ipl-logo

Mental Illness Definition Essay

549 Words3 Pages

Defining Mental Illness When it comes to defining mental illness, there is not one ‘right answer’. With so many aspects of mental illness, it is easier to look at it from a broader perspective, and then get delve specifics. A very generic definition, however, is a “disorder that affects your mood, thinking, and behavior” (Mayo Clinic Staff). In the United States, there are two types of mental illnesses recognized by the government: Any Mental Illness, ‘AMI’ when shortened, and Severe Mental Illness, which is ‘SMI’ when shortened. In both of these categories, only mental illnesses that can currently be diagnosed, which exclude disorders involving developmental issues and substance use issues, are accounted for (Mental Illness). AMI includes any “mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder” …show more content…

SMI includes any “mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder resulting in serious functional impairment, which substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities” (Mental Illness). That being said, the possession of a mental illness can significantly impact someone’s life for the worse. Within these broad categories of mental illnesses, there are subcategories that exist as well. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, there are 15 different types of specific mental disorders: ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, Eating Disorder, Depression, OCD, Panic Disorder, PTSD, Psychosis, and Schizophrenia. ADHD, which stands for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is “characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity” (Types of Mental Illness). The Autism Spectrum Disorder affects someone’s ability to effectively communicate with others. The Bipolar Disorder encompasses recurring periods of mania and depression that are long-lasting. A Borderline Personality Disorder is

Show More
Related
210 Words | 1 Pages

He called his mother and his father aliens. He 'd abandoned his car on a road. He called Flagstaff was a platinum city inhabited by 50,000 aliens. And he told his parents “The only thing that will stop aliens are bullets.” A mental illness is a condition that impacts a person 's thinking, feeling or mood and may affect his or her ability to

Read More
1293 Words | 6 Pages

According to the American Psychiatric Association, mental illness is health conditions that involve major changes in our behavior, thinking and emotions and it causes distress/problems functioning in work, family, and social settings. Dave’s mother suffered from depression and mental instability. Dave writes, that his mother’s

Read More
1147 Words | 5 Pages

Manderscheid et al. (2010) states that “Mental illness refers to conditions that affect cognition, emotion and behavior, some examples include (schizophrenia, depression and autism)” (p. 2). Patients suffering from mental illness usually have normal I.Q and can be experienced by individuals of all levels of intellectual ability. A mental health condition disrupts the thoughts, behavior and emotions of an individual and may be temporary or experienced in recurring cycles or episodes.

Read More
1678 Words | 7 Pages

Mental illnesses have a high prevalence amongst the United States population. Each year, tens of millions of individuals suffer and are affected by mental illnesses (National Institute of Mental Health, 1). These illnesses range from anxiety disorder, eating disorders, major depression, personality disorder, and many more. Yet, with the existing knowledge, mental providers and professionals, and the DSM-5, mental illness remains a growing mystery to the public. Literature has played a significant role in how mental illnesses are defined, their characteristics, and the portrayal of those who are mentally ill to the public eye.

Read More
1197 Words | 5 Pages

Here's a look at various types of mental health issues, ranging from mild to severe, with examples to make it clearer: Mild

Read More
534 Words | 3 Pages

Some of the most common types of mental disabilities now are down syndrome, autism, schizophrenia and eating disorders. Recently there has been a large increase in the

Read More
1708 Words | 7 Pages

Some say mental illness is an invisible disease, one that begins to eat someone from the inside out. Being mentally ill comes in many different forms: from basic depression and anxiety, to schizophrenia and depersonalization. These disorders can make a person feel as though they are losing control over what they are doing, as well as losing sight on what makes them normal. Mental illness can make a person do things that a normal person would not do, simple because of a person 's moral and ethical values. Sometimes, however, a person who is mentally ill commits crimes that are unforgivable.

Read More
1035 Words | 5 Pages

It also can make people very hyper than a normal person. People with this disorder also make impulsive decision or movements. The symptoms of ADHD / ADD are Poor time management skills, trouble paying attention on a task, problems multi-tasking, more than normal activity or restlessness, poor planning, Low frustration tolerance, a lot of mood swings, Impulsiveness, not organized and problems prioritizing, trouble following through and finishing a task, hot temper, and trouble managing

Read More
952 Words | 4 Pages

Mental illness significantly affects many around the world. In fact, about four-hundred and fifty million people worldwide suffer from one or more of the different known mental illnesses. That is one in every four people. Severe mental health issues such as severe anxiety disorder, antisocial personality disorder, schizophrenia, or sensory perception disorder are illnesses which are common among the people responsible for the numerous mass shootings in America. Many believe the possession of firearms in the hands of the mentally ill are the real cause of mass shootings.

Read More
1281 Words | 6 Pages

Mental illnesses are conditions that affect a person’s thinking, emotions, and their functioning capabilities on a daily basis. “In the United States, more than 37 million people are known to experience a mental condition in a year’s time. Next to cardiovascular diseases mental illnesses are the second leading cause of disability and premature death.” (Litin, 2009.) Many mental illnesses have a strong genetic basis, but there are many other factors that can make a person vulnerable to developing a cognitive impairment.

Read More
1470 Words | 6 Pages

Nearly one in five Americans can suffer from any type of mental illnesses.

Read More
1491 Words | 6 Pages

Common mental health diagnoses that are commonly seen among American prison inmates are bipolar disorder(depression and mood disorders) and schizophrenia which is a group of disorders characterized by recurrent episodes of psychotic behaviors, which may include abnormalities of thought process, delusions, auditory hallucinations and judgement. With lifelong medication therapy, many mentally ill patients are able to function well in society and carry out Activities of Daily Living(ADLs), though a small number of these patients do not, especially during psychotic episodes, which typically occur during periods of noncompliance with medications(Mosby). Recently, advocates have also classified substance abuse as a mental illness. Six states have repealed public drunkenness from statue and now consider alcoholism a disease rather than a crime(Person, p

Read More
1134 Words | 5 Pages

It is a manic-depressive illness and bipolar disorder can be defined by four different types. Although this disorder can affect anyone, it is most common in

Read More
1193 Words | 5 Pages

“An individual’s ability to think and communicate clearly, to learn and grow emotionally, to deal productively and realistically with change and stress, and to form and maintain fulfilling relationships with others” are areas of life that are affected by mental illnesses. Mental illnesses are serious conditions that affect an individual’s brain and how they react to different stimuli. Those who suffer from mental disorders can be seen as a threat to themselves and others, especially if they are diagnosed with a more serious illness. Mental disorders range from being sad and not being able to get happy, to killing oneself. Mental illnesses are an expansive group of disorders that vary in cause and type with many different treatments that depend

Read More
1029 Words | 5 Pages

Patients with mental health illnesses are many times defined because of their diagnosis and that is

Read More

More about Mental Illness Definition Essay

Related Topics

Open Document