What are the Different Types of Mental Illness?

There are numerous types of mental illness, such as psychotic disorders, which are often incurable. Some people have mood disorders, which affect how they feel. Then there are the types of mental illness, such as personality disorders and dissociative disorders, that are characterized by an inability to deal with people normally. Furthermore, it may be surprising to know that even eating disorders are considered to be a form of mental illness.

Schizophrenia is a condition that the general public may believe they are slightly familiar with due to publicity from the media and film industry. This condition belongs to a group known as psychotic disorders. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes psychotic diseases as severe mental disorders that cause abnormal thinking and perceptions. People suffering with these conditions may be delusional and experience hallucinations. These types of mental illness are often deemed incurable.

Mood disorders are conditions characterized by abnormal changes in the way a person feels. These changes often reach an extreme that is unhealthy and debilitating. Examples of this type of mental illness include depression and bipolar disorder, which is sometimes referred to as manic depression.

Personality disorders are conditions that are long-term and may exist throughout a person’s life. According to Mental Health America (MHA), people with these conditions tend to be inflexible, rigid, and unable to respond to the changes and demands of life. Due to this, individuals with these types of mental illness often display abnormal behaviors that stress or damage social and intimate relationships. Examples of conditions that are categorized in this group include narcissism and borderline personality disorder.

Dissociative disorders, although generally considered different from personality disorders, are conditions that also make relationships and social interaction difficult. Sufferers often lose touch with reality. Symptoms may include depersonalization, amnesia, and unrealistic perceptions of personal identity. The positive aspect of these conditions is that sufferers are commonly able, with proper treatment, to develop healthy habits that allow them to lead seemingly normal lives.

Many people may be unaware that eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and binge eating, are generally included among the types of mental illness. These conditions have not historically and still may not be accepted as widely as some other mental conditions, but increasing amounts of research show that these disorders have complex psychological causes. Although medical attention is usually required, it is believed that complete treatment cannot exist without mental health care.