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Home
 Disorders & Medication
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Anxiety - Bipolar - Depression - Disorders of Children - Medications
Schizoaffective - Schizophrenia
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Mental illness refers to disorders that cause severe disturbances in thinking, feeling and relating, often resulting in an inability to cope with the ordinary demands of life. Symptoms vary, and every person with mental illness responds somewhat differently. But all people with mental illness have some of the thought, feeling or behavioral characteristics listed below. While a single symptom or isolated event is not necessarily a sign of mental illness, professional help should be sought if several conditions persist or worsen.
Often the symptoms of mental illness are cyclic, varying in severity from time to time. The duration of an episode also varies -- some people are affected for a few weeks or months, while for others the illness may last many years of for a lifetime. There is no reliable way to predict what the course of the illness may be. Symptoms may change from year to year. Also, one person's symptoms may be very different from those of another, although the diagnosis may be the same.
In many cases of apparent mental illness, other diseases such as hypothyroidism, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumor is found to be the cause. A thorough physical examination should be the first step when mental illness is suspected.
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SYMPTOMS OF MENTAL ILLNESS |
Behavior
- Hyperactivity or inactivity, or alternations between the two
- Deterioration in personal hygiene
- Noticeable and rapid weight loss
- Involvement in automobile accidents
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Forgetfulness and loss of valuable possessions
- Attempts to escape through geographic change; frequent moves or hitchhiking trips
- Staying up all night, for several nights in a row
- Bizarre behavior (skipping, staring, strange posturing)
- Unusual sensitivity to noises, light, clothing
Depression
- Deep sadness coming out of nowhere, unrelated to events or circumstances which have recently occurred
- Depression lasting longer than 3 months
- Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities
- Expressions of hopelessness
- Excessive fatigue and sleepiness, or an inability to sleep
- Pessimism; perceiving the world as gray and lifeless
- Thinking or talking about suicide
Expressions of Feelings
- Hostility, from one formerly pleasant and friendly
- Indifference, even in highly important situations
- Inability to express joy
- Inappropriate laughter
Social Withdrawal
- Sitting and doing nothing
- Friendlessness; abnormal self-centeredness
- Dropping out of activities; decline in academic or athletic performance
Thought Disorders
- Inability to concentrate or cope with minor problems
- Irrational statements
- Peculiar use of words or language structure
- Excessive fears or suspiciousness, paranoia
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