What Are Mental Disorders?

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What exactly is a mental disorder? How are these conditions diagnosed? Defining exactly what constitutes a psychological disorder can be tricky, and definitions have changed over time.

The first problem is that a mental health professional must first decide exactly how to define “disorder.” How do you determine if there is something psychologically wrong or unhealthy about a person? How do you decide what’s normal and what’s abnormal?

If you were to define “disorder” as something that lies outside of the statistical norm, then people who are considered exceptionally talented or gifted in a particular area would be regarded as abnormal. So rather than focus on actions that are considered outside of the “normal,” statistically speaking, psychologists tend to concentrate on the results of those behaviors.

Behaviors that are considered maladaptive and cause significant personal distress and interrupt daily functioning are more likely to be labeled as disorders.

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What Are Mental Disorders?

A mental disorder is often used interchangeably with the termspsychological disorder, psychiatric disorder, or mental illness. The “official” term is mental disorder, defined in the latest edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual, the DSM-5 (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

The DSM-5 also notes that expected responses to a common stressor, such as the death of a loved one, are not considered mental disorders (unless the negative effects of that stressor last an inordinately long amount of time). The diagnostic manual also suggests that behaviors that are often considered at odds with social norms are not considered disorders unless these actions are the result of some dysfunction.

RecapMental disorders are defined as conditions that create distress and affect a person’s ability to function. These conditions affect how people behave, think, and feel. They can also impact how people are able to function at home, at work, in school, in relationships, and in other important life domains.

Recap

Mental disorders are defined as conditions that create distress and affect a person’s ability to function. These conditions affect how people behave, think, and feel. They can also impact how people are able to function at home, at work, in school, in relationships, and in other important life domains.

Symptoms of Mental DisordersThe specific symptoms a person might experience depend on the nature of the mental health condition they are experiencing. Some of the symptoms that a person with a mental disorder might experience include:AnxietyChanges in appetiteChanges in behaviorChanges in moodChanges in sex driveDelusions,hallucinations, or other difficulties perceiving realityDepressionor feelings of sadnessDifficulty sleepingDrug or alcohol useFatigue or low energyIrritabilityLoss of interestSocial withdrawal or isolationTrouble concentratingSuicidal thoughtsorself-harmIf you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Symptoms of Mental Disorders

The specific symptoms a person might experience depend on the nature of the mental health condition they are experiencing. Some of the symptoms that a person with a mental disorder might experience include:

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

How Are Mental Disorders Diagnosed?

The classification and diagnosis of mental disorders are important concerns for both mental health providers and mental health clients. While there is no single, definitive definition of mental disorders, some different classifications and diagnostic criteria have emerged.

In order to diagnose a mental disorder, a healthcare professional may ask about a person’s medical history. They will also ask questions about the nature, duration, and severity of the symptoms that a person is experiencing.

There are no medical tests that can be used to diagnose a mental disorder, but a doctor may perform a physical exam and run lab tests to rule out different medical conditions that can cause psychological symptoms. It is important to rule out any possible physical cause before diagnosing someone with a mental disorder.

RecapHealthcare professionals usually use a tool such as the DSM-5 to determine if a person’s symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder.

Healthcare professionals usually use a tool such as the DSM-5 to determine if a person’s symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder.

Purpose of Getting a DiagnosisWhile some people may avoid seeking a diagnosis out of fear ofsocial stigma, getting a diagnosis is an essential part of finding an effective treatment plan. A diagnosis is not about applying a label to a problem; it is about discovering solutions, treatments, and information related to the problem.Once a condition has been diagnosed, healthcare providers and therapists can recommend treatments that can help. With treatment, people can find ways to cope more effectively and function better in different areas of their daily life.

Purpose of Getting a Diagnosis

While some people may avoid seeking a diagnosis out of fear ofsocial stigma, getting a diagnosis is an essential part of finding an effective treatment plan. A diagnosis is not about applying a label to a problem; it is about discovering solutions, treatments, and information related to the problem.

Once a condition has been diagnosed, healthcare providers and therapists can recommend treatments that can help. With treatment, people can find ways to cope more effectively and function better in different areas of their daily life.

Different Types of Mental Disorders

The DSM-5 describes numerous psychological disorders, as well as disorders that fall under a category of similar or related disorder subtypes. Some of the prominent diagnostic categories include feeding and eating disorders,mood disorders, somatic symptom and related disorders, sleep-wake disorders,anxiety disorders, andpersonality disorders.

Mental Disorder Prevalence

Research has revealed that mental disorders are far more widespread than previously believed. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 23% of American adults over the age of 18, or around 59.3 million people, have some diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that mental illness tends to be more prevalent among women and younger adults.

NIMH also reports that 6% of American adults have a serious mental illness.

RecapStatistics suggest that mental disorders are quite common and affect people of all backgrounds. Anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders are among the most common conditions that people experience.

Statistics suggest that mental disorders are quite common and affect people of all backgrounds. Anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders are among the most common conditions that people experience.

Treatment for Mental Disorders

The specific treatment for a mental disorder varies depending on the condition and the needs of the individual. Many mental health conditions are treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of the two.Lifestyles changes and support groups can often be helpful as well.

Psychotherapy

There are many different types ofpsychotherapythat can be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of mental disorders. Talking to a therapist can help people understand factors that may play a role in their illness and help them develop new strategies to cope.

One type of therapy that is often effective is known ascognitive behavioral therapy(CBT), which involves identifying and changing the negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to psychological problems.

