Types of Disorders Psychiatrists treat

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What types of Disorders do Psychiatrists treat?

There are many different types of disorders, which occur to varying degrees of severity. Mental illnesses and disorders include:

  1. Depression
  2. Schizophrenia
  3. Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
  4. Anxiety
  5. Dementia
  6. Learning Difficulties
  7. Bipolar Disorder
  8. Personality Disorders
  9. Substance Abuse
  10. Specific Phobias
  11. Eating Disorders
  12. Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD)
  13. ADHD / ADD

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders are a group of illnesses characterised by persistent feelings of high anxiety, and extreme discomfort and tension. Included in this group are: generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder with and without agoraphobia, agoraphobia, social phobia, specific phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What is Depression?

There are different types of depressive disorders. Symptoms can range from relatively minor (but still disabling) through to very severe, so it is helpful to be aware of the range of disorders and their specific symptoms.

Major depression

Major depression is sometimes called major depressive disorder, clinical depression, unipolar depression or simply depression. It involves low mood and/or loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities, as well as other symptoms such as those described below. The symptoms are experienced most days and last for at least two weeks. The symptoms interfere with all areas of a person’s life, including work and social relationships. Depression can be described as mild, moderate or severe; melancholic or psychotic
(see below).

It’s important to note that everyone experiences some of these symptoms from time to time and it may not necessarily mean a person is depressed. Equally, not every person who is experiencing depression will have all of these symptoms.

Behaviour

  1. not going out anymore
  2. not getting things done at work/school
  3. withdrawing from close family and friends
  4. relying on alcohol and sedatives
  5. not doing usual enjoyable activities
  6. unable to concentrate

Feelings

  1. overwhelmed
  2. guilty
  3. irritable
  4. frustrated
  5. lacking in confidence
  6. unhappy
  7. indecisive
  8. disappointed
  9. miserable
  10. sad
 Thoughts

  1. ‘I’m a failure.’
  2. ‘It’s my fault.’
  3. ‘Nothing good ever happens to me.’
  4. ‘I’m worthless.’
  5. ‘Life’s not worth living.’
  6. ‘People would be better off without me.’

Physical

  1. tired all the time
  2. sick and run down
  3. headaches and muscle pains
  4. churning gut
  5. sleep problems
  6. loss or change of appetite
  7. significant weight loss or gain

If you think that you, or someone you know, may have depression, there is a quick, easy and confidential checklist you can complete to give you more insight. The checklist will not provide a diagnosis – for that you need to see a health professional.

Melancholia

This is the term used to describe a severe form of depression where many of the physical symptoms of depression are present. One of the major changes is that the person can be observed to move more slowly. The person is also more likely to have a depressed mood that is characterised by complete loss of pleasure in everything, or almost
everything.

Psychotic Depression

Sometimes people with a depressive disorder can lose touch with reality and experience psychosis. This can involve hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) or delusions (false beliefs that are not shared by others), such as believing they are bad or evil, or that they are being watched or followed. They can also be paranoid, feeling as though everyone is against them or that they are the cause of illness or bad events occurring around them.

Antenatal and Postnatal Depression

Women are at an increased risk of depression during pregnancy (known as the antenatal or prenatal period) and in the year following childbirth (known as the postnatal period). You may also come across the term ‘perinatal’, which describes the period covered by pregnancy and the first year after the baby’s birth.

What is a Mood Disorder?

Mood disorders, also known as affective disorders, are a group of illnesses characterised by changes in emotion to the extent that this impacts upon functioning. Included in this group are: major depression, bipolar disorder and depression that occurs post-partum. Suicide often occurs in the context of mood disorders and therefore forms part of this group.The symptoms of mood disorders may resemble other conditions or psychiatric problems. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis.

How are Mood Disorders diagnosed?

Mood disorders, also known as affective disorders, are a group of illnesses characterised by changes in emotion to the extent that this impacts upon functioning. Included in this group are: major depression, bipolar disorder and depression that occurs post-partum. Suicide often occurs in the context of mood disorders and therefore forms part of this group.The symptoms of mood disorders may resemble other conditions or psychiatric problems. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis.

Therapies and treatments for Mood Disorders

Your doctor will likely employ a combination of techniques to treat you for your mood disorder. Depending upon your case specifics, these strategies are likely to include psychotherapy, antidepressant drugs, family therapy and holistic lifestyle programs.

The goal of your therapy is to help you come to grips with your underlying mental issues, restore proper brain chemistry and find ways you can alleviate stress in your day-to-day life.

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