Types of Mental Health Disorders

What is Mental Illness?

Mental illnesses are conditions that disrupt cognitive functions, emotional regulation, and behavioural patterns, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and interact with the world. They vary in intensity and duration, ranging from anxiety and mood disorders to more severe psychotic and eating disorders. Understanding these conditions can help in early diagnosis, management of mental health disorders, and treatment, ultimately improving quality of life.

Types of Mental Health Disorders

Understanding the different types of mental health disorders is crucial, as it equips individuals with the knowledge to recognise early warning signs and seek timely intervention. Some common types of mental illnesses are:

Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders involve excessive, uncontrollable worry, fear, and physical symptoms such as restlessness, rapid heart rate, and difficulty concentrating. These feelings often interfere with daily activities and persist for extended periods. Common types of anxiety disorders include:

• Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent, uncontrollable worry about everyday matters, often without a clear cause. Symptoms include irritability, muscle tension, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. GAD is associated with significant mental and physical exhaustion due to constant anxiety.
• Panic Disorder: Characterised by sudden, intense episodes of fear, commonly known as panic attacks, which may include symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom. These attacks can occur unexpectedly or be triggered by specific situations.
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD): Marked by an intense fear of social situations due to the fear of being judged or embarrassed. Symptoms include avoidance of social gatherings, excessive worry about social interactions, and physical symptoms like blushing and sweating.
• Specific Phobias: Irrational, intense fears of specific objects or situations, such as heights, animals, or flying. Symptoms often include panic, rapid heartbeat, and avoidance behaviours.

Treatment options for anxiety disorders typically combine therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective methods for managing anxiety, as it helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that trigger or worsen anxiety symptoms. Exposure therapy, another form of CBT, is particularly effective for treating specific phobias by gradually desensitising individuals to their fears through controlled exposure.

Medications, including antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines, are often prescribed to manage more severe symptoms.

In addition, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, relaxation techniques like mindfulness, and adequate sleep play a crucial role in reducing anxiety levels and improving overall well-being.

Mood Disorders

Mood disorders are mental health conditions that primarily affect a person's emotional state. They often involve prolonged periods of extreme sadness, elevated mood (mania), or fluctuating between both. These disorders can significantly impact an individual's ability to function in daily life, affecting relationships, work, and personal well-being. Some of the most common mood disorders include:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): MDD is characterised by prolonged periods of intense sadness, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of hopelessness. Treatment typically involves Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help patients identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviours that contribute to depression. Medications such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed to regulate mood by altering neurotransmitter activity. In severe cases, Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) may be considered, particularly if other treatments have not been effective.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD, or Dysthymia): PDD, also known as dysthymia, is a chronic form of depression where symptoms are less severe than MDD but last for at least two years. Treatment often includes long-term psychotherapy, such as CBT or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), aimed at improving mood regulation and interpersonal relationships. Antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, are commonly prescribed to manage symptoms, though treatment often continues for extended periods due to the persistent nature of the disorder.
• Bipolar Disorder (Bipolar I): Bipolar I Disorder involves extreme manic episodes that may last for a week or longer, often requiring hospitalisation. Mood stabilisers, such as lithium, are the cornerstone of treatment, as they help control manic episodes. Antipsychotic medications like risperidone or olanzapine may be used during manic episodes to control severe symptoms like delusions or hallucinations. Psychotherapy, particularly psychoeducation and CBT, can help individuals understand their condition and develop strategies to manage mood swings.
• Bipolar Disorder (Bipolar II): Bipolar II Disorder is characterised by alternating episodes of hypomania and depression. Hypomania is less severe than full mania and does not require hospitalisation. Treatment focuses on managing depressive episodes with antidepressants alongside mood stabilisers like lamotrigine to prevent mood fluctuations. Psychotherapy is also crucial in helping patients maintain stability and improve functioning.
• Cyclothymia: Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder characterised by frequent mood swings but without the extreme highs and lows seen in Bipolar I or II. Mood stabilisers such as lithium and anticonvulsants are often prescribed to control mood fluctuations. Psychotherapy is used to help individuals manage their symptoms and maintain consistency in their daily lives.

Psychotic Disorders

Psychotic disorders are mental health conditions that impair a person's ability to think clearly, causing significant disruptions in their perception of reality. These conditions often lead to hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there) or delusions (false beliefs), which can severely affect daily functioning. The symptoms of psychotic disorders include distorted thinking, hallucinations, delusions, and disorganised behaviour. Two common psychotic disorders are:

• Schizophrenia: This is a severe psychotic disorder characterised by delusions, hallucinations, disorganised speech, and impaired cognitive abilities. People with schizophrenia often experience difficulty in distinguishing between reality and their thoughts.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: This disorder combines symptoms of schizophrenia with mood disorder features, such as depression or mania. Individuals with schizoaffective disorder experience psychosis (hallucinations and delusions) along with mood swings.

Treatment for these disorders typically involves antipsychotic medications, such as risperidone and olanzapine, which help regulate neurotransmitters in the brain to manage symptoms. Psychotherapy, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help individuals understand and manage their symptoms. Additionally, psychosocial support and social skills training are essential for reintegrating individuals into society and maintaining functional relationships.

