Mental Illnesses – Types, Symptoms, and Treatments (Part 1)

A health condition that involves your mind, behavior, habits, emotions and thinking patterns is known as a mental illness. It is as common and similar to hypertension, diabetes, kidney, and heart diseases. Mostly, mental health problems are related to functions that involve various walks of life, including work, social, family, and everyday activities. 

Mental illnesses are treatable, provided we have the right kind of awareness on how to get help. This article elucidates the various mental disorders and their due course of treatment. 

As far as types of mental health disorders are concerned, there are many. Here we have rounded up some of the common ailments, their symptoms, and possible treatment options. Let’s read on!

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Table of contents:

• #1 Substance use disorder (SUD)
• #2 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• #3 Bipolar disorder
• #4 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• #5 Schizophrenia
• #6 Personality Disorder
• #7 Dissociative disorders
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

#1 Substance use disorder (SUD)

It is a complicated medical condition in which a person has an intense urge to use some specific substances, like tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, among others, even after knowing the harmful consequences. This happens due to an underlying psychological cause, such as trauma in childhood, financial constraints, or even genetic predisposition. The urge is so strong that in most severe cases; it becomes an addiction. It affects and even impairs the ability of the person to function properly in daily life. 

Symptoms of substance use disorder (SUD)

• Extreme and intense urges to have the drug that you overlook other important thoughts
• Making sure that you have an adequate supply of the substance
• Going to any extreme and dangerous engagements to have the supply on no matter what
• Arranging money to buy more, even if you cannot provide for it
• Having a feeling that you need regular supply to live
• Consuming more drugs for a prolonged period
• Overlooking your obligations and responsibilities
• Getting isolated gradually
• Not being able to stop in spite of recurrent harmful episodes. 

Treatment

Although drug addiction is not curable, the following treatment options can help you get over an addiction. In most cases, the treatment relies on the substance you have been using and any underlying medical condition you may have.

• Also known as withdrawal or detox therapy, this treatment option helps you stop consuming any addictive substance carefully. As the withdrawal symptoms and side-effects of each drug are different, a medical professional might need different approaches to treat them. 

• Behavior therapy is a crucial aspect of the SUD treatment plan. In this treatment program, a licensed psychiatrist or drug counselor is likely to help you with different ways of getting over your cravings for drugs. He/she may talk to your family members about your condition and encourage them to help you recover. He/she may also talk about problems in your personal and professional life. Overall, the main focus of this therapy is to help you cope up with your addiction. 

#2 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that can affect how a child thinks, behaves, learns, feels, speaks, and relates to his/her surroundings and people. It is a lifelong disorder that generally begins in childhood. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), according to the Johns Hopkins Hospital, one out of fifty nine children can have autism. Also, it is more common (3 to 4 times) in boys compared to girls. The severity of the condition may vary from one person to the other. 

Symptoms of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

• Problems in social interaction
• Lack of Non-verbal interaction
• Repetitive patterns such as flipping hands
• Delayed speech
• Repeating the same words continuously
• Flat and robotic tonality
• Not responding to a given situation
• Avoiding eye contact

Treatment of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

No specific treatment options are available for treating autism spectrum disorder. The treatment plans focus on lessening the symptoms and helping the child learn and interact well. Early intervention can help your child with learning functional, communication, behavioral, and social skills. The treatment options include:

• Play therapy
• Educational therapies
• Communication and behavioral therapies
• ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), RDI (Relationship Development Intervention), and sensory therapies
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Treating other underlying medical conditions, if any
• Medications

#3 Bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder is a type of mental illness that leads to alterations in the mood, energy levels, and day to day functioning of a person. A person with this condition can have extreme mood swings at different intervals. These are known as mood episodes and are further divided into manic, hypomanic, and depressive. He or she can be in a completely normal state of mind for days, months, and even years. There are three types of bipolar disorder: bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder.

Symptoms of bipolar disorder

The International Bipolar Association says that the symptoms of bipolar disorder are likely to vary from one person to the other. In some cases, a mood episode can last for months to several years. While in others, it may be a quick episode with highs and lows occurring at the same time. The symptoms include:

Mania and hypomania:

• Impaired or delayed judgment 
• High energy levels even with a little sleep
• High levels of self-confidence
• A sense of self-importance
• Talkative and full of distractions
• Racing thoughts and disorientation

Depressive bipolar disorder:

• Feeling hopeless and gloomy
• Having sleeping issues
• Overthinking on minor problems
• Either eating too little or in excess
• Feeling guilty and irritated
• Weight gain or loss
• Concentration issues
• Difficulty in remembering things

Treatment options

Stabilizing the mood of the person and minimizing the intensity of the symptoms is the main aim of the treatment options. It includes the following:

• Medication
• Physical intervention
• Counseling and Psychotherapy
• Lifestyle changes

#4 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

When (obsessions) intrusive and excessive feelings and thoughts make you do certain things repetitively (compulsions), it is known as OCD or Obsessive-compulsive disorder. The repetitive behaviors include washing hands for no reason, cleaning now and then, checking on things pretty often, and having recurrent thought triggers causing excessive worries among others. These actions can significantly affect a person’s social, personal, and professional life.

