Serious mental disorders list
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List of Serious Mental Disorders
Introduction to Serious Mental Disorders
Serious mental disorders (SMDs) are psychiatric conditions that significantly impair an individual's ability to function in daily life. These disorders often require long-term treatment and can have profound effects on a person's social, occupational, and personal life. This article synthesizes research findings to provide a comprehensive list of serious mental disorders.
Common Serious Mental Disorders
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by distorted thinking, perceptions, emotions, language, sense of self, and behavior. It often includes psychotic experiences, such as hearing voices or delusions. Schizophrenia affects about 1% of the population and is associated with significant disability 57.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs. The disorder affects approximately 3% of the population and can severely impact daily functioning and quality of life 57.
Major Depression
Major depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. Major depression affects about 7% of the population and is a leading cause of disability 56.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a long-term pattern of disregard for, or violation of, the rights of others. A significant proportion of prisoners, about 47% of men and 21% of women, have been diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder .
Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is marked by an ongoing pattern of varying moods, self-image, and behavior. These symptoms often result in impulsive actions and problems in relationships. BPD is prevalent in about 1 in 5 psychiatric outpatients and is considered a serious mental illness due to its significant functional impairment .
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are serious mental illnesses characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions. These disorders are biologically based and significantly impair cognitive function, judgment, and emotional stability .
Other Notable Serious Mental Disorders
Schizoaffective Disorder
Schizoaffective disorder is a mental health condition that includes schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions, and mood disorder symptoms, such as depression or mania. It affects a small percentage of the population but has significant impacts on daily functioning .
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is characterized by unwanted and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that the person feels driven to perform. It is a serious mental illness due to its chronic nature and the significant distress and impairment it causes .
Conclusion
Serious mental disorders encompass a range of psychiatric conditions that significantly impair an individual's ability to function. Common disorders include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, and eating disorders. Understanding these disorders is crucial for providing appropriate treatment and support to those affected.
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