Common mental illnesses
The same way your physical body can get sick, say, with a cold, or kidney failure, your mind can also get sick. It can be a temporary mental health challenge, or pervasive illness.
Below are some prevalent mental disorders. |
SchizophreniaSchizophrenia involves a failure to maintain integrated personality functioning. A schizophrenia diagnosis is given when a person exhibits two or more of the following symptoms in one month, with continuous signs for at least 6 months:
Schizophrenia can be caused by both genetic factors - such as enlarged ventricles in the brain, high dopamine levels - and environmental factors such as trauma and substance misuse at an early age; maternal exposure to famine or flu during the second trimester; urban living, poverty and neglect. According to the Merck Manual, there is emerging evidence that environmental events can initiate epigenetic changes that could influence gene transcription and disease onset, examples are losing a job or a relationship, leaving home for college etc Schizophrenia can also cause diminished capacity to experience pleasure, impaired social competence, cognitive disorganization, withdrawal, irritability, suspiciousness or unusual thoughts. Treatment Increased insight into a schizophrenia diagnosis is key. A person is more likely to engage with supports if they and the people around them understand the illness. In about 50% of cases, however, a lack of insight is associated with damage to the brain, and not denial. Schizophrenia is classified as a lifelong illness. There is evidence indicating that symptoms tend to reach a plateau five years after onset. Widespread interventions are necessary, and these can include antipsychotic medication, psychotherapy, cognitive remediation, psychosocial skills training, access to supportive employment and affordable housing. |
Bipolar DisorderBipolar disorders are characterized by states of mania (heightened euphoria, extreme restlessness and excessive activity with impaired judgement) and states of depression.
Manic episodes often begin abruptly with euphoric mood, cheerfulness, rapid flight of ideas, boundless energy - sometimes aggression or paranoia and at times delusion. Episodes last anywhere from a few weeks to 3 to 6 months; depressive episodes typically last longer than manic ones. There are two subtypes of bipolar: Bipolar 1 - which includes full manic episodes and may include depressive episodes Bipolar 2 - includes at least one major depressive episode with hypomania (less severe mania), but no full manic episodes. Bipolar disorder can be treated by cognitive behavioural therapy, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) - which is typically used in patients non-responsive to medication and mood stabilizing drugs, e.g. lithium carbonate. (Mood stabilizing drugs can cause cumulative side effects such as kidney damage) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) This is when an individual is exposed to a traumatic experience, resulting in emotional numbness and heightened physiological stress that lasts more than a month. PTSD is also characterized by flashbacks, nightmares or avoidance of situations associated with the original trauma. People living with PTSD may also go through extreme loss of agency. It's incredible how the brain works - if it can make you have a dream about something you talked about or heard during the day, imagine what it can make you do after something you experience. Chronic stress reduces neuronal circuitry in the brain. Deep Brain Stimulation can be applied to treat PTSD. Betablocker medication can also be used to block out the emotional memory. Psychosis Psychosis is a loss of contact with reality. It can come with delusions, false perceptions, disorganized thoughts and words, and sometimes bizarre behaviour. Psychosis can be induced by substances, trauma, hunger, illness or it can be a spiritual event in certain contexts. Treatment is typically with psychotherapy or antipsychotic medication. |
Personality DisordersPersonality disorders occur when a person's personality traits are maladaptive and cause significant functional impairment.
Personality is measured by one's : Openness Conscientiousness Extraversion Agreeableness Neuroticism There are 3 clusters of personality disorders: Cluster A - odd, eccentric, paranoid Cluster B - dramatic, emotional, erratic Cluster C - anxious, fearful, avoidant or dependent A few personality disorders: Borderline personality disorder - where one has a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image and affect. BPD typically begins in early adulthood and can be be diagnosed where 5 or more of the following symptoms show:
Dependent personality disorder - where one has an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to clinging behaviours. Individuals with dependent personality disorders tend to have difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others; need others to assume responsibility for major areas of their life; have difficulty expressing disagreement due to fear of losing support or go to excessive lengths to be nurtured or supported by others even at their own displeasure Paranoid personality disorder - where one has a pattern of deep distrust and suspiciousness, where other people's motives are interpreted as malevolent Antisocial personality disorder - where one has a pattern of disregard for the rights of others, consistent irresponsibility, deceitfulness, reckless disregard for the safety of themselves and others and a lack of remorse. *Antisocial personality disorder involves lifestyle, whereas psychopathy focuses on interpersonal traits such as inflated beliefs of self-importance and limited emotional responsiveness. |
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is characterized by problems with inattention or displays of impulsivity and hyperactivity - or both. For an ADHD diagnosis, symptoms must appear before the age of 12 and persist more than 6 months; interfering with social or academic performance and not attributed to another disorder. Boys are three times more likely to develop ADHD than girls. Individuals with ADHD may have the following symptoms:
ADHD is a genetic condition that is hereditary. Abnormalities in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia have been seen in children with ADHD. Selective deficiency in neurotransmitters such as dopamine has been noted in ADHD. There is also a greater risk of being diagnosed with ADHD in children born less than 29 weeks pre-term. Some studies also found that maternal anti-depressant use pre-conception increased risk of ADHD, as did alcohol use and birth by caesarean section. Promoting positive adaptation and family cohesion have been found to be helpful in building resilience. Positive self-perceptions of competence provide a buffer against the development of depression and difficulty adjusting to life events. |
