What Are Mental and Emotional Disorder?
There are many types of mental and emotional disorders.
mental and emotional disorders Illnesses that affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behavior
Causes of Mental and Emotional Disorders
Physical Causes
• Drug use• Brain chemistry• Accidental injury• Heredity
Stressors
• Repeated emotionalstressors such as abuse
Types of Mental and Emotional Disorders
There are many types of mental and emotional disorders including anxiety disorders and mood disorders.
anxiety disorders Extreme fears of real or imaginary situations that get in the way of normal activities
mood disorder A mental and emotional problem in which a person undergoes mood swings that seem extreme,
inappropriate, or last a long time
Anxiety Disorders
Panic disorderPeople experience intense feelings of fear for a short time. The body prepares for fight or flight, even during an ordinary situation.
PhobiasA phobia is an exaggerated or inappropriate fear of something specific. Some phobias can interfere with normal, everyday activities.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
A person with this disorder may feel that he or she must perform a certain activity, such as washing his her hands several times.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
This disorder is a reaction to a very traumatic event. People with PTSD often have bad memories of the event for a long time.
Mood Disorders
Depression
People with this disorder feel a strong sense of hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness, guilt, and extreme sadness. If depressed people begin to feel hopeless, they may consider ending their lives
Bipolar disorder
Also called manic-depression, this disorder involves extreme mood swings for no apparent reason. A person with this disorder usually experiences alternating periods of excessive activity called mania and depression.
Teens who experience any of these symptoms should seek help from a trusted adult right away.
Signs of Mental and Emotional Problems
Loss of appetiteNeglect of
personal appearanceNightmares
Difficulty sleeping Hearing voicesLong-lasting feelings
of sadness
What Is Suicide?
If you believe that someone you know is considering suicide, talk to a trusted adult right away.
suicide The act of killing oneself
Warning Signs of Suicide
What Is Suicide?
Talking about suicide
Wanting to beleft alone
Interest in death orviolence
Engaging in riskybehavior, such as
drug use
Giving awaypossessions
Saying finalgoodbyes to friends
and loved ones
Recommended
