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Here are some common symptoms for different mental illnesses. They are not intended to be diagnoses. If you identify these symptoms as causing significant disturbances in your life contact your community mental health center, general practitioner, or local NAMI. For more information regarding these and other illnesses, go to www.nami.org.

Major Depression

Major depression involves disturbances in mood, concentration, sleep, activity, appetite, and social behavior. It is a persistent illness that is estimated to affect 9.9 million American adults in a given year. It is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and many other developed countries.

Symptoms: Change in sleep, Change in appetite, Impaired concentration, Impaired decision-making, Loss of Energy, Loss of Interest, Low self-esteem, Feeling of hopelessness

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is characterized by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and functioning. Extreme highs are referred to as mania, and extreme lows are referred to as depression. It affects more than two million American adults in the United States.

Symptoms: Hyperactivity, Anger and aggressive behavior, Impaired judgment, Increased sex drive, Delusions, Profound sadness, Irritability, Sleep changes, Decreased appetite, Suicidal thoughts

Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a highly treatable brain disorder that affects more than two million American adults in a given year. The disorder interferes with a person's ability to think clearly, manage his or her emotions, make decisions, and relate to others.

Symptoms: Delusions, Hallucinations, Confused thinking, Lack of expression, Disorganized speech, Disorganized behavior, Inability to start activities 

Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorder is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms. These episodes, known as panic attacks, are uncontrollable responses to ordinary and non-threatening situations. More than two million American adults, ages 18 to 54, have anxiety/panic disorder in a given year.

Symptoms: Hot or cold flashes, Unusual sweating, Smothering sensations, Racing heart, Labored breathing, Trembling, Chest pains, Disorientation, Faintness, Feeling of dying

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by recurrent, involuntary thoughts, ideas, impulses, or worries that run through one's mind (obsessions), and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). It is estimated that this disorder affects more than three million American adults, ages 18 to 54, each year.

Symptoms: Irrational, recurrent thoughts, Unwanted ideas that repeatedly build up in one's mind, Repetitive rituals

Common Obsessions: Fear of contamination, Fixation on luck, Fear of danger to self and others, Need for precision

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