Serious Mental Illnesses
Serious mental illnesses are disorders that significantly interfere with a person’s ability to function and lead a normal life. They cause distress, disability, disruption and, in some cases, death. Common serious mental illnesses include major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Other conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder, may also be considered serious mental illnesses.
Major Depression
Major depression is a serious mental illness characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. People with major depression often experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, weight gain or loss, and thoughts of suicide. Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings between mania and depression. Symptoms of mania include increased energy, racing thoughts, and reckless behavior. Symptoms of depression include feelings of sadness and worthlessness, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, and thoughts of suicide. Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness characterized by disordered thoughts, hallucinations, and delusions. People with schizophrenia often experience difficulty functioning in everyday life. Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. People with OCD often have difficulty controlling their thoughts and behaviors. Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that can develop after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping. Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder is a mental illness characterized by a pattern of excessive use of drugs or alcohol. People with substance use disorder often experience difficulty controlling their use and may experience withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop. Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.
