries or fear in non-life threatening situations. Individuals often experience emotional and physical symptoms such as tachycardia and palpitations, cold or sweaty hands and feet, muscle tension and dizziness (National Institute of Mental Health, 2016). A good history and physical examination informed by the diagnostic and statistical manual are essential in the diagnosis of this disorder. Laboratory tests such as blood and urine tests should also be done to rule out other medical disorders. There two modes of treating anxiety disorders. Medication that includes anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and anticonvulsants can help reduce the symptoms. Psychotherapy can also be done to help affected individuals understand and deal with the disorder.
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Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders are chronic and severe health conditions that affect how a person thinks, feels, and behave; schizophrenia is the most common type. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality since they experience distorted thinking and awareness (National Institute of Mental Health, 2016). A person with this condition has hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders and movement disorders. A good history, physical examination and psychological evaluations based on the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders is used to diagnose psychotic disorders (Ghaemi, 2008). Medications such as antipsychotics and psychosocial intervention are recommended.
Mood disorders
Mood disorders are a group of health conditions that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. According to National Institute of Mental Health (2016), common mood disorders include bipolar disorder, depression and cyclothymic disorder. Individuals with any of these disorders experience unusual shifts in energy, moods, activity levels as well as the ability to perform daily routines. A good history, a physical examination and mood charting helps in the diagnosis of mood disorders. Mood disorders are manageable; medications such as mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants can help reduce the symptoms. Psychotherapy and electroconvulsive therapy can also be done.
References
Freudenreich, O. (2008). Psychotic disorders: A practical guide . Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Ghaemi, S. N. (2008). Mood disorders: A practical guide . Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (2016). “Anxiety Disorders.” National Alliance on Mental Illness. Retrieved 9 Oct. 2016 from, http://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health- Conditions/Anxiety-Disorders
National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). “Health Information”. National Institute of Mental Health: Transforming the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses . Retrieved 9 Oct. 2016 from, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/index.shtml
