There are a number of different types of mental disorders and the age range for individuals who suffer from various mental disorders is vast. Both young and old can suffer from mental disorders and associated conditions. The most common types of mental disorders include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, impulse control and addiction disorders, and personality disorders.
Classification of Mental Disorders
The majority of mental disorders are typically classified in one of 6 types: anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, impulse control and addiction disorders, and personality disorders.
Each type or classification of mental disorder includes various symptoms and signs that are associated with it. Individuals with anxiety disorders may show fear or dread in response to certain actions, objects or situations while someone suffering from a mood disorder may feel depressed or overly happy all the time. Additional signs and symptoms associated with the many different types of mental disorders include psychosis, extreme attitudes toward eating, or an inability to resist impulses or urges.
Causes of Mental Disorders
The causes of mental disorders can and do vary from person to person and depending on the type of mental disorder. For many individuals who suffer from mental disorders, genetics play an active role in the likelihood of an individual having a mental disorder. Additional causes of a mental disorder may include drug use, loss of a loved one, disease, life experiences, trauma, or certain psychological conditions.
Some individuals are at a higher risk of suffering from a mental disorder than others. Individuals who are abandoned or do not have a solid connection to their primary caretaker in early life may suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental disorders as a result of the loneliness, isolation, and confusion that was felt as a young child. Traumatic experiences can also contribute to mental health conditions. Additionally, substance abuse can make preexisting mental disorders worsen or cause the development of additional mental disorders.
Both internal and external factors contribute to mental disorders. While individuals can not control many of the factors or causes of mental disorders, there are still a number of mental disorder causes and factors that can be prevented. Refraining from substance abuse, drugs and alcohol can help to prevent certain associated mental disorders as well as to keep preexisting mental disorders from becoming worse. Additionally, building strong and supportive relationships can also help curb the possibility and risk of certain mental disorders.
Mental Disorder Rehab Centers and Treatment for Mental Disorders
Most rehab centers are prepared to treat mental disorders. Even drug rehab centers will usually provide dual diagnosis treatment for mental disorders that are associated with the drug addiction. For instance, many rehab centers provide therapy and counseling for impulse control to help individuals with mental disorders to stop the impulsive behavior that contributes largely to addictions and complications.
Since there are many different types of mental disorders and they can all be associated with many different causes, situations and people, there are numerous different treatments for mental disorders as well. Mental disorder treatment may come in the form of therapy, group counseling, family counseling, medication, and many other treatment options.
Mental disorders can be treated in inpatient rehab centers, outpatient rehab centers, and residential rehab centers as well as hospital like settings. This all depends on the type of mental disorder being treated and the severity of the disorder. For instance, eating disorders such as bulimia are considered a mental disorder. Such disorders are often treated in an inpatient rehab center where the individual suffering from the condition can be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The most important factor to consider is that individuals who suffer from mental disorders are not alone. There are a number of different treatment options available for each different disorder and there are thousands of rehab centers available to help individuals suffering from mental disorders. Diagnosis sometimes may take a while but once the condition is properly diagnosed, treatment for the mental disorder may begin.