The Symptoms of Mental Illness

Mental illness is one of the most overlooked, yet a very common problem that affects people all over the world. It represents the 11 percent of the total burden of disease throughout the world. As a matter of fact, in established market economies like the U.S., these mental disorders are second only to heart disease, in the category of the most disabling diseases. Broadly defined mental illness or mental disorders are significant behavioral or psychological pattern that occurs in an individual and is usually associated with distress, disability or increased risk of suffering from mood disorders ranging from mild to extreme manic illness depression. However, although health professionals around the world recognize that mental illness is actually a group of diseases that cause severe disturbances in thinking, feeling and relating. But a good understanding of their causes has not yet been established. Although, over time, definitions, assessments and classifications of mental disorders have changed, mental health professionals have zeroed in certain categories of diagnosis. These include dissociative disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, developmental disorders and personality disorders. The manifestations of these disorders are usually characterized by certain symptoms. Here's a look at some of the symptoms of mental illnesses and their causes.

The symptoms of mental illness

Symptoms of anxiety disorders
A pathological condition, anxiety disorders are often debilitating chronic conditions, which may be present from an early age or begin suddenly after a triggering event. They cause people to experience the occasional instances of anxiety, that are so terrifying and intense, which may cause the person to feel immobilized. There are many types of anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias and post traumatic stress disorder. Here are some of the most common symptoms of anxiety associated with the disease.

    Inability to relax
    Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep
    Tremor or irritability
    Twitching or muscle tension
    Headache
    Sweating or hot flashes
    Dizziness or shortness of breath
    Nausea
    Going to the bathroom frequently
    Fatigue or lack of concentration
    Pain or discomfort in the chest
    Sense of unreality
    Fear of losing control or "going crazy"
    Fear of dying
    Tingling hands
    Heartthrob

The symptoms of psychotic disorders
People who suffer from psychotic disorders or psychosis are often described as having "lost touch with reality." Often suffer from hallucinations or delusional beliefs, and can show personality changes and disorganized thinking. This is accompanied by bizarre behavior, and difficulty with social interaction, causing damage in the activities of daily living. The most common symptoms of psychotic disorders are as follows:

    Hallucinations, usually manifests itself in the form of non-existent voices
    Delusions or false beliefs that can not be corrected by reason
    Thought disorder
    Emotions decreased
    Lack of interest

Symptoms of Personality Disorders
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has defined as a personality disorder, "an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the culture of the individual presenting it." They are classified as eccentric, dramatic disturbances or fear of personality related.

They usual symptoms are:

    A strong aptitude and disharmonious behavior, involving usually several areas of functioning, ways of perceiving and thinking, and way of relating to others
    The pattern of abnormal behavior is undergoing, and not limited to episodes of mental illness
    The behavior is not suitable for a wide range of personal and social situations
    Considerable personal distress but this may not be delayed in its course
    Problems in employment and social

The symptoms of eating disorders
Mental illness characterized by a person not eating, eating disorders affect your physical and mental health of the person. They can range from mild mental anguish, life-threatening conditions. The most common eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The usual symptoms that a person is suffering from this disorder are:

    An abnormally low body weight
    For females after menarche, amenorrhea or absence of three consecutive menstrual cycles
    An intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
    Concern about body weight and shape.
    Binge eating (uncontrolled bursts of overeating)
    Guilt and self-recrimination
    Besides compensatory behaviors such as crash dieting
    Overexercising
    Purging to compensate for the excessive caloric intake

The symptoms of mood disorders
Mood disorders are generally of two types, bipolar disorder and clinical depression or general.

The symptoms of bipolar disorders mood are the following:

    Increased energy and restlessness
    Racing thoughts and rapid talking
    The denial that anything is wrong, excessive high or euphoric feelings
    Extreme irritability and distraction
    Decrease in sleep
    Unrealistic beliefs in own abilities and powers
    Unusual sexual
    Abuse of drugs
    Provocative, intrusive or aggressive behavior

Symptoms of depression include:

    Persistent sadness and anxiety
    Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
    Feelings of guilt
    Loss of interest
    Decreased energy
    Difficulty concentrating
    Restlessness or irritability
    Sleep disorders
    Loss of appetite and weight gain or weight gain
    Chronic pain or other persistent bodily symptoms
    Thoughts and suicide attempts

Remember it is important to diagnose and monitor the symptoms of mental illness, so that appropriate treatment can be given. With the correct diagnosis and effective treatment, mental health can be effectively treated.