Eating Disorders

Eating disorders involve unhealthy behaviours related to food and body image, which can have severe physical and emotional consequences. These disorders are often linked to excessive concerns about weight, shape, and eating habits. Symptoms of eating disorders include preoccupation with food and weight, along with behaviours like extreme dieting or binge eating. Some common types of eating disorders include:

• Anorexia Nervosa: Characterised by an intense fear of gaining weight, individuals with anorexia restrict their food intake to dangerously low levels, leading to significant weight loss and malnutrition.
• Bulimia Nervosa: This disorder involves binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives to prevent weight gain.
• Binge-Eating Disorder: People struggling with this disorder frequently consume large quantities of food in a short period, with no control over these impulses during an episode. Unlike bulimia, binge-eating disorder does not involve purging.

Treatment for eating disorders typically involves a combination of nutrition counselling, therapy (such as CBT), and medical intervention to address the physical and psychological aspects of the disorder. In severe cases, hospitalisation may be required to stabilise weight and health.

Understanding the link between diet, exercise, and mental health can be vital in managing and improving outcomes for individuals with eating disorders, as a balanced approach to both nutrition and physical activity plays a key role in overall mental well-being.

Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders

Obsessive-compulsive disorders involve intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety. These behaviours, although intended to alleviate distress, often interfere with daily life. Some common types of these disorders are:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD is marked by obsessions persistent thoughts or fears and compulsions, such as repetitive cleaning or checking behaviours to relieve these obsessions.
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): This disorder involves an excessive focus on perceived flaws in appearance, leading to behaviours like repetitive mirror-checking or cosmetic procedures.

CBT, particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is highly effective in treating OCD. Medications such as SSRIs may also be prescribed to reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

Trauma and Stressor-Related Disorders

Trauma and significant stress can lead to mental health conditions that manifest as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or hyperarousal. These disorders develop in response to life-threatening events or overwhelming stress. Symptoms of trauma-related disorders include flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, emotional numbness, and hyperarousal. Two commonly known disorders due to trauma or stress are:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD develops after exposure to a traumatic event, causing symptoms such as flashbacks, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, and hypervigilance.
• Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): ASD is similar to PTSD but occurs immediately after the traumatic event and lasts for a shorter duration (typically less than a month)

Treatment often includes Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and trauma-focused therapy, which help individuals process traumatic memories. Support groups also provide a safe environment for sharing experiences and receiving emotional support.

However, it is important to approach recovery in a balanced way, as toxic positivity the excessive focus on maintaining a positive mindset while dismissing genuine negative emotions can invalidate the very real experiences of those coping with trauma and stress. Acknowledging and working through difficult emotions is crucial for healing.

Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Neurodevelopmental disorders typically emerge during early childhood and affect cognitive, social, and emotional development. Common known neurodevelopment disorders are:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): ADHD is characterised by difficulty maintaining attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ASD affects social communication and behaviour, often leading to difficulties in interacting with others, repetitive behaviours, and intense focus on specific interests.

Neurodevelopmental disorders are diagnosed through comprehensive evaluations that include behavioural assessments and developmental history. Treatment often involves behavioural therapy to improve social and communication skills, educational interventions, and medications like stimulants for ADHD or antipsychotics for certain symptoms of ASD. Early intervention is crucial in improving long-term outcomes

Ways to Seek Professional Help

Mental health disorders require timely intervention to prevent them from worsening and to improve long-term outcomes. Here are two key ways to seek help:

1. Directly Reaching Out to Professionals

Individuals can seek help from licensed mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or counsellors. These experts provide assessment, diagnosis, and personalised treatment plans, whether through therapy, medication, or a combination of both. In times of need, there are various ways to find a licensed mental health professional::

• Online directories for therapists: Websites like Psychology Today and Therapy Finder offer searchable databases where individuals can find mental health professionals based on location, speciality, and insurance coverage.

• Referrals from primary care doctors: Many individuals first seek help through their primary care provider, who can refer them to mental health specialists or provide resources for therapy and counselling.

• Mental health clinics and hospitals: Local mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, and community mental health centres offer a variety of services, ranging from outpatient therapy to inpatient care for more severe mental health issues.

While consulting these specialists face-to-face is considered highly effective due to the personal connection and non-verbal cues between the therapist and patient, recently, teletherapy has become increasingly popular, offering greater accessibility and convenience. Teletherapy sessions, often conducted via video call, are typically more affordable than in-person therapy, reducing costs and logistical barriers for patients.

2. Group Health Insurance

Group Mediclaim Insurance Policy for Employees offered by many employers plays a crucial role in supporting employees' mental health by providing access to a range of services as part of their insurance coverage, such as:

• Therapy sessions, which may include individual, family, or group therapy.
• Psychiatric evaluations and medication management, where needed.
• Wellness programs that focus on stress management, mindfulness, and mental health support.

By reducing financial barriers, these insurance plans enable employees to manage their mental health more effectively, promoting overall well-being and reducing workplace stress.

Conclusion

Mental health issues are increasingly recognised as critical components of overall well-being, and timely intervention can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Whether seeking help through licensed mental health professionals, utilising workplace support systems like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), or leveraging group health insurance with mental health benefits, individuals have access to numerous resources tailored to their needs.

By taking proactive steps to seek professional help, individuals can manage their mental health effectively, leading to improved quality of life. To explore how mental health services can be integrated into your company's benefits plan, visit Policybazaar for Business and speak to an expert who can guide you through the available options to support your employees' well-being.