What is mental illness?

Mental illness is a psychological pattern that is often reflected in behavior. It can be defined by how one acts, thinks, feels or perceives something to be. Mental illness is associated with certain functions of the brain and/or the entire nervous system.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than one-third of the population in most countries report problems that meet criteria for a mental illness diagnosis during their lifetime. Of children and adolescents in the United States, 10% have some form of serious emotional and mental disorder that impairs their daily activities at home and school, according to the US Surgeon General.

Major depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and borderline personality disorder are serious forms of mental illness. Major depressive illness is expected to be the leading cause of disability in the world for women and children by 2020, according to WHO.

While standard guideline criteria for mental illness are widely used, there are still variations in the definition, assessment and classification across cultures. Assessments are conducted by psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers via observation and questioning. Services are based in psychiatric hospitals or in community clinics.

Various types of mental health professionals provide clinical treatment. The two major treatment options are psychotherapy and psychiatric medication. However, social interventions, peer support and self-help are also treatment options; some mental health strategies include prevention measures.

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