List of Mental Disorders

A mental disorder or mental illness is defined as a psychological or behavioral pattern that is exhibited by an individual, which differs from what is accepted as a normal developmental pattern and arises as a result of disability or some form of distress. Mental disorders can be congenital, hereditary, or brought on by some form of shock or trauma - much psychological debate exists about the sources of various types of mental disorders, especially as regards the nature versus nurture theory, which questions whether a person's behavior is inherent, (or part of his 'nature'), or brought on through experiences over the years as a result of abuse or neglect for instance ('nurture'). There are a number of types of mental illnesses, and the signs and symptoms of mental disorders may vary greatly, as do their treatment options. While some mental health issues can be improved upon, and with time can enable the sufferer to lead a relatively normal life, there are others which can progressively deteriorate and may require medical supervision and/or incarceration. The following is a list of mental disorders commonly seen. Here's a mental disorders list.

Mental Disorders List

Under the vast subject that is mental disorders, there are different types of illnesses that exist. Though these are at times divided into different categories, there will be disorders that do not fit into a given type. However, for the sake of clarity and convenience, find some common mental disorders categorized below.

Anxiety Disorders
These are disorders in which anxiety or fear interfere with an individual's ability to function normally. There are a number of anxiety disorders, some of which are:

• Panic Disorder
• Specific Phobias
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)
• Acute Stress Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder

Personality Disorders
The American Psychiatric Association defines personality disorders as "an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the culture of the individual who exhibits it". The following are some types of personality disorders

• Paranoid Personality Disorder
• Schizoid Personality Disorder
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• Dissocial Personality Disorder
• Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Dependent Personality Disorder
• Anankastic Personality Disorder
• Multiple Personality Disorder
• Split Personality Disorder
• Passive Aggressive Personality Disorder
• Avoidant Personality Disorder
• Histrionic Personality Disorder

Mood Disorders
Disorders that affect an individual's mood processes are known as mood disorders or affective disorders. Overriding symptoms of mental disorders that are diagnosed as mood disorders are linked with long periods of depression or extended periods of melancholy or sadness. Some of the different types of mood disorders are:

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Postpartum Depression
• Dysthymia
• Bipolar Disorder

Psychotic Disorders
These are mental disorders that result in abnormal thinking patterns and perceptions, affecting an individual's ability to stay in touch with reality. People with psychotic disorders are typically plagued by hallucinations and delusions. A list of mental disorders that are classified as psychotic disorders follows:

• Schizophrenia
• Schizophreniform
• Delusional disorder
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Substance Abuse Psychotic disorder

Substance Related Disorders
These disorders arise from substance abuse or dependence, which may or may not cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped. Substance disorders can arise out of dependence on:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Cannabis
• Alcohol
• Nicotine

Mental Disorders in Children
Certain mental disorders affect primarily children, at times these can be genetic or inherited, at other times they can arise out of trauma, injury, abuse, neglect or illness. Mental retardation, which is a condition of intellectual functioning impairment, is a disorder that affects children, which carries on through into adulthood. Some common mental disorders that affect children, teens and adolescents are as follows:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa)
• Elimination Disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Learning Disabilities
• Autism

Mental disorders can severely disrupt an individual's daily life should they be left untreated. It is important to approach a qualified health care practitioner for an informed opinion - in many cases this may involve a mental disorders test, to help arrive at a conclusive diagnosis. Treatment options are increasing in leaps and bounds with research and technology, and successful rehabilitation is possible in many cases. I hope this list of mental disorders has helped if only a little, in your understanding of this vast subject.