The symptoms of OCD

• Cleaning over and over
• Washing hands repetitively 
• Hoarding
• Seeking reassurance again and again
• Being doubtful and checking if or the doors are locked, or the gas cylinder is off
• Arranging and ordering things
• Intrusive thoughts
• Impairment in judgement

Treatment options for OCD

The right treatment plan can help you counter your obsessions and compulsions. The best treatment options include the following:

• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Medication
• Caregiver interventions
• Neurosurgical treatment
• Self-help and care

#5 Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a complex mental illness that makes people perceive reality erratically or abnormally. A person with this condition is most likely to need treatment for his/her lifetime. However, contrary to a common misconception, schizophrenia is not multiple-personality or split personality disorder.

The symptoms of schizophrenia

As schizophrenia affects how people think, behave, and react to a given situation, the signs and symptoms might vary from person to person. However, the common telltale signs include the following:

• Delusion
• Hallucinations
• Confused speech or thinking
• Disorganized motor behavior
• Unable to function normally
• Decreased productivity
• Depression
• Social withdrawal 

Treatment options for schizophrenia

Although schizophrenia is a lifelong mental condition, effective and timely medical intervention can help you manage your symptoms to a great extent. As the experience of every person with this condition is likely to be different, your doctor will customize a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. The treatment options include the following:

• Counseling
• Antipsychotic medications
• Special care involving family, friends, school, etc
• Electroconvulsive therapy
• Hospitalization, if needed

#6 Personality Disorder

A personality disorder is a mental condition in which you are likely to develop an unhealthy and unyielding way of thinking and behaving. You may also find it difficult to associate with different people and situations. All of these issues can lead to various problems and restrictions, socially and personally. As a result of which your social life, work-life, relationships, and day-to-day activities are hampered. Some people might not even understand if they have any mental condition. 

Symptoms of personality disorders

There are three groups or clusters of personality disorder – A, B, and C, comprising various personality disorders with varied symptoms. 

Cluster A

Paranoid personality disorder:

• Extreme suspicion and distrust of others
• Holding grudges for a long time
• Unfriendly or opposed reaction to insults

Schizoid personality disorder:

• Preferring isolation
• Being indifferent to others
• Lack of interest in most activities
• No sexual desires

Schizotypal personality disorder:

• Improper emotional reactions
• Social anxiety
• Strange dressing sense
• Peculiar thinking and behavior
• Weird perceptual experiences

Cluster B

Antisocial personality disorder:

• Aggressive and offensive behavior
• Disregard for someone else’s needs and feelings
• Impulsive and irresponsible behavior

Borderline personality disorder:

• Reckless behavior often risky
• Suicidal tendency
• Mood swings
• Feeling alone
• Binge eating

Histrionic personality disorder:

• Being an attention seeker and going to extremities for gaining attention
• Concerned about physical appearance
• Excessive dramatic

Narcissistic personality disorder:

• Feeling special and more important than anyone else
• Arrogance
• Not regarding other’s feelings
• Unreasonable expectations
• Self-boasting

Cluster C

Avoidant personality disorder:

• A constant feeling of being unattractive and inferior
• Taking rejection too deeply
• Social isolated
• Fears meeting new people
• Avoids interpersonal contact

Dependent personality disorder:

• Extreme dependence on others
• Often exhibits clinginess
• Lack of self-esteem
• Fears rejection and disapproval

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder:

(Not Obsessive-Compulsive disorder)

• Excessive perfectionism leading to dissatisfaction and distress
• Stubborn and domination
• Extremely preoccupied with orderliness 
• Inflexible

Treatment Options for personality disorder

The treatment of personality disorder depends mainly on the type of ailment you have and the severity of your symptoms. The standard treatment options include the following:

• Psychotherapy
• Medications, such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and antipsychotic medications, and mood stabilizers
• Hospitalization, if needed

#7 Dissociative disorders

Dissociative disorders, as the name suggests, are mental conditions that make a person escape from reality. A person with this ailment experiences a disconnection between his/her thoughts, actions, memories, identity, and surroundings. Moreover, the way people with a dissociative disorder deny reality is often unhealthy and can affect everyday life. There are three types of dissociative disorders. It includes the following:

• Dissociative identity disorder
• Dissociative amnesia
• Depersonalization/derealization disorder

Symptoms of dissociative disorders

• Feeling that people, surroundings, things, and everything around are unreal
• Amnesia or memory loss
• Relationship and identity issues
• Unable to cope with personal and professional stress
• Running away from emotions
• Suicidal thoughts

Treatment options for dissociative disorders

Psychotherapy: Your doctor will help you understand the reason behind your condition and prepare a treatment plan to allow you to cope with the stress you go through.

Medication: Your doctor is more likely to prescribe certain medications to you, including – antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications. These drugs will help you manage your symptoms.

Read Par 2 of Mental Illnesses – Types, Symptoms, and Treatments here

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)