Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Psychiatric Disorders?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Psychiatric disorders affect the way a person thinks and behaves based on abnormal perceptions caused by mental illness. Some of the most frequently diagnosed types of psychiatric disorders include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additional mental illnesses include borderline personality disorder, anorexia, and generalized anxiety disorder. Most people who have suspected mental illnesses are referred to a type of doctor known as a psychiatrist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.

Schizophrenia is among the more commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders and requires intensive monitoring and life-long treatment. Those who suffer from this type of mental illness often experience delusional thinking, hallucinations, and erratic or unpredictable behavior. A person with schizophrenia may appear to be unable to express emotion and may exhibit inappropriate responses, such as yelling or becoming violent for no apparent reason.

Some psychiatrists specialize in specific types of disorders.
Some psychiatrists specialize in specific types of disorders.

Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic depressive disorder, is one of the most well known and well publicized psychiatric disorders. A person with this psychological illness alternates between manic and depressive episodes, often leading to great difficulty in maintaining healthy relationships with others. During a manic episode, the affected person may seem to have a lot of energy and may engage is uncharacteristically risky behavior, such as unsafe sexual practices or irresponsible spending habits. A depressive episode may cause withdrawal from others, disinterest in activities that are normally enjoyed, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Eating disorders such as anorexia are considered types of mental disturbances.
Eating disorders such as anorexia are considered types of mental disturbances.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a psychological condition that develops as a result of a traumatic event such as war, rape, or childhood abuse. Those with this condition have flashbacks of the trauma and often live in a state of constant fear or anxiety. Many people with this disorder turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to cope with the intense emotions and inappropriate responses associated with the illness.

People with generalized anxiety disorder worry constantly.
People with generalized anxiety disorder worry constantly.

Borderline personality disorder causes many of the same symptoms as other psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, and may sometimes be misdiagnosed as one of these conditions. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are mental disturbances that cause unhealthy attitudes toward body perception or food. Generalized anxiety disorder may cause an almost constant state of worry or panic and can lead to physical symptoms such as chest pain, muscle tension, and shortness of breath. Doctors who suspect the presence of psychiatric disorders usually send patients to specialists such as psychiatrists or psychologists for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Discussion Comments

ysmina

I'm not a doctor but I think that all psychiatric disorders are not the same. I think that there are temporary disorders which can happen to anyone and which usually result from external circumstances. And then there are disorders which are genetic and permanent.

For example, anxiety and depression can happen to anyone. But with treatment and change in the circumstances that led to them, they can go away completely. But other disorders like schizophrenia are genetic and are not really curable. They are manageable though. People with bipolar disorder, borderline disorder or schizophrenia may lead a normal life with medications and psychotherapy. But the illness doesn't go away.

If there are any experts here who want to correct me, go ahead. Like I said, I'm not an expert, this is just my opinion.

fify

@candyquilt-- Yes, anorexia is a psychiatric disorder. The proper technical name is actually anorexia nervosa. It's considered a psychiatric condition because it is caused by a distorted self-perception. The individual thinks that she is overweight when she actually is not and does not eat for this reason. Or she may eat and then vomit.

My cousin used to have anorexia. She was admitted to a treatment center a few years ago and recovered. She was severely underweight and the doctors also diagnosed her with depression and obsessive-compulsive behavior. Thankfully, she was able to overcome it.

candyquilt

Anorexia is a psychiatric disorder?! I did not know this.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Some psychiatrists specialize in specific types of disorders.
      By: alexsokolov
      Some psychiatrists specialize in specific types of disorders.
    • Eating disorders such as anorexia are considered types of mental disturbances.
      By: Lars Zahner
      Eating disorders such as anorexia are considered types of mental disturbances.
    • People with generalized anxiety disorder worry constantly.
      By: nyul
      People with generalized anxiety disorder worry constantly.
    • Bipolar disorder was once commonly referred to as manic depression.
      By: Phase4Photography
      Bipolar disorder was once commonly referred to as manic depression.
    • "Personality disorder" is a blanket term used to classify various disorders, including borderline personality disorder.
      By: ivolodina
      "Personality disorder" is a blanket term used to classify various disorders, including borderline personality disorder.
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder is common after events like war or abuse.
      By: John Gomez
      Post-traumatic stress disorder is common after events like war or abuse.
    • Eating disorders are often tied to psychological issues.
      By: lightwavemedia
      Eating disorders are often tied to psychological issues.
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder may occur as a result of childhood abuse.
      By: fasphotographic
      Post-traumatic stress disorder may occur as a result of childhood abuse.
    • Schizophrenia is a commonly-diagnosed psychiatric disorder.
      By: blanche
      Schizophrenia is a commonly-diagnosed psychiatric disorder.