Psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder, affect a person’s thoughts and behaviors due to mental illness. These disorders require specialized treatment from psychiatrists or psychologists. Symptoms vary, but can include delusions, hallucinations, and erratic behavior. PTSD can develop after a traumatic event, while borderline personality disorder, anorexia, and generalized anxiety disorder also cause mental health issues.
Psychiatric disorders affect how a person thinks and behaves based on abnormal perceptions caused by mental illness. Some of the most frequently diagnosed types of psychiatric disorders include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Other mental illnesses include borderline personality disorder, anorexia and generalized anxiety disorder. Most people who have suspected mental illnesses are referred to a type of doctor known as a psychiatrist who specializes in diagnosing and treating psychiatric disorders.
Schizophrenia is among the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorders and requires intensive monitoring and lifelong treatment. Those suffering from this type of mental illness often experience delusional thoughts, hallucinations, and erratic or unpredictable behavior. A person with schizophrenia may seem incapable of expressing emotions and may exhibit inappropriate responses, such as yelling or becoming violent for no apparent reason.
Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic-depressive disorder, is one of the best known and most well-publicized psychiatric disorders. A person with this psychological illness alternates between manic and depressive episodes, often leading to great difficulty maintaining healthy relationships with others. During a manic episode, the affected person may appear to have a lot of energy and may engage in unusually risky behavior, such as unsafe sex practices or irresponsible spending habits. A depressive episode can cause withdrawal from others, disinterest in activities that are normally enjoyed, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a psychological condition that develops as a result of a traumatic event such as war, rape or childhood abuse. Those with this condition have flashbacks of the trauma and often live in a state of constant fear or anxiety. Many people with this disorder turn to alcohol or drugs in an attempt to cope with the intense emotions and inappropriate responses associated with the disorder.
Borderline personality disorder causes many of the same symptoms as other psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, and can sometimes be misdiagnosed as one of these conditions. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are mental disorders that cause unhealthy attitudes towards the perception of the body or food. Generalized anxiety disorder can cause an almost constant state of worry or panic and can lead to physical symptoms such as chest pain, muscle tension, and shortness of breath. Doctors who suspect psychiatric disorders usually refer patients to specialists such as psychiatrists or psychologists for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
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