Mental health disorders come in many different shapes and sizes. It can be difficult to identify which one you may be struggling with, especially if you don’t know what to look for.
Mental health disorders can be broadly classified into four different categories: anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and personality disorders.
Anxiety disorders are characterised by feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear. These emotions can be so severe that they interfere with your ability to function in daily life. Some common types of anxiety disorders include generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder.
Mood disorders are characterised by persistent changes in mood. These changes can affect your ability to function in daily life. Some common types of mood disorders include depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia (a less severe form of depression).
Psychotic disorders are characterised by changes in thinking, perception, and emotions. These changes can lead to hallucinations and delusions. Some common types of psychotic disorders include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and delusional disorder.
Personality disorders are characterised by persistent patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that interfere with your ability to function in daily life. Some common types of personality disorders include borderline personality disorder (BPD), narcissistic personality disorder (NPD), and antisocial personality disorder (APD).
If you think you may be struggling with a mental health disorder, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide you with a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.