Schizophrenia
Overview: Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a
person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by distorted thinking, perception, emotions,
language, sense of self, and behavior.
Symptoms:
- Delusions (false beliefs)
- Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there)
- Disorganized thinking and speech
- Flat affect (reduced expression of emotions)
Healing:
Treatment usually involves antipsychotic medications, therapy, and support services. Managing symptoms
and improving quality of life requires ongoing treatment and support.
Bipolar Disorder
Overview: Bipolar disorder is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings that
include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
Symptoms:
- Manic or hypomanic episodes: elevated mood, increased energy, reduced need for sleep, and risky
behavior
- Depressive episodes: low mood, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and loss of interest in
activities
Healing:
Treatment often includes a combination of mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments to
manage symptoms and prevent episodes.
Major Depressive Disorder
Overview: A mood disorder causing persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in
activities, and other symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.
Symptoms:
- Persistent sad or empty mood
- Loss of interest in activities
- Changes in weight or appetite
- Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
Healing:
Treatment often includes a combination of antidepressants, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Overview: A disorder characterized by unwanted, persistent thoughts (obsessions) and
repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions).
Symptoms:
- Obsessions: Recurrent, intrusive thoughts causing anxiety.
- Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors performed to alleviate anxiety.
Healing:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Overview: A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic
event.
Symptoms:
- Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
- Nightmares
- Severe anxiety
- Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
Healing:
Therapy (especially trauma-focused), medications, and support.
Panic Disorder
Overview: A type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurring and unexpected panic
attacks.
Symptoms:
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Shortness of breath
Healing:
Therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Overview: A disorder characterized by intense fear of social situations where one might
be judged or embarrassed.
Symptoms:
- Extreme fear of social interactions
- Avoidance of social situations
- Physical symptoms such as sweating or trembling
Healing:
Therapy (especially CBT), medications, and support.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Overview: A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and
impulsiveness.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty maintaining attention
- Impulsivity
- Hyperactivity
Healing:
Medications, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Overview: A developmental disorder affecting communication, behavior, and social
interaction.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty with social interactions
- Repetitive behaviors
- Restricted interests
Healing:
Behavioral therapy, educational support, and sometimes medications.
Eating Disorders
Overview: Disorders characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors and distorted body
image.
Types:
- Anorexia nervosa: Restrictive eating and extreme weight loss.
- Bulimia nervosa: Binge eating followed by purging.
- Binge-eating disorder: Recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food.
Healing:
Therapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes medications.
