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A mental illness is a condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling or mood. Such conditions may affect someone's ability to relate to others and function each day. Each person will have different experiences, e ven people with the same diagnosis.

Recovery, including meaningful roles in social life, school and work, is possible, especially when you start treatment early and play a strong role in your own recovery process.

A mental health condition isn't the result of one event. Research suggests multiple overlapping causes. Genetics, environment and lifestyle influence whether someone develops a mental health condition. A stressful job or home life makes some people more susceptible, as do traumatic life events like being the victim of a crime. Biochemical processes and circuits and basic brain structure may play a role, too.

"This speed, savvy, and importance placed on unconditional support regardless of my circumstances was the rallying cry of my parents throughout my recovery, even when I fought them on it."
Read More of My Parents' Support Shaped My Recovery

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A mental illness is a condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling or mood. Such conditions may affect someone's ability to relate to others and function each day. Each person will have different experiences, e ven people with the same diagnosis.

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Mental disorders are characterized by problems that people experience with their mind (thoughts) and their mood (feelings). They are not well understood in terms of their causes, but the symptoms of mental illness are scientifically valid and well known. Treatment - usually involving both psychotherapy and medication - for most types of mental illness and mental health concerns is readily available and, eventually, effective for most people.

The diagnostic criteria for mental disorders (also known as "mental illness") are composed of symptom checklists that primarily are focused on a person's behaviors and thoughts. These lists of symptoms have been summarized from current diagnostic criteria commonly used in the United States by mental health professionals (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition). We've divided the disorders into three broad categories below: adult, childhood, and personality disorders; some disorders may fall under more than one category.

These disorder lists are in the process of being updated to reflect the changes from the latest edition of the diagnosis manual, the DSM-5.
Please keep in mind that only an experienced mental health professional can make an actual diagnosis. Learn more: About the DSM-5 or Looking for a DSM Code?

Adult Mental Disorders

Common Disorders

Dissociative Disorders

Sexual & Paraphilic Disorders

Sleep & Wake Disorders

Childhood Mental Disorders

Childhood disorders, often labeled as developmental disorders or learning disorders, most often occur and are diagnosed when the child is of school-age. Although some adults may also relate to some of the symptoms of these disorders, typically the disorder's symptoms need to have first appeared at some point in the person's childhood.

Personality Disorders

These disorders typically aren't diagnosed until an individual is a young adult, often not until their 20's or even 30's. Most individuals with personality disorders lead pretty normal lives and often only seek psychotherapeutic treatment during times of increased stress or social demands. Most people can relate to some or all of the personality traits listed; the difference is that it does not affect most people's daily functioning to the same degree it might someone diagnosed with one of these disorders. Personality disorders tend to be an intergral part of a person, and therefore, are difficult to treat or "cure." Learn more about personality disorders and personality traits ...

Other Mental Disorders & Concerns
Disclaimers & Use Restrictions:
This listing is for personal use in education or research only. This listing is not meant to replace professional advice, diagnosis, or care from a licensed mental health practioner; its sole intent is for patient education. If you believe you may be suffering from one of these disorders, please consult a mental health professional. The diagnostic criteria for mental disorders are summarized from the American Psychiatric Association's 2013 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).

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Mental disorders are characterized by problems that people experience with their mind (thoughts) and their mood (feelings). They are not well understood in terms of their causes, but the symptoms of mental illness are scientifically valid and well known.

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A wide range of mental health conditions affect mood, thinking and behavior and can make you miserable and cause problems in daily life.

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- Sadness or loss of interest
- Isolation
- Thoughts of suicide

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- Talking about wanting to die
-  Increase the use of drugs and alcohol
-  Looking for a way to kill oneself

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- PTSD affects 3.6% of the world's population.
- 37% of people with PTSD show severe symptoms.
- Women are more likely to experience PTSD than men.

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- They can help you review the traumatic experience
- They teach skills for you to integrate into your life
- They help with therapy and support

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- Unhappiness or decreased enjoyment of life
- Family conflicts
- Relationship conflicts
- Social Isolation

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-  Suicide
-  Depression
- Brain damage

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- Psychotherapy
- Medication
- Mindfulness
- Service animals

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People don't know they have PTSD because..

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People don't know they have PTSD because..

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- They think it only impacts war veterans
- It can sometimes be very mild

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- Nightmares
- avoidance of trauma related situations
- heightened reactions
- anxiety or depression

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By Anabel, Ashanti, and Sonia