According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, in 2019, 1 in 8 people, equivalent to 970 million people in the world, suffer from psychological disorders , the most common of which are anxiety disorders and depression . In addition, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has also caused the number of people with psychological disorders to increase significantly. So what is psychological disorder? What are the symptoms, causes and treatments?
What are psychological disorders?
A psychological disorder is a condition that affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and behavior. Psychological disorders can occur intermittently or over a long period of time, with many different types, levels and manifestations. A person can have more than one type of psychological disorder.
Common types of psychological disorders
There are more than 200 types of mental health disorders. The most common types of mental health disorders include :
- Anxiety disorder : this condition is characterized by excessive fear and worry and related behavioral disorders. Anxiety disorders include many different types, such as: generalized anxiety disorder (manifested by excessive worry); panic disorder (characterized by panic attacks); social anxiety disorder (excessive fear and worry in social situations); separation anxiety disorder (excessive fear and worry about being separated from people with whom you have a deep emotional connection).
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ) : one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in children and often persists into adulthood. Children with ADHD are often distracted, hyperactive, and impulsive.
- Autism spectrum disorder involves brain development, affecting how a person perceives and communicates with others, including restricted and repetitive behavior patterns.
- Depression : when suffering from depression , the patient has depressed mood, erratic changes or loss of joy and interest in daily activities. Some other symptoms are also present, such as poor concentration, low self-worth, hopelessness about the future, suicidal thoughts, interrupted sleep, changes in appetite, fatigue or lack of appetite. energy.
- Bipolar disorder : a chronic mood disorder that causes intense changes in mood, energy, and behavior. Episodes of euphoria and hypomania are the main signs of this condition.
- Disruptive behavior disorders , such as oppositional defiant disorder.
- Eating disorder : people with this syndrome show signs of anorexia, bulimia or uncontrolled eating. Anorexia usually begins in adolescence. Meanwhile, people with bulimia nervosa are at risk of substance use, suicide, and other negative problems.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) : a mental health condition in which people frequently have thoughts that cause them to perform repetitive behaviors.
- Personality disorders include borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) : the incidence of PTSD and other mental disorders tends to increase in places affected by conflict. The syndrome may develop after exposure to one or a series of traumatic events
- Schizophrenia : people with this disease have a lower life expectancy than normal people, ranging from 10 – 20 years. Schizophrenia is characterized by significant cognitive impairment and behavioral changes. Symptoms include persistent delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and behavior, and extreme agitation.
- Substance use disorders include drug and alcohol addiction.
Symptoms of psychological disorders
Symptoms of psychological disorders include :
- Regularly use stimulants or alcohol.
- Stay away from social situations and activities.
- Changes in sexual desire.
- Difficulty perceiving reality, including delusions or hallucinations.
- Excessive worry or fear.
- Fatigue or sleep disturbances.
- Feelings of sadness or isolation.
- Unable to make judgments or express emotions.
- Irritability or intense anger.
- Obsession with appearance, weight or eating habits.
- Loss of concentration in study or daily work.
- Sudden mood changes.
- Having thoughts of suicide or self-injury.
Psychological disorders in children have symptoms including:
- Changes in school performance or how children interact with their peers.
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed.
- Excessive worry.
- Frequently gets angry, disobedient, or aggressive.
- Hyperactive behavior, such as difficulty concentrating or not being able to sit still.
- Dreaming about nightmares.
Causes of psychological disorders
There is no single cause of psychological disorders. This condition can be caused by genetics and environmental influences. In addition, the following risk factors may increase your chances of getting the disease:
- Family history of relatives with psychological disorders.
- Drug and alcohol abuse.
- Biological factors: chemical imbalance in the brain.
- Childhood history: experiencing a traumatic life event or having a history of abuse.
- Trauma and stress: in adulthood, traumatic life events or ongoing stress can increase the risk of psychological disorders .
- Neurological disorders: Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
- Sleep disorders.
- Pregnant women are exposed to viruses or toxic chemicals during pregnancy.
- Personality factors: certain traits such as perfectionism and low self-esteem can increase the risk of depression or anxiety.
Complications of psychological disorders
Psychological disorders can lead to a series of complications, negatively impacting the patient’s life and health. Complications of psychological disorders include:
- Negative effects on psychology and emotions: this condition causes patients to feel anxiety, fear, sadness, depression and stress. This reduces the quality of life and causes difficulties in social relationships.
- Affects performance, study and work results.
- Social relationships: distance, lack of connection, even difficulty in maintaining healthy social relationships.
- Impact on health: some psychological disorders can cause symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, insomnia, and even other serious health problems.
- Suicide or self-harm: some psychological disorders, such as depression and psychosis, can cause people to attempt suicide or self-harm.
- Impact on family and relatives: creates tension and difficulties in relationships with family and relatives.
- Look for stimulants.
Diagnosis of psychological disorders
Psychological disorders are diagnosed based on the following steps:
- The doctor checks your medical history.
- Your doctor may order certain tests, such as blood tests or imaging tests, to rule out other conditions that affect your mental health.
- Psychological evaluation: the doctor asks questions about your thoughts, feelings, and behavior and asks you to answer.
How to treat psychological disorders
A psychiatrist or psychologist will base on the severity and condition of the disease to prescribe appropriate treatment. Treatment methods include:
1. Medicine
Some psychological disorders respond well to medication, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. These medications change chemicals in the brain, reducing symptoms. It is important that patients take the medication exactly as directed and do not stop taking the medication without consulting their doctor.
2. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can help people control symptoms. In addition, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be applied to improve behavioral changes, negative thinking patterns, and guide patients on how to manage emotions.
3. Alternative therapy
Some psychological disorders, such as depression, can be improved with alternative therapies including: herbal treatments, massage, acupuncture, yoga and meditation. Consult your doctor before applying these methods for treatment.
4. Brain stimulation therapy
Not all disorders improve with medication. In case medication does not work, the doctor recommends brain stimulation therapy. This method helps change the way nerves and cells in the brain work and process. This therapy includes: electroencephalography and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Methods of preventing psychological disorders
There is no specific method to prevent psychological disorders. However, a psychiatrist or psychologist will have notes and instructions to help you control your symptoms. Notes include :
- Balanced diet: eat a healthy and balanced diet by limiting consumption of fast and greasy foods; Add green vegetables and fruits. At the same time, limit the use of alcoholic beverages.
- Increase physical activity: exercise can help reduce stress, improve mood and increase resistance. Try and maintain at least 30 minutes of exercise every day.
- Get enough sleep: you should practice the habit of sleeping on time and getting enough sleep.
- Stress management: learn how to handle stress and relieve pressure in life using methods such as meditation, yoga,…
- Maintain healthy social relationships and ask for support from friends and family.
- Learn about types of psychological disorders and signs of illness for timely treatment.
- Limit exposure to stressors.
- Check your mental health periodically: when you feel anxious, stressed or have signs of psychological disorders, see a psychiatrist or psychologist for early examination and treatment.
- Avoid using stimulants: tobacco, alcohol and drugs can affect psychological health.
- Observe and support children and adolescents when they encounter psychological disorders.
The above article provides information about what psychological disorders are? Symptoms, causes and treatment of the disease. Currently, psychological disorders are becoming common, significantly affecting the health and life of patients. Hopefully the above useful knowledge will help you recognize signs of psychological abnormalities , thereby providing early treatment.
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