What Is Mental Health?
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being. It affects thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and quality of life. Data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, states that roughly 1 in every five adults in the United States suffers from mental health issues, annually. Despite this prevalence, there is still a lot of stigma and misinformation surrounding mental health.
What Are The Risk Factors for Mental Illness?
Mental illness has numerous risk factors. Awareness of these risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures to protect their mental health and seek treatment when necessary. Here is a breakdown of risk factors for mental illness:
- Family History
A family history of mental illness may increase one’s chances of developing mental health issues, as most people tend to inherit certain disorders from relatives. However, it does not guarantee that someone will develop a disorder either.
- Chronic Stress/Trauma
Chronic stress or trauma, such as abuse, neglect, and demanding situations at work and/or in relationships can be a risk factor for mental illness.
- Substance Abuse
Substance abuse -whether it is a drug addiction or alcoholism, it increases the likelihood of developing conditions like addiction itself, as well as bipolar disorder and depression. In some cases, substance abuse may even trigger the onset of a psychiatric condition in an individual who would not otherwise have such a disorder.
- Poor Sleep/Nutrition
Poor sleep (both quantity-wise and quality-wise) may lead to conditions like depression & anxiety. At the same time, poor nutrition may cause nutrient deficiencies which affect brain functioning & consequently increase chances for various psychiatric problems, too.
What Are The Different Types of Mental Health Disorders?
Mental health disorders can vary, but they generally fall into several categories. Here is a breakdown of the types of mental health disorders:
- Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders affect millions worldwide and are among the most common mental health disorders. Symptoms of anxiety disorders include excessive fear, worry, and avoidance behaviors. Common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. GAD involves chronic worrying about everyday events. People with social anxiety disorder often experience intense fear and avoid social situations. Those with panic disorder get overwhelming feelings of fear and panic.
- Mood Disorders
Mood disorders involve significant changes in a person’s mood, energy levels, and behavior. Some examples are major depressive disorder (MDD): which involves feeling sad for weeks or months on end. Then there is Bipolar disorder, which is when people experience extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression).
- Personality Disorders
Personality disorders involve rigid thinking patterns that may affect relationships or daily life. These include:
- Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD): those with ASPD show no regard for right and wrong and do not care about the rights and feelings of others.
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD): people with BPD have unstable emotions, poor relationships, and self-image issues.
- Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD): Includes grandiosity as well as a lack of empathy or need for admiration;
- Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD): Involves disregarding the rights of others without remorse.
- Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders cause significant changes in thinking patterns that can affect daily life. Schizophrenia is the most well-known psychotic condition. Schizophrenics often experience delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking. But there are also other types such as schizoaffective disorder.
What Types Of Mental Health Treatments Are Available?
Fortunately, there are many successful types of mental health treatments available, such as the ones listed below.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, involves talking with a mental health specialist to discuss and tackle emotional and cognitive issues. There are different types of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalytic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. CBT focuses on discovering and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to psychological challenges.
Psychoanalytic therapy involves exploring unconscious thoughts/feelings to gain insight into psychiatric problems. Interpersonal therapy concentrates on improving communication/relationships with others to address psychological issues. This type of treatment can be found in individual, group, or family settings.
Medication
Medication can be an effective solution for several types of mental illnesses. Some popular medications include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Antidepressants are effective in managing depression and anxiety. Doctors prescribe antipsychotics for people with schizophrenia and those with bipolar disorder. Antipsychotics usually work by altering chemical levels present in the brain.
Hospitalization
In some instances, hospitalization may be essential when dealing with extreme psychiatric symptoms or those at risk of harming themselves or others due to their condition.
Hospitalization provides intensive care/monitoring to stabilize symptoms and keep people safe. If you or a person you know has a mental illness, you can get treatment at a general hospital or specialized psychiatric facility, depending on the severity of the case.
How Is Mental Illness Diagnosed?
If you are experiencing symptoms of mental illness, there are several ways mental illness could be diagnosed.
- Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness
The first step in seeking a diagnosis is recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health issues. These can range depending on the disorder, but common ones include changes in mood and difficulty functioning.
- Talking To Your Primary Care Doctor or a Mental Health Specialist
If you are facing any psychological issues, discussing them with your primary care doctor or an expert such as a psychiatrist/psychologist is best. Your general physician can conduct an initial evaluation & refer you for further treatment if required. At the same time, a specialist can give a more comprehensive assessment and create a tailored plan for treatment.
- Undergoing a Mental Health Screening or Diagnostic Interview
To determine the exact nature or severity of your symptoms, you must participate in a screening or diagnostic interview conducted by an experienced professional such as a psychologist/psychiatrist. This could involve questions about the following:
- One’s medical history
- Current situation
- Family history related to psychiatric problems and usage of standardized assessment tools like DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) for making an accurate diagnosis.
Who Can Diagnose a Mental Illness?
One common question is, who can diagnose mental illness? Healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, are qualified to diagnose mental conditions. You must choose someone with the appropriate qualifications and training for an accurate diagnosis.
Can Mental Illnesses Be Cured?
It is impossible to cure mental illness completely in the traditional sense. However, with the right treatment and support, it is manageable. Ongoing management and support will help maintain good mental health and avoid relapse. With the right help and guidance, many individuals with psychiatric disorders can lead healthy lives.
With proper intervention, psychological problems are treatable. Seeking help is an act of strength rather than weakness. If you or someone you know is currently experiencing any signs of mental illness, do not hesitate to ask for assistance.
How Can TopLine MD Help?
Suppose you or someone close to you exhibits symptoms of mental illness. In that case, you should seek professional help. TopLine MD Alliance’s network of experienced health professionals can provide tailored care and support. Do not wait – take charge of your mental health by finding a provider.
The TopLine MD Alliance is an association of independent physicians and medical practice groups who are committed to providing a higher standard of healthcare services. The members of the TopLine MD Alliance have no legal or financial relationship with one another. The TopLine MD Alliance brand has no formal corporate, financial or legal ties to any of the affiliated physicians or practice groups.