Psychoanalysis, another type of psychotherapy, focuses more on the client’s life and history and helps identify the unconscious sources of their mental disorder and the challenges they are facing. This can help people understand why they are experiencing what they are experiencing and learn ways to combat historical habits, patterns, and problems.

Medications

RecapTreatments for mental disorders often involve psychotherapy and medication. Other strategies such as lifestyle modifications, support groups, and self-help can also be beneficial in addition to traditional treatments.

Treatments for mental disorders often involve psychotherapy and medication. Other strategies such as lifestyle modifications, support groups, and self-help can also be beneficial in addition to traditional treatments.

Coping With a Mental DisorderIn addition to getting professional treatment for a mental health condition, there are other strategies that can be helpful for finding relief.Lifestyle changes: For some mental health conditions, lifestyle changes can be helpful. For example, getting regular physical exercise is associated with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM): Other practices that may help people cope with symptoms of mental illness includecomplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments.Acupuncture, yoga, meditation,mindfulness, and herbal supplements are a few CAM treatments that people may find beneficial.Social support: Havingsocial supportcan help improve treatment outcomes for mental health conditions. While some mental disorders can cause people to withdraw socially, maintaining social connections to the best of your ability may help you feel better and get the support you need as you manage your condition.RecapIn addition to treatment with psychotherapy and medication, coping strategies such as lifestyle changes, social support, and relaxation strategies can help people manage the symptoms of mental disorders.

Coping With a Mental Disorder

In addition to getting professional treatment for a mental health condition, there are other strategies that can be helpful for finding relief.

RecapIn addition to treatment with psychotherapy and medication, coping strategies such as lifestyle changes, social support, and relaxation strategies can help people manage the symptoms of mental disorders.

In addition to treatment with psychotherapy and medication, coping strategies such as lifestyle changes, social support, and relaxation strategies can help people manage the symptoms of mental disorders.

A Word From VerywellMental disorders can create distress and make it difficult to function as you normally do. If you suspect you have a mental disorder, talk to a health care professional to learn more. With an appropriate diagnosis, you can better understand your symptoms and find the treatment you need so that you can find relief and improve your ability to function in your daily life.The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.Frequently Asked QuestionsAnxiety disorders are one of the categories listed in the DSM-5. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that around 19.1% of adults in the United States have some type of anxiety disorder.According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorder in the U.S.Depression is another of the most common mental disorders, affecting around 8.4% of U.S. adults.There are 157 mental disorders described in the DSM-5.Psychotherapy is the treatment used most frequently to treat mental health conditions. One of the most-researched types of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people identify and change distressing or disruptive thoughts and behaviors. CBT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a number of disorders including substance use, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders.The Best Mental Health Apps, Tried and Tested

A Word From Verywell

Mental disorders can create distress and make it difficult to function as you normally do. If you suspect you have a mental disorder, talk to a health care professional to learn more. With an appropriate diagnosis, you can better understand your symptoms and find the treatment you need so that you can find relief and improve your ability to function in your daily life.

The Best Online Therapy ProgramsWe’ve tried, tested and written unbiased reviews of the best online therapy programs including Talkspace, Betterhelp, and Regain.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAnxiety disorders are one of the categories listed in the DSM-5. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that around 19.1% of adults in the United States have some type of anxiety disorder.According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorder in the U.S.Depression is another of the most common mental disorders, affecting around 8.4% of U.S. adults.There are 157 mental disorders described in the DSM-5.Psychotherapy is the treatment used most frequently to treat mental health conditions. One of the most-researched types of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people identify and change distressing or disruptive thoughts and behaviors. CBT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a number of disorders including substance use, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anxiety disorders are one of the categories listed in the DSM-5. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that around 19.1% of adults in the United States have some type of anxiety disorder.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental disorder in the U.S.Depression is another of the most common mental disorders, affecting around 8.4% of U.S. adults.

There are 157 mental disorders described in the DSM-5.

Psychotherapy is the treatment used most frequently to treat mental health conditions. One of the most-researched types of therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people identify and change distressing or disruptive thoughts and behaviors. CBT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a number of disorders including substance use, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders.

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12 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders(DSM–5).

Cleveland Clinic.Mental health disorders.

Anxiety & Depression Association of America.Facts & statistics.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.).Mental illness. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness

Jadhakhan F, Lindner OC, Blakemore A, Guthrie E.Prevalence of common mental health disorders in adults who are high or costly users of healthcare services: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Open. 2019;9(9):e028295. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028295

Hu S, Tucker L, Wu C, Yang L.Beneficial effects of exercise on depression and anxiety during the Covid-19 pandemic: a narrative review.Front Psychiatry. 2020;11:587557. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.587557

National Institute of Mental Health.Any anxiety disorder.

National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.

McCarron RM.The DSM-5 and the art of medicine: certainly uncertain.Ann Intern Med. 2013;159(5):360-1. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-159-7-201310010-00688

Agras WS, Fitzsimmons-craft EE, Wilfley DE.Evolution of cognitive-behavioral therapy for eating disorders.Behav Res Ther. 2017;88:26-36. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2016.09.004

Carpenter J, Andrews L, Witcraft S, Powers M, Smits J, and Hofmann S.Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and related disorders: A meta‐analysis of randomized placebo‐controlled trials.Depression and Anxiety. 2018;35(6):502–14. doi:10.1002/da.22728

Hannah Owens, LMSW

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