What are psychological disorders?

There are several different conditions that fall into the category of psychological disorders, also known as mental disorders or mental illnesses. These disorders can have an impact on a person’s thoughts, feelings, relationships with others, and ability to function. Psychological disorders occur in people of all ages, races and walks of life. Like any other type of illness, psychological disorders are not a person’s “fault,” and are not a personal shortcoming on the part of the sufferer. Also like any other type of illness, psychological disorders can be treated, and many of the symptoms can be greatly alleviated.

The main psychological disorders include the following:

Anxiety disorders: Although anxiety is a normal human emotion that is sometimes appropriate, people with anxiety disorders may experience a disproportionate amount of anxiety. While people who suffer from anxiety disorders might realize that their anxiety goes beyond reasonable and healthy levels, they have a difficult time controlling it. Among the disorders classified as anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder. People who suffer from anxiety disorders may also suffer from depression. Anxiety disorders are usually treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
Depression: Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by feelings of hopelessness, lack of interest in favorite activities, low self-esteem, fatigue and negative thoughts. People who suffer from depression may eat or sleep more or less than usual, and may have a low sex drive. The most severe type of depression — major depression — may seriously compromise a person’s ability to cope with daily life or enjoy life. Depression is generally treatable through antidepressant medications and therapy.
Bipolar disorder: Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder consists of extreme fluctuations in mood and behavior. People with bipolar disorder go through mood phases known as manic or depressive episodes. The manic episodes entail overly excited and exuberant moods, often characterized by impulsive behaviors, restlessness and agitation. Inevitably, a person with bipolar disorder will shift toward a depressive state, in which they will exhibit the signs of depression. Occasionally, those experiencing severe manic or depressive episodes may also exhibit psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions. There are various types of medications available to treat bipolar disorder, including mood stabilizers, antidepressants and atypical antipsychotics.
Borderline personality disorder: Borderline personality disorder is a psychological disorder associated with extreme vacillations in mood, inability to control emotions, impulsive behaviors, anxiety, depression and unstable relationships. Those who suffer from this disorder have poor self-esteem and an unreliable sense of their identity and worth. They often have particularly intense fears of abandonment or rejection. Treatment for borderline personality disorder often entails medication and extensive therapy.
Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a very serious and lifelong brain disorder that severely disrupts clarity of thought, perception of reality and the ability to function. Schizophrenic individuals might hear nonexistent voices, or might imagine that others are able to read or control their minds, or are planning to harm them. They may speak incoherently, or may have agitated body movements. Conversely, they may sit motionless for long periods or have a “flat” demeanor. Schizophrenic patients may also manifest signs of psychosis, which is a loss of touch with reality. The most common signs of psychotic episodes are hallucinations and delusions. Schizophrenia needs to be managed carefully through a comprehensive treatment plan. Generally, this consists of medication, therapy and rehabilitation so that they can function in society.

Reference:

http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/index.shtml