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What are Mental Disorders?

A mental disorder is any disorder that affects behavior, emotions, or cognition. (1) In medical terms, cognition is a person's ability to gain new knowledge and use it to understand the world around them. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that one in five American adults experiences mental illness each year. (2) Mental disorders are also common in younger people, with nearly 17% of children and adolescents between the ages of six and 17 experiencing some type of mental health disorder annually. Get a clear picture of your mental health with a professional mental health test.

Mental disorders are linked to a wide range of symptoms, some mental and some physical. These symptoms can impact not only a person suffering from mental illness but the people in their life too. The presence of a single sign or trait doesn't necessarily indicate that someone has a mental disorder. If several symptoms occur, however, the American Psychiatric Association recommends seeing a mental health professional. (3)

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Possible symptoms of a mental disorder include: (4)

  • Mood changes
  • Dramatic changes in appetite
  • Apathy
  • Nervousness
  • Poor mental functioning
  • Social withdrawal
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Poor memory
  • Heightened sensitivity
  • Behavioral changes
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain
  • Muscle pain

In addition to causing physical and mental challenges, the emotional upheaval that often accompanies mental disorders can sometimes make it difficult to maintain positive relationships. Friends and family members may feel angry, confused, or ashamed. They may also wonder if they're to blame for their loved one's symptoms. (5) Open communication and professional interventions, such as individual and family therapy, can benefit all involved.

What are Mental Disorders?

A mental disorder is any disorder that affects behavior, emotions, or cognition. (1) In medical terms, cognition is a person's ability to gain new knowledge and use it to understand the world around them. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that one in five American adults experiences mental illness each year. (2) Mental disorders are also common in younger people, with nearly 17% of children and adolescents between the ages of six and 17 experiencing some type of mental health disorder annually. Get a clear picture of your mental health with a professional mental health test.

Mental disorders are linked to a wide range of symptoms, some mental and some physical. These symptoms can impact not only a person suffering from mental illness but the people in their life too. The presence of a single sign or trait doesn't necessarily indicate that someone has a mental disorder. If several symptoms occur, however, the American Psychiatric Association recommends seeing a mental health professional. (3)

Possible symptoms of a mental disorder include: (4)

  • Mood changes
  • Dramatic changes in appetite
  • Apathy
  • Nervousness
  • Poor mental functioning
  • Social withdrawal
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Poor memory
  • Heightened sensitivity
  • Behavioral changes
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain
  • Muscle pain

In addition to causing physical and mental challenges, the emotional upheaval that often accompanies mental disorders can sometimes make it difficult to maintain positive relationships. Friends and family members may feel angry, confused, or ashamed. They may also wonder if they're to blame for their loved one's symptoms. (5) Open communication and professional interventions, such as individual and family therapy, can benefit all involved.

Mental Disorder Research Articles & Resources

What are Mental Disorders?

A mental disorder is any disorder that affects behavior, emotions, or cognition. (1) In medical terms, cognition is a person’s ability to gain new knowledge and use it to understand the world around them. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) estimates that one in five American adults experiences mental illness each year. (2) Mental disorders are also common in younger people, with nearly 17% of children and adolescents between the ages of six and 17 experiencing some type of mental health disorder annually. Get a clear picture of your mental health with a professional mental health test.

Mental disorders are linked to a wide range of symptoms, some mental and some physical. These symptoms can impact not only a person suffering from mental illness but the people in their life too. The presence of a single sign or trait doesn’t necessarily indicate that someone has a mental disorder. If several symptoms occur, however, the American Psychiatric Association recommends seeing a mental health professional. (3)

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Possible symptoms of a mental disorder include: (4)

  • Mood changes
  • Dramatic changes in appetite
  • Apathy
  • Nervousness
  • Poor mental functioning
  • Social withdrawal
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Poor memory
  • Heightened sensitivity
  • Behavioral changes
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain
  • Muscle pain

In addition to causing physical and mental challenges, the emotional upheaval that often accompanies mental disorders can sometimes make it difficult to maintain positive relationships. Friends and family members may feel angry, confused, or ashamed. They may also wonder if they’re to blame for their loved one’s symptoms. (5) Open communication and professional interventions, such as individual and family therapy, can benefit all involved.